Got a new bird, now what do I do?

Have you ever been faced with a new experience only to find that you have no idea what the next step is? Unfortunately, so have I. I got caught up in the whole HD-TV movement and decided that for the "Big Game" I needed to upgrade from the standard TV to the ultra modern, super hi-tech big screen. After unpacking the new 62", I was faced with a borage of things I wasn't ready for; HD programming, mounting, wiring, new remote, settings and even finding a place to put this new monster. These were things I had not only overlooked, but didn't even considered until after I had unpacked everything.

Purchasing a bird is eerily similar to purchasing a new hi-tech gadget. There is so much to learn about the bird, likes and dislikes, foods, habits, personality and play needs just to name a few. There really isn't a manual that explains your bird. There are requirements that you need to be aware of when it comes to putting your bird in a bird cage. Certain toys can be harmful to your parrots if not chosen properly. Not all bird food is created equal, there are premium brands and then there are "cheaper" brands. No matter how you look at it, there are more things to know about your breed of bird.

There is an alarming percentage of parrots, and other birds, that end up in a bird rescue, animal shelter or are simply 'gifted' to someone that is deemed better for birds. How did they get here? Where did the process go wrong?

To help muttle through the confusion, I have gathered a few things that I believe every bird owner needs to know.

• 1. Befriending a Bird takes time - Many birds are playful, energetic and DEMAND a large portion of the time you have. Birds are flocking animals, meaning that they live in a community and they need interaction with their flock. As an owner, you have just become this birds flock. Being part of the flock, you need to be able to dedicate several hours each day to spend with your bird. This does not mean that you need to lock yourself in the house and only play with the bird, it means that you need to spend some time just hanging out. Watch TV together, play simple games with each other , learn some tricks or train your bird to talk. There are is a multitude of bird training videos that can help with this. Soon you will be a contributing member to your birds flock family.
• 2. Birds are a lot like people. They have feeling, get bored and have their best friends. You may not become the best friend for some time so be patient. This understanding helps each of you to get to know each other. With the proper amount of love and attention your bird will become extremely loyal, they may come to your aid when needed. Social interaction is vital to the health and happiness of your bird.
• 3. What is it that your new parrot should eat? My suggestion here is to talk frequently with the breeder or the pet store to discover recommendations for your bird. NEVER feed your parrot or any other bird Chocolate, Caffeine, Avocado or other items that can potentially be deadly to your bird. Do some research, go to the library, ask an Avian Vet or bird breeder what they would recommend for your species of bird. Fresh fruits and vegetables are healthy, but some may not be suitable for your bird.
• 4. Your bird will cost you more money. You can almost guarantee that you will have to take your bird to the Vet. This is a good thing though! A good Avian Vet is priceless when it comes to your bird. Any sign of sickness, nasal discharge, goopy eyes and ‘odd' colored or runny poop may all be indications of illness and should be considered something worthy of a doctor's visit.
• 5. You will need to evaluate your commitment to a bird. Most parrots have a relatively long life span. Some species of birds have been known to live 80+ years. This requires a lifelong commitment to your bird, so be ready for it. Bird ownership is not like any other form of pet ownership; you can expect that it will be around as long as or maybe longer than you are.
• 6. Living environment is a huge factor to consider. Birds have notoriously fragile respiratory systems. Smoke, household chemical cleaners, spray paint and other common items can harm your bird. If you are a smoker, be mindful of the effects your bird may have to endure due to your habit. Also, birds need to feel safe in their environment. Bird toys, roomy bird cages and stimulating mind activities are essential to the health and happiness of your bird. In this section alone there are many things to consider, so do your research and ask questions.

With these things to consider, and they are only the beginning, it is no wonder why there are so many birds that are frequently ‘orphaned' to shelters and rescues. Many people feel that they have bitten off more than they can chew when it comes to owning a bird. As you become more familiar with birds and decide what it takes to become a responsible and nurturing bird owner, you will find more joy and enjoyment in these fantastic creatures. They truly are exquisite animals and can enhance your life in more ways than you might think.

Please do not let my opinions sway you away from owning a bird, but please consider your actions before you spend thousands of dollars on your bird, their cages and upkeep. Prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime.