5 Things You Need to Know Before You Start Keeping Birds

A bird can be a wonderful friend, and you want to be one back. That means doing your homework before giving them a home. If you’re thinking about getting a bird soon, you should know that they require a very different approach than dogs, cats, or fish. Here are five tips for setting up a forever home for your bird friends. 

1. Birds Have Sensitive Beaks

Scented candles, oils, air fresheners, and other similar products endanger the health of birds. This is due to their delicate respiratory systems, which expose them to toxins and pollutants in the environment. As a result, smoking is not recommended when around a bird. Also, if you smoke, wash your hands before handling a bird.

2. Cooking Smells Count Too

The delicate sense of smell of a bird can also influence your cookware selections. Nonstick cookware and Teflon should be avoided if you have a bird in the house since they generate an odorless fume that can be lethal to them. You will most likely need to purchase stainless steel or nonstick cookware, such as cast iron.

3. Birds Like to Make Noise

That might be the biggest attraction for many people, but you should be aware that it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. Before choosing a bird, find out what noise that species makes. Birds may talk, sing, squawk, and make other noises depending on the species. Figure out what will work in your home, and then choose the bird that’s best for you.

4. Birds Live a Long Time

When you decide to adopt a bird, you are making a life-long friend. Some breeds live for 50 years or longer. Some species might outlive you. Knowing this is important because having birds can be expensive and they need plenty of care. Make sure you are prepared to commit before making a home for a bird. 

They do adapt to new environments, though. So any bird you adopt will change as your lifestyle changes. They will love the new baby, for example, or to have another friend in the house. They can move with you as you move, as well. They don’t take up much space and can live in an apartment or house. Just be sure you can provide a stable home for them for decades. 

5. Birds Can Be a Bit Messy

Birds tend to eat all day long and what doesn’t end up in their mouths ends up on the bottom of the cage or the floor around it. What does get to their mouths will also eventually end up on the bottom of the cage or the floor around it. 

They also like to chew on things. So give them plenty of things in their home to chew on so they won’t be tempted to look elsewhere.

If having a bird still sounds great, find yourself a fine feathered friend.