Have a Pet want a Pet?

When you retire, you might wish to have company and think, should I get a pet?

For most of us, we think of dogs or cats.

You might want a pet, but do you want to groom it, let it in and out, or take it for a walk?

For some, the answer is simple, yes, I want to do all that.

Have you ever considered a bird?

Terri always feared birds; she never thought she would tell anyone she had a pet, much less a bird.  

Not only does she have one bird, but she and her husband have two birds.

She never thought she would keep a bird or let one in her home, but she did.

Her name is Jazzy.

How did she overcome her fear of Birds?

Pet Shops

During her travels, she would stop at pet shops and watch and talk to birds.

One day while visiting a pet shop, a bird was on consignment, and the employee asked her if she wanted to hold it.

After visiting pet shops and watching and talking to birds, she was ready and said Ok. 

The employee was great at helping her handle the bird. She was nervous and proud of herself for overcoming her fear.

When the employee took the bird back from Terri, she sneezed, and the bird sneezed after her. 

Terri was amazed that a bird would do that.

That bird was an Amazon parrot. Not only can they speak, but they can also sing. 

She kept going back to the same pet shop to hold and talk to the Amazon parrot.

Getting comfortable with the bird, Terri learned if she giggled, the bird would do the same thing. 

That experience helped Terri overcome her fear and doubt about a pet bird.

One day the bird was gone; it got adopted.  That experience helped Terri realize she was ready for a bird of her own. 

Terri was thankful for the experience and everything she learned from the bird and the pet shop.

Searching for a Bird?

Terri and her husband Mark began researching and attending bird shows. 

They decided they wanted a Goffin cockatoo.

A Goffin cockatoo is known to be pleasant and has a friendly personality.

While attending a bird show, they found a 12-week-old Goffin cockatoo and knew it was the bird for them.

After purchasing the bird and taking it home, trying to wean it themselves was challenging. After a few mishaps with the formula, they called the breeder and asked for help.

Terri said that experience helped bond them to Jazzy, making her an excellent addition to their home. 

It was not long before Terri and Jazzy were so used to each other that Jazzy would get on Terri to take a nap.

Searching for another Bird

Mark and Terri were ready for another bird.

While attending a bird show, they fell in love with an Eclectus Parrot. They carried her around during the show and decided she would fit their family well.

Her name is Chelsea

Chelsea was a mature parrot and used to having people around. 

They found that Chelsea wanted to watch TV and eat popcorn.

 Mark would sit by Chelsea, have a beer, and watch tv while Chelsea ate popcorn watching tv.

The only word she knew how to say was Hello talking to her and getting to know her personality was great.

Purchasing a Bird

Purchasing a bird can be a financial expense, not only for the bird itself. The cage can sometimes be as expensive as the bird.

• Purchase a bird from a reputable breeder or a specialty pet store, or adopt thru a bird rescue organization
• Birds do have to visit the veterinarian for check-ups.
• The average cost of an exotic bird is $1000 on up – you may or may not be able to find one less expensive.
• You need to purchase a cage suitable for your bird and your home, some can be expensive.

Life Expectancy for a Bird

While a bird looks small, it is a commitment; some birds live to be 35 to 75 years old. If you are thinking about a bird, ask yourself are ready for the responsibility. 

What happens if something happens to you?

Who will inherit your bird? You sure have a lot to think about before you become a bird owner.

How much care does a bird need?

• Change the paper in the cage daily – use pellets instead of newspaper if you want.
• Birds need a good diet, usually raw vegetables.
• Some use gourmet bird food – Terri and Mark feed Kaytee food
• Some birds need to be out of their cage daily
• Birds usually like to have someone to talk to 
• Routine check-ups with a Veterinarian 
• Routine bathing and showering are necessary for birds.
• Birds can be messy; they throw food – you must clean around the cage daily.

Bird Sitter

Where do you find a bird sitter when you go out of town?

Terri said most cities have exotic bird groups. She has contacted them and asked who takes care of exotic birds in the area. 

She also said some veterinarian clinics that specialize in birds also board them.

Can you teach a bird to talk?

Terri said you could teach a bird to talk; she sang to Jazzy when she was little.

Which helped her learn everyone’s name in the home and how to sing.

 Her favorite song is twinkle twinkle little star

https://www.petmd.com/bird/care/how-do-i-train-my-bird-talk

Are birds company?

For sure, they are fun and a lot of company. Terri said one of the first things you teach a bird is how to step up onto your hand.  

She has taught Jazzy to pull a string with a little wagon attached; Jazzy will also lay on her shoulder. 

If you think you will ignore Jazzy, think again; she will call your name until you answer her. Ignoring her is not an option.

Can you teach a bird to do other things?

Yes, they like to ride on remote control cars and vacuum cleaners.

If a bird has its wings clipped, it can not fly too high.

https://www.petmd.com/bird/training/how-train-your-bird-fetch-and-other-fun-games

What do you like most about having a bird?

Talking to a bird is Terri’s favorite part of being a bird owner.

You have to have time for a bird because it requires attention; you can not ignore it.

Do you think a bird would make a good pet for a senior?

Yes, Terri said 

Does a Bird Bits?

Terri said any wild animal would bite. Most will only bite if you tease them.

You move slowly around a bird, talking and letting the bird know you are coming.

Birds are usually scared of you. Like any pet, you have to develop a bond and trust with each other.

Remember

A dominant bird always has the highest spot in the tree.

Always keep a bird below eye level. Terri said they could quickly get your earring out of your ear.

Talking to Terri about birds was a pleasure, something we had never considered.

Do you think a bird would make an excellent pet for You?