Pet Birds Selection and Buying Guideline

I was waiting for my wife to return from my home country and the day before her arrival decided to get ready a small surprise to welcome her. Going through a quick thought process, I finally concluded to get a bird as a pet for two reasons. First, birds have always fascinated me with their beauty and secondly, it will accompany my wife while I am busy during my work.

I google out the nearest pet market, got a taxi, and rushed to the shop while having no idea what I am going to buy. I was super excited as I reached the shop and spent about half an hour moving around enjoying different birds. Finally, I approached one of the shop attendants, informed him about my interest, and with his assistance got a pair with a small cage and packet of food. The only guideline I received was about the quantity and frequency of food to be given to the birds. Hurraaaaaayy, all was set and as expected it was a surprising welcome for my wife.

Time lapsed and we were enjoying the company of our birds but it didn’t continue for a longer period.  It was only a couple of weeks passed, we wake up one morning and found one bird dead in the cage. Having no idea and with a heavy heart, I buried the dead bird while released the other. After that, I realized that it was a lack of information that resulted in such an incident. I was not aware of the important parameters to look after at the time of selecting a bird from the pet shop and the requirements of the bird while keeping them as pets.

Learning from my mistake and to assist others, I have carried out detailed research to compile some essential guidelines. Below are some guidelines which will help you as a beginner in selecting, purchasing, and keeping your pet birds.

1. Guidelines for selecting your pet bird.
2. Guidelines for buying your pet bird.
3. General information for keeping your bird.

1. Guidelines for Selecting your Pet Bird:

First, you should know that birds are living creatures like humans hence require the utmost care. Following has to be considered while selecting your first pet bird:

• Preference for a silent bird or a loud bird.
• Like to handle birds in person or pleased to observe them only.
• Your time available to attend the pet.
• Space for cage based on bird requirement.

2. Guidelines for Buying your Pet Bird:

Well, it is very easy to drive your car to any shop and fetch your bird as guided by the shopkeeper. However, the following guideline has to be observed while purchasing your pet bird:

• Search for the reputable breeder or bird store.
• Must know that crowded specific markets are more prone to bird diseases.
• Observe birds for some time while at the shop before making a decision.
• Parrot Society of UK has highlighted some symbols of healthy parrot which is important for you to know as follows:
  • Must have tight feathers close to the body, this you can ask the shopkeeper to show. Avoid birds with a messy or missing feather.
  • Carefully look into bird eyes, must be bright not tainted.
  • Observe appearance of the bird, if it rests for a long time and doesn’t leave perch you should go for the next.
  • Look at the bird’s nose and mouth, must not exhibit discharge excessive and apparent.
  • Must not lack appetite which you can know after observing the bird for some time.

• Once you have purchased your bird, visit a nearby veterinarian for a healthy check-up.

Since it is your first pet bird, hence you should spend considerable time observing the birds before making any selection.

3. General Information for Keeping your Pet Bird:

Following are some rules to be known for keeping your bird:

• Spacious cage to be arranged depending on the bird requirement.
• Cage should not be placed near windows or doors.
• Birds should be protected from long exposure of sun or wind drafts.
• Minimum one meal should be given to birds.
• Though pet food is available but prefer is fresh vegetables and fruits.
• Once got familiarized, birds must be allowed to stretch out of the cage for some time.
• Annual check-up of your pet bird with Veterinarian is must as suggested by Association of Avian Veterinarians.

The above guideline will help you in taking all considerations while selecting and buying your very pet bird. After going through the aforementioned details, now you must be interested to know about birds to be considered as your pet. The list of best pet birds for beginners is available at “Pet Birds for Beginners – List to select your First Bird”. All the necessary information is available which will assist you in making your selection.

In case, you need any further clarification, feel free to contact at hello@jawadaslam.com