Your Cockatiel Ain’t FurReal

Think you want a pet bird? Well, think about this! Birds can be noisy, messy, destructive, moody and expensive, and can live for a very long time – the larger species for 100 years or more. They have dander, which can cause allergies. Many birds require a special diet and/or need to be kept in a controlled environment. Single birds can become lonely. On the other hand, mixing breeds can be dangerous; some birds will attack and kill smaller feathered creatures. Your bird may even attack you if it’s bored, stressed or frightened.

Quite simply, birds require considerably more than a cage and some seed and if you’re not prepared to spend the time it takes to research and then provide your pet’s needs, I suggest you get a FurReal.

On the other hand, there are many species of bird that are beautiful, intelligent, funny and that will make absolutely wonderful companions. And there are simply thousands and thousands of feathered friends awaiting forever homes at adoption centers around the country.

The fine-looking fellow above is one of the lucky residents of The Oasis Sanctuary, a Rescue and Retirement facility for exotic birds. Thanks to Oasis for allowing Beau to participate in this article and for the wonderful work they do.

Many of these creatures have been severely neglected and abused. There are ghastly stories of birds that have been burned with cigarettes, smacked, thrown against the wall, been teased and tortured in unmentionable ways. Some creatures have been so confined and neglected that they have pulled out their feathers or chewed themselves to the bone. Others are physically suffering from being fed the wrong foods or housed with the wrong bedding. Then there are those who appear physically fine but are emotionally damaged.

The point I’m making here is that while I encourage adoption, don’t just answer an ad in the paper or on Craigslist. Go to a reputable organization (there are many listed online) where they’ll be able to match you with a bird that best suits your lifestyle and can offer information on everything from cages to diet to supplements to exercise and activities, and your potential costs, which can run very high. Your bird will also have had a thorough medical check and the shelter will have evaluated its temperament.

“I realized that If I had to choose, I would rather have birds than airplanes.” ~ Charles Lindbergh, Interview shortly before his death, 1974, US aviator (1902 – 1974)

And think long and hard before getting a bird for your kids. Birds are fragile; they break easily; they are not toys! So unless your child is a paragon of patience, gentility and reliability, or you plan to oversee every moment of your pet’s care – don’t get a bird!

Seriously, if you have any doubt about caring for such an exotic, intelligent, wonderful creature, just go FurReal -

Also take a look at:

Transforming a Traumatized Bird into a Playful Parakeet

Polly Wants A Home

Adopting A Macaw – Is It Right For You?

http://the-oasis.org/index.php

http://featheredfriendsforever.org/

http://fosterparrots.com/