The answer to the question, "do birds make good pets?" is a resounding "Yes.
" They are pretty, tuneful, much smarter than most people realize, and often as affectionate as any dog.
There are some serious benefits to have birds as pets.
One of the major ones is that if you have limited space in your home or you live in a rented place that does not allow cats or dogs, birds fit the bill perfectly.
We all need companionship.
Pets are a primary source of great company and affection.
Sometimes it just is not possible to have a furry friend in your home.
This is when it is good to think about having a feathered friend.
Space limitations, housing rules, neighbors, allergies--these are some of the reasons why opting for a bird pet is such a great idea.
There is a warning factor needed here.
Not all birds are alike.
Canaries, budgies, and lovebirds are easy to deal with.
They are undemanding and gentle.
They have a nice sound and are attractive to look at.
Lovebirds prefer being out of the cage and snuggled in with you.
Having a pretty bird that will perch on your finger, stroke your hair, and let you pet it is a great feeling.
Not all birds are this easy going.
Before you start keeping a bird or birds as pets, get used to their ways.
Start with an easy bird.
Generally speaking, the bigger the bird, the more work is involved.
The macaw, a parrot family member, is a prime example.
Often bird owners will pay a lot of attention to feeding their birds to make sure they get all the necessary nutrients.
But when it comes to the macaw, there is a whole new twist on feeding time.
You are supposed to hand feed your macaw from the beginning so that you and the bird can bond.
This is absolutely essential.
People who respond to "do birds make good pets?" in the negative likely did not set the stage properly with their pet bird from the beginning.
If your macaw, to continue this example, is not hand fed, it may never learn to relate to people.
They need a lot of special attention from the moment they hatch.
And they need a lot of attention on an ongoing basis.
Without attention, the macaw can really make your life miserable.
It will pluck out feathers; destroy things, scream, and have a bad attitude toward you.
They are like the little girl in the nursery rhyme -- when they are good, they are very very good.
When they are bad, they are horrid.
Unfortunately that problem is the human's fault.
Birds do make good pets.
The choices range from the quiet and sedentary lovebird to the raucous macaw.
The success of your relationship with your pet bird depends on how well you understand the responsibilities of being a bird owner.
The joys do outweigh the duties so that is a positive thing.