It’s so easy to fall in love with that beautiful bird at your local pet store. But, it can be a big surprise when you bring it home and find out what you didn’t know about having a pet bird. Here are some things to think about as you decide on what kind of bird is for you.

How Big …
When you are starting out with your first pet bird it’s usually best to choose a smaller one [budgie, lovebird, canary]. A big bird will need a big commitment from you. Smaller birds are easier to take care of.

Attitude …
Do you want a bird that wants to stay in their cage all the time or a bird that loves to be on your shoulder and snuggle with you ? This makes a huge difference in how you enjoy being with your pet bird and how they will enjoy being with you. Try to spend time with the kind of bird you are thinking of getting, at the home of a friend who owns one, or your pet store.

Food and Care …
Some birds can be very fussy eaters ! Others will create a very messy cage that you’ll need to clean almost every day. This is stuff you need to know about when picking your new feathered buddy.

Money …
Birds chirp but they’re not cheap ! Bigger birds usually cost more to buy and more to take care of. Some birds can live a really long time and will need to be ready to care for them for maybe most of your life. At times you may need to take your bird to the Vet.

Time …
Some birds need to get out of their cage a be able to go for a walk around your home every day. Will you have the time each day to do that ?

Checklist …

How much room do you have for a bird?
How much time are you going to be able spend with your bird each day?
Do you want your bird to stay in its cage or on your shoulder?
How long do you want to have a pet bird?
Who will take care of your bird when you need to be away?
How much time and money can you spend on caring for your bird?
Who else will help take care of your bird and spend time with it … mom, dad, brother, sister?
Have you talked with other people who own the kind of bird you are thinking of getting?