It’s Adopt A Rescued Bird Month! While there’s certainly no bad time to bring a new pet into your home, if you have been considering getting a pet bird, this is a perfect time for it. Read on as a local Covington, GA vet offers some advice on bringing Polly into your home.
Tips For Choosing the Right Bird
Our feathered buddies vary wildly in terms of things like noise levels, life expectancy, and volume. Some, like finches, are pretty quiet, while others, like the Moluccan Cockatoo, are ear-splittingly loud. (We’re not kidding. These guys can reach 129 decibels, which is louder than most concerts.)
We can’t overstate how important it is to do lots of research! Here are a few things to look into:
Look At Beginner Birds
There are many great things about feathered friends: they’re adorable, small, playful, curious, and often absolutely hilarious. That said, it’s also very important to do some research and make informed decisions before adopting. That is especially true with birds. Polly has some very specific care needs, so first-time bird owners will face a bit of a learning curve.
Also, keep in mind that Some birds are better suited to beginners than others. Ask your vet for specific advice. If you’re a beginner, and you want a rescued bird, you may want to choose a breed that is an easy keeper.
Here are some good beginner birds:
What Kind Of Cage Do I Get My Rescued Bird?
Your winged pal will need a comfortable and safe cage. The type and size of cage birds require ultimately depends on their breed. Before purchasing the cage, measure the area where you intend to put it, so you know how much room you have to work with when shopping.
It’s sometimes tempting to buy a secondhand cage to save money, but be careful: if the cage’s previous resident was sick, it may not be safe.
Our advice? Get the biggest cage you can afford. It’s a one-time expense, so go ahead and splurge!
How Do I Set Up The Birdcage?
Location is very important. Avoid exposing your cute pet to harmful fumes or loud disturbances. However, be mindful not to isolate Polly too much. Birds can become lonely when left alone for extended periods. (Tip: many of our winged friends prefer corners, as they feel less exposed that way. A corner of a living room or family room is often ideal.)
IT’s also important to make the cage comfy for Polly. Add lots of fun toys and a variety of perches to the cage to make it fun and comfy. Your winged pal may also appreciate having some plants or trees near the cage. This will make her feel at home. Just stick with non-toxic options. Ask your Covington, GA vet for specific advice.
Where Do I Find A Rescued Bird?
It probably won’t be hard to find a feathered friend. Look into local rescues, and ask your vet for recommendations. You can also look at online marketplaces, such as Craigslist.
Why Is There Such A Huge Need For People To Adopt Rescued Birds?
There are far too many cute, sweet birds out there in need of homes. Sadly, birds are often abandoned and/or rehomed. In fact, parrots are sometimes rehomed as many as seven times during their lives. Some adoptable birds were rescued from neglectful situations, while others were put up for adoption after unfortunate circumstances, such as the death of a beloved owner. Sometimes people who thought they wanted a bird later change their minds and surrender them. (This is often due to a lack of research.)
While we love seeing birds get second chances, we aren’t advising that anyone immediately rush out to get one. Adopting is a big decision, and not one to be taken lightly. Polly is also a messy roommate, and may be a bit loud. She’s also not a good fit for homes where she’ll be exposed to strong fumes, such as cigarette smoke. Make sure you’re committed to caring for your feathered buddy for the rest of her life.
How Can I Make My Home Safe For Rescued Birds?
The average household can be very dangerous for your feathered pal. Proper bird proofing is crucial! Some things to address include mirrors, fireplaces, fans, window treatments, and candles, to name just a few. In addition to small or sharp objects, things like kitchen utensils, full sinks or toilets, and plastic objects should also be avoided. You’ll also need to be careful with air quality, as Polly has very sensitive lungs. Ask your Covington, GA veterinarian for more information.
How Do I Bond With A Rescued Bird?
Our feathered pals can be quite timid. They can also get very attached to their humans, so keep this in mind. Polly may feel sad and depressed at being separated from her former master, so it may take her a while to adjust.
When you bring Polly home, keep her in her cage for a few days. Our feathered buddies need freedom to play and explore, but they also need to feel safe. This could take a few weeks. Hang out with your new pet as she is settling in. One thing that can help Polly feel safer is to put a comfy chair near her cage. Sit there when you want to read, scroll on your phone, or watch TV. This will help your new buddy get used to you. Talking to your winged friend can also help. Polly will pick up on your tone of voice when you speak to her. Be gentle, friendly, and cheerful. Snacks can also be very helpful. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Giving a shy or gentle pet a second chance can be an incredibly fulfilling experience. Birds can make wonderful companions and beloved pets. They are both fun and adorable, and despite their small size, they have a knack for stealing our hearts. Each bird has its own distinct personality; some are energetic and playful, happily singing, dancing, and playing with their owners. Others are calm and peaceful. Of course, some of our feathered buddies are, well, a bit extra. Just be sure to do plenty of research first. Adoption is forever!
Do you have questions about bird care? Contact us, your Covington, GA pet hospital, today!
