The Top 11 Reasons Why Birds Make the Best Pets

There are many reasons why birds make the best pets. Parrots, in particular, are known for their intelligence and ability to form strong bonds with their owners. They can be taught to do tricks, and they love to play! Parrots also require a lot of attention, which can be fun for people who love spending time with their pet birds. In this article, we will discuss some of the top reasons why birds make the best pets. We will also provide tips on how to care for your bird properly so that he or she lives a long and healthy life!

The Pros of Being a Bird Owner :

1. Parrots are incredibly intelligent creatures and can learn to do tricks and even mimic human speech.

2. They are social animals and need interaction with their human families in order to be happy and healthy.

3. Parrots are active creatures and need plenty of toys and things to play with in order to stay occupied.

4. They come in a variety of beautiful colors and can be quite striking to look at.

5. They are generally quite friendly and love to cuddle and interact with their humans.

6. Parrots are playful and entertaining, often providing hours of amusement for their families.

7. They can be kept as indoor pets or outdoors in an aviary, depending on the climate.

8. Parrots are long-lived animals and can provide companionship for many years.

9. Regular care for these pets includes feeding, grooming, and vet check-ups.

10. Parrots make excellent companions and can provide interesting conversation starters for their families.

11. In conclusion, parrots make excellent pets for people who want an intelligent, interactive, and beautiful companion animal.

How to Provide the Proper Diet for your Bird

Choosing to adopt a bird means being responsible for their diet. There are plenty of options for you to choose from, and a few items to stay away from. Fresh is always best, from fruits to vegetables. To keep your parrot healthy it is recommended to feed a nutrient rich pellet such as Zupreem, Tops, or Higgins, and provide fresh "Chop" daily. Chop consists of various fruits, vegetables, legumes and more. Each species of bird can have varying nutritional needs, so it is important to follow up with your avian vet for their diet recommendations.

Nutrient Rich Parrot Diet List

The best food to give your parrots will be high-fiber and rich in vitamin A. Here are some of the foods I use to prepare my "Chop":

Fresh Vegetables

• Sweet Potato

• Pumpkin

• Sprouts

• Garbanzo Beans

• Lentils

• Corn

• Peas

• Kale

• Spinach

• Broccoli

• Bell Peppers

• Hot Peppers (Serrano, Jalapeno, Chilis)

Fresh fruits

• Strawberries

• Blueberries

• Mango

• Papaya

• Dragon Fruit

• Kiwi

• Apples

Unsalted nuts (in moderation)

• Almonds

• Pecans

• Walnuts

• Hazelnuts

Cooked legumes

• Garbanzo Beans

• Lentils (Red or Green)

Cooked Whole Grains

• Quinoa

• Barley

• Oats

• Brown Rice or Wild Rice

• Whole Wheat Pasta

Cooked Lean Protein Sources

• Egg Whites

• Salmon

• Chicken

Seeds (in moderation) Soaked, Sprouted or Raw

• Chia

• Safflower

• Shelled Hemp Seeds

Foods that are NOT safe for Parrots

Here is a list of unhealthy and potentially toxic foods that should not be fed to your bird:

• Avocado

• Chocolate

• Mushrooms

• Onion or Garlic

• Sunflower Seeds (to be given as a treat only as they have incredibly high fat content)

• Peanuts in the Shell (mold and bacteria toxic to birds tend to grow in peanut shells)

• Pits from Stone Fruit (Plums, peaches, nectarines, cherries) however the flesh of the fruit is fine

• Uncooked Beans or Meat

• Coffee or Caffeine

• Dairy (Milk or Cheese)

• Salty or Sugary Snacks

• High-fat or Fried foods

Choosing the Right Bird Cage

When choosing a bird cage for your pet parrot, it is important to consider the bird's natural habitat and needs. Parrots are horizontal fliers, meaning they need a bird cage that is wider than it is tall. The bar spacing on the bird cage should also be appropriate for the size of your parrot; too closely spaced bars can prevent the bird from spreading its wings, while too wide of spacing can allow the bird to escape. In addition, bird cages for parrots should be equipped with bird toys and perches to provide stimulation and encourage natural behaviors. By taking these factors into account, you can choose the best bird cage for your pet parrot.

Here are the preferred dimensions for the most common companion bird breeds:

• Parakeet or Budgie - A horizontal bird cage that is at least 24 inches depth and 36 inches wide. Bar spacing should be 3/8"-1/2".

• Cockatiel - A horizontal bird cage that is at least 30 inches depth and 48 inches wide. Bar spacing of 1/2" preferred.

• Conure or Indian Ringneck - A horizontal bird cage that is at least 36 inches depth and 48 inches wide. Bar Spacing from 5/8"-3/4".

• Amazon Parrot or Cockatoo - A horizontal bird cage that is at least 36 inches depth and 72 inches wide. Bar Spacing of 7/8"-1".

• Macaw - A horizontal bird cage that is at least 48 inches depth and 84 inches wide. Bar Spacing of at least 1 1/4" is recommended.

The bigger the space the better! As long as the bar spacing is appropriate for the breed it is completely okay to provide your budgie with a HUGE cage!

A Final Thought - Bird Ownership Considerations

While parrots are certainly beautiful creatures, they are not always the best choice for a household pet. One of the main reasons for this is that parrots require a lot of care and attention. They need a large bird cage or bird play area, bird toys, bird perches, and plenty of interaction with their human companions. In addition, parrots can be quite loud and messy, and they have a tendency to bite. As a result, bird ownership is not always suited to every lifestyle. If you are considering a parrot as a pet, be sure to do your research and consult with a bird expert to ensure that you are prepared to provide the level of care that these spirited creatures require.

The Potential Cons of Parrot Ownership :

1. Parrots require a lot of attention and care, and can become bored or lonely if left alone for too long.

2. Parrots can be noisy and disruptive, and may not be suitable for households with small children or pets.

3. Parrots can be expensive to purchase. It is best to check local shelters and rescues first.

4. Parrots require a lot of space, and may not be suitable for apartments or small homes.

5. Parrots can be susceptible to health problems, and may require regular vet check-ups and medication

6. Parrots can be messy, with a tendency to throw food, poop, and spread feathers around the house.

7. Parrots can be expensive to care for, requiring a good diet and lots of toys and enrichment activities to keep them amused.

8. Parrots can be challenging pets to handle, due to their strong wills and independent personalities

If you are considering adding a bird to your family, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder or rescue organization. Parrots require a lot of care and attention, but they can be the perfect addition to any home!

Do you have a pet bird? What are some of the reasons why you think they make the best pets? Let us know in the comments below!