If you want to be a serious, responsible bird owner, it is imperative that you are also a knowledgable one!
When most of us go into a pet store, or find what we believe to be the "perfect" bird for sale, we actually have no idea what we should really be looking for to assure that we are really puchasing the best bird possible.
Sure, the bird's colors and size matter a lot, but to make sure that we buy a happy and healthy companion that we can cherish for years, there are a few more important things that you need to take into consideration.
What Kind of Bird Should You Buy?
There are several thing to think about when deciding on what species of bird you want. Some birds are more
difficult to take care of and train than other birds. Some birds can grow very large and very LOUD! Also, some
birds have certain health issues and some require special diets which can become expensive and time
consuming.
Birds can live a very long time, some up to 60 years. So make sure you study up on the different species of bird you are considering. Make sure to research...
- Time and money needed to keep the bird happy and healthy
- Size - how large will the bird grow and how loud will it be
- Healthcare and Diet
- How long will the bird live
- How will the bird get along with any other pets, and vice versa
There are several ways to find out which bird for sale is the best for you and your surroundings. You can simply go online and do all of your research there. We suggest that you do plenty of research when doing it online. If you can find an online forum, this is a great place to ask questions and even meet other bird lovers!
Another way to research which bird to purchase is to go to your local bookstore, like Barnes and Noble or Borders, and find books and magazines on the different types of birds you are considering. Better to buy a book that you can just throw away then to get the wrong bird for sale and have to live with it for 20 years!
You could also visit your local pet store, like Petsmart or Petco, and ask to actually handle the birds. When you can hold them in your hands and see them face-to-face, you may change your mind as to which bird you are wanting to purchase.
But beware - for bird lovers, it is very easy to fall in love with a bird the moment it sits on your hand! If its not the right bird for you, you could get yourself in a 20 year mess!
What You Should Look For When Buying a New Bird
When considering a bird for sale, make sure to take these factors into serious consideration...
Are the birds for sale well socialized? Are they calm, playing with each other or are they frightened and disoriented when you get close to the display? If you realize that the birds are afraid of anyone that gets close to them, then they may be very difficult to socialize when you get them home. They will also be difficult for you to train.
Are the feathers clean and full with no patches? Feathering of your new bird should be tight and full, no missing patches. If your bird is missing feathers or if they are listless in color/sheen, then there may be underlying problems that could be very expensive for you to take care of. Birds can carry diseases which can spread to your other pets - even to humans. Take your new bird to a qualified avian veterinarian as soon as possible after you bring it home.
Is the Bird's Head Healthy? Alwats take special note of the birds head, including its beak, eyes, ears and nostrils. The upper beak should be aligned with the lower beak. The eyes should be clean and bright. The nostrils and ears should be free of swelling, redness or any type of discharge. If you see any of these, move on to another bird!
Is the Bird's Body Health? Ask to handle the bird. If you are serious about purchasing this bird, the vendor shouldn't have a problem with letting you handle it. Just remember to wash your hand before and after handling each bird. Look for any defects in the bird's body, such as small growths or unequal symmetry. You want it to be comfortable while being held, if it immediately starts to bite or try to get away, you may want to consider a more social bird.
Before You Bring Your Bird Home
Make sure you have all of your supplies ready when you bring your bird home. There is nothing more frustrating than coming home from the pet store and realizing that you have to go right back to get something you forgot!
If you are buying your bird from a pet store, ask the store worker if they have a pre-written checklist of supplies. If not, tell them what you have and ask if there is anything else they would recommend.
I highly suggest that you know what you're doing with your bird before you get home. Remember that you are going to have this bird for many years. Don't make a hasty decision! Study up on what you should know before you get that new bird for sale.
Be A Serious and Responsible Pet Owner!
I suggest picking up this inexpensive new bird care guide. It explains everything you need to know before, during and after you purchase your new friend.
- How To Care For Your New Pet Bird, by Doctor Joel Murphy
If you have already decided what type of bird you will be bringing home, here is a quick list of species-specific bird care guides that you will need prior to bringing your new friend home!
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Canary Birds - Canary Keeping For Beginners - Canary Lover's Guide To Preventing Your Canary's Death |
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Chickens - Chicken Keeping Secrets - Incredible Chickens! Complete Guide To Raising Chickens At Home |
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Cockatiels - Cockatiel Care Secrets |
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Lovebirds - Lovebird Care Secrets |
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Parrots - The Ultimate Guide To Raising Parrots - Your Parrot Care Guide - The Elite Parrot's Club |
Remember that you are going to be taking care of your bird for many years. NOW is the time to get yourself acquainted with bird care and make the decision that you have what it takes to be a serious and responsible bird owner.
There are literally thousands of bird care guides for sale on the Internet. We did the research and brought you the absolute best, based on return rates and quality of content. Pick up one of the ebook above right now. In a few minutes you'll be learning how to care for your new bird and discovering a whole new world of pet care!
