Pet birds?
 

Does anyone have any pet birds? I am (not seriously yet) interested in getting some little birds. Nothing too crazy, just some cute little finch birds probably. However, I have never owned a bird and have no idea what it is like to have some.

I already have two cats so I don't know if this would be a bad idea. Also do birds smell at all? Are they expensive to take care of and how much work do they require?

Anyone have any info??

Sorry.. but this sounds like a bad idea considering you have cats. The cats are likely grown up so they're not growing up with a bird. Putting a bird in a cage most of the time isn't great. They need freedom. Think about it.. they're already limited in their freedom, and on top of that you have cats around. Is this compassionate? I'm not sure about it. Imagine what will happen in your home with a bird flying and your cats chasing the bird around. Finches are a no go, only a large bird would be able to defend him/her self, maybe. A large bird with a powerful beak can also injure your cat. But have you thought about all the stress that the bird will endure..?! Not to mention you have two cats.

Please put yourself in the bird's perspective..:hug3:

How do you feel about animals in cages?

I loves birds, but I don’t feel right about caging them. I have a bird feeder on my patio so I can watch them when they visit.

When I have more space/backyard, I want to get a screech owl habitat so they can nest. I love owls.

:smile:

True, it was a quickly formed idea without much actual thought put into it. I always wanted a bird but yes cages are not kind.

I used to have zebra finches but didn't keep them for very long because our cat loved them more. We returned the finches to the pet store.They were fun to have, did smell if the cage wasn't cleaned and the bird feed at the time was cheap.

I now have peafowl but they live in their own house and are too big for the cats. Dogs and coyotes are another issue.

If you don't like having caged pets and can't take them out for some free time, then don't get them. Try an aquarium but be sure it's big enough for the number of fish you want and that cats can't knock over. Keeping fish is expensive due to how often you have to change the filters and water. The start up can be expensive too but better if on sale.

I think it's better to learn to appreciate the beauty of birds flying free in nature, rather than keep them confined as pets for their lifetimes. If you go looking for them in their natural habitats they will dazzle you with their spectacular displays.

I agree 100pct. I am so very mesmerized by them in flight. I could sit and watch them for ever. Which reminds me...I need to add bird seed to my bird feeder..

:smile:

Clio86,
I have a bird friend but I would never call him a "pet". Yet he comes to visit and "chat" with me every day, and it's of his own free will. He has done for two years. He obviously likes my company. We have a nice relationship.
I have seen him swoop in from quite a distance across my back field as soon as he catches sight of me in the kitchen window in the morning (as I'm drawing water for my coffee)
It is so lovely to be greeted by a wild bird in that happy way.
He's a Crow. He chose me...I didn't choose him. I don't even know why he chose to be my friend.
I think these things can happen. Usually humans are too pre-occupied to notice. But start noticing, and you never know which bird will take a liking to you!
Robins are also extremely friendly, and will come to their name, or if you whistle them, when they get to know you.
Of course, a small healthy treat is always welcome! Crows will eat all sorts. Robins particularly like meal-worms.

Thanks Tobi. I really like birds and honestly would love to have some as pets. Obviously that isn't ideal for the animals themselves. I have been interested in taking up bird-watching for the past three years but have not been very successful in finding anyone who shares that interest.

I had a bird fly up to me a few weeks ago. It sat eye level to me, about half a foot away, just staring at me for 20 seconds then flew away. I have also had a few random birds (mostly young mourning doves) take shelter in my backyard a couple times but they were skittish. Both were fledglings and one I was able to pick up.

I have given up on the idea of having birds as pets. Hopefully one day I can make a stronger connection to some wild birds in my own backyard. I should probably buy some bird feed then. :)

Good to hear! :smile:
Make sure to remove those ropes entirely from the bird food. Birds can get trapped in them with their legs, dying.. and possibly painfully and slowly..

I rehab wild Birds mostly Corvids for vets in my area, and some are Non releasable as deemed by the Vet's. So they remain here with me as permanent resident's and I have the relevant licenses for them. Though they come inside at night they have large aviary's that they go out int and can fly around and do what they wish safely.

If you want contact with birds, why not contact a local rehabber or rescue / sanctuary and go and volunteer some of your free time. This way you can help out and also learn about these birds and other wildlife.

If your cat's are outdoor roaming cats feeding wild birds on your property may not be such a great idea because of the cat's. If they are indoor cats then its not so bad. If you do feed them please don't feed any bread as this causes all birds a lot of issues and can kill them. But bird seed / grain and soaked cat or dog kibble, grapes, hard boiled eggs shell on and nuts. also just remember if you start feeding them regularly you will need to continue to do so.

( Don't feed Brazil and Macadamia nuts,bread, Avocado, chocolate, processed meats or foods, or any onions / alum family of plants, as these are poisonous to Bird's.)

I had a pet cockatiel growing up in high school. When I moved in with my husband while we were dating, we had cats as well. Didn't have any issues since the cats never really went in the room where the bird was, and he was never out of the cage unless I closed the door of the room he was in. I wouldn't say my bird smelled unless the cage didn't get cleaned in a timely fashion, but he was certainly messy. Any time I was able to let him out and roam free I would. Or I'd take his cage outside and let him enjoy the fresh air. He was fairly easy to take care of. I'd get another one, but depending on which breed you are looking at, you may be looking at a very long commitment. Parrots have long lives, sometimes out living their owners. That's something to keep in mind!

I have cats,and used to breed canaries and finches but in a outdoor aviary,
they were all happy, my cats did not bother them,the cats seemed to know they were my birds,but I would not like to keep a bird in a small cage in the house,
I feel it would not be fair on the bird