Selecting the Right Bird for You and Your Family
By Don J. Harris,DVM
Exotic birds can be delightful pets—just ask any of the millions of companion bird owners throughout the
world who enjoy a rewarding and satisfying relationship with their feathered friends. Creating a long-
lasting positive relationship with your bird may be the result of choosing the right bird for you and your
family in the beginning. This crucial first step is part of being a responsible pet owner, but it is often
overlooked in the rush to acquire a new bird. Identifying what characteristics you want in a bird, and
researching different species and their characteristics can go a long ways in helping establish a long and
happy relationship. Rarely will one bird fit more than a few of the desired characteristics. You may acquire
a bird and expect it to speak, only to eventually realize this particular species never talks. Others may
discover that a large colorful macaw is also a large intolerably noisy creature. Many potential owners have
expectations that cannot possibly be fulfilled by the species they choose. The best way to obtain the
“perfect” pet is to first determine which characteristics are most important to you. Then shop for the bird
that fits those criteria. Certain species arise as leaders in a variety of categories, and this list can be used
as a starting point in making your choice. Remember, there are always exceptions, so once you have
narrowed down your decision to a particular species, look at the parents and gather information from the
breeder about an individual bird’s behavior.
Some bird owners may want to avoid certain “unpopular” characteristics like those listed below. Others
may not see these same characteristics as undesirable. It’s up to bird owners to weigh all characteristics
of a species or an individual bird to make the best decision.
In the end, individuals interested in owning a bird should first decide what they expect from a pet bird.
Once this question is answered, an appropriate species can be identified and researched. Only then can
the
potential for a long and mutually beneficial relationship be realized.
•Appearance
•Finches, Macaws, Eclectus, Lories, Toucans
•Speaking ability
•African Grey, Amazon, Mynah
•Natural vocalization (song)
•Canary, Cockatiel
•Intelligence
•African Grey
•Social attributes
•Cockatoo, Budgie, Cockatiel
•Small size
•Canary, Finch, Budgie, Lovebird, Cockatiel
•Low maintenance
•Amazon and smaller
•Cleanliness
•Most smaller species
•Loud
•Macaws, Cockatoos
•Messy
•Macaws, Mynahs, Toucans
•Aggressive
•Female Eclectus, Male Amazons
By Don J. Harris,DVM
Exotic birds can be delightful pets—just ask any of the millions of companion bird owners throughout the
world who enjoy a rewarding and satisfying relationship with their feathered friends. Creating a long-
lasting positive relationship with your bird may be the result of choosing the right bird for you and your
family in the beginning. This crucial first step is part of being a responsible pet owner, but it is often
overlooked in the rush to acquire a new bird. Identifying what characteristics you want in a bird, and
researching different species and their characteristics can go a long ways in helping establish a long and
happy relationship. Rarely will one bird fit more than a few of the desired characteristics. You may acquire
a bird and expect it to speak, only to eventually realize this particular species never talks. Others may
discover that a large colorful macaw is also a large intolerably noisy creature. Many potential owners have
expectations that cannot possibly be fulfilled by the species they choose. The best way to obtain the
“perfect” pet is to first determine which characteristics are most important to you. Then shop for the bird
that fits those criteria. Certain species arise as leaders in a variety of categories, and this list can be used
as a starting point in making your choice. Remember, there are always exceptions, so once you have
narrowed down your decision to a particular species, look at the parents and gather information from the
breeder about an individual bird’s behavior.
Some bird owners may want to avoid certain “unpopular” characteristics like those listed below. Others
may not see these same characteristics as undesirable. It’s up to bird owners to weigh all characteristics
of a species or an individual bird to make the best decision.
In the end, individuals interested in owning a bird should first decide what they expect from a pet bird.
Once this question is answered, an appropriate species can be identified and researched. Only then can
the
potential for a long and mutually beneficial relationship be realized.
•Appearance
•Finches, Macaws, Eclectus, Lories, Toucans
•Speaking ability
•African Grey, Amazon, Mynah
•Natural vocalization (song)
•Canary, Cockatiel
•Intelligence
•African Grey
•Social attributes
•Cockatoo, Budgie, Cockatiel
•Small size
•Canary, Finch, Budgie, Lovebird, Cockatiel
•Low maintenance
•Amazon and smaller
•Cleanliness
•Most smaller species
•Loud
•Macaws, Cockatoos
•Messy
•Macaws, Mynahs, Toucans
•Aggressive
•Female Eclectus, Male Amazons
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By Don J. Harris,DVM
Purchasing a new bird is an act that requires much forethought and planning. Some potential bird owners
research a new car purchase with far more diligence than they do a new pet. But, because some parrots
live as long as 50-60+ years, impulse buying may have repercussions that last for decades-much longer
than a new car. Here are a few aspects to consider when purchasing a bird.
•Does this particular bird fit your lifestyle? Does the species enjoy a busy and noisy environment with a
lot of people interacting, or would it do better in a more quiet more isolated environment?
•If it is a large species, is there enough space in your home for a large cage?
•How much time can you devote to a pet? Does the species demand a lot of care and attention? Is it a
"high maintenance" species that needs a lot of one-on-one interaction, or is it happy to be left alone for
periods of time?
•Does this bird have the pet characteristics you want? If it is important to you that your bird talks, choose
a species with high speaking ability, such as an African Grey, Amazon or Mynah. If cleanliness is
important, check out a smaller species. If intelligence is important, you can't beat an African Grey.
•What is the average life span of this species? Life spans range from 10-60+ years, depending on the
species. Do you want a bird that may outlive you? Where are you purchasing your new bird?
•Was it bred locally? Is the breeder available for questioning? Is the dealer in a fixed location where you
can locate him or her should you need follow-up advice or if a problem arises?
•Is there a guarantee? Be suspicious of anyone who doesn't offer some assurance of the bird's health.
•What are the nutritional needs of this species? Certain species of birds have special nutritional needs.
Can you meet them? What kind of diet is the bird currently eating? Is the bird already eating a balanced
diet or will it need to be converted to a new more nutritious one? Older birds on seed diets can be difficult
to convert, but may encounter health problems if not switched.
•Is the bird healthy? There is no way to answer this without a complete post-purchase veterinary exam.
Schedule an exam with your avian veterinarian immediately after purchasing your new bird. Don't wait.
•Is your home ready for your new bird? Is the caging suitable? Is it situated in the correct location in the
home? Are the perches arranged correctly? Are there toxic plants or substances harmful to birds in the
household that may need to be removed? If your new bird is joining other birds in your family, do you
have a plan on how to quarantine the new bird until you have a post-purchase veterinary exam?
Purchasing a new bird is an act that requires much forethought and planning. Some potential bird owners
research a new car purchase with far more diligence than they do a new pet. But, because some parrots
live as long as 50-60+ years, impulse buying may have repercussions that last for decades-much longer
than a new car. Here are a few aspects to consider when purchasing a bird.
•Does this particular bird fit your lifestyle? Does the species enjoy a busy and noisy environment with a
lot of people interacting, or would it do better in a more quiet more isolated environment?
•If it is a large species, is there enough space in your home for a large cage?
•How much time can you devote to a pet? Does the species demand a lot of care and attention? Is it a
"high maintenance" species that needs a lot of one-on-one interaction, or is it happy to be left alone for
periods of time?
•Does this bird have the pet characteristics you want? If it is important to you that your bird talks, choose
a species with high speaking ability, such as an African Grey, Amazon or Mynah. If cleanliness is
important, check out a smaller species. If intelligence is important, you can't beat an African Grey.
•What is the average life span of this species? Life spans range from 10-60+ years, depending on the
species. Do you want a bird that may outlive you? Where are you purchasing your new bird?
•Was it bred locally? Is the breeder available for questioning? Is the dealer in a fixed location where you
can locate him or her should you need follow-up advice or if a problem arises?
•Is there a guarantee? Be suspicious of anyone who doesn't offer some assurance of the bird's health.
•What are the nutritional needs of this species? Certain species of birds have special nutritional needs.
Can you meet them? What kind of diet is the bird currently eating? Is the bird already eating a balanced
diet or will it need to be converted to a new more nutritious one? Older birds on seed diets can be difficult
to convert, but may encounter health problems if not switched.
•Is the bird healthy? There is no way to answer this without a complete post-purchase veterinary exam.
Schedule an exam with your avian veterinarian immediately after purchasing your new bird. Don't wait.
•Is your home ready for your new bird? Is the caging suitable? Is it situated in the correct location in the
home? Are the perches arranged correctly? Are there toxic plants or substances harmful to birds in the
household that may need to be removed? If your new bird is joining other birds in your family, do you
have a plan on how to quarantine the new bird until you have a post-purchase veterinary exam?
