How to Select Birds

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Evaluate your level of commitment, available time, budget and previous knowledge of bird issues. All these factors will seriously impact the type of bird that you should get. For example, if you spend a lot of hours outside the house, you may want to select species such as canaries or finches, which require little attention and do well when their basic needs are met. On the other hand, birds like lovebirds, cockatoos and parakeets need more human interaction and would suffer if left alone for long periods of time.
Step 2:
Keep in mind that birds are a long-time commitment. Large birds such as parrots can easily reach 50 years of age. Add to that their need for toys, large cages, time free from restrictions and other issues, and you are looking at a considerable investment of both money and time. If you are not ready to commit yourself to this, you are better off not taking in a bird.
Step 3:
Visit your local Humane Society to find birds available for adoption. While birds are rarely placed for adoption (at least when compared to the number of dogs and cats), it is possible to find some from time to time. One of the added benefits of visiting the Humane Society is that you will get recommendations and guidance to help you care for your new pet.
Step 4:
Stop by the Pet Station website to learn about bird clubs and associations. Each organization will provide you with tips and ideas on the characteristics of different bird species and help you decide which one is the best one for you.
Step 5:
Look for magazines geared to bird owners to help you better understand the characteristics of every bird. Magazines such as Winged Wisdom Magazine, Bird Talk and Bird Times provide ample information on selecting and caring for pet birds, along with expert advice on topics such as health, training and feeding birds.

Tips & Warnings

Don't select a parrot or other large bird if you cannot afford to care for it. Vet expenses and special care will amount to a considerable amount each year.

Resources

Information from the Humane Society

More Puppy Pages

How to Select a Parrot

With care and thought, you can select a parrot that will be perfect for your lifestyle.

Choosing a pet when you live in an apartment involves careful consideration. It is not like living in a house where you can just choose whatever pet you desire. A bird is an ideal apartment pet as it is small and doesn't require a lot of room. Follow...

Finches can sing, dance or merely serve as an attractive pet that catches the attention of your guests. With so many different finch species to choose from, it is important to become familiar with the traits of each type to make sure you are choosing the...

There are more than 300 species of parrots in the world. Because there are so many different types of parrots, it is often difficult to identify a bird correctly without the help of a bird dictionary. Adding to the confusion—many parrots are...

Whether you have a parrot or another type of bird, you can discover your bird’s natural skills and highlight them in play. Observe your bird carefully and think about what games might go with her skill set. Playing will help you learn even more of...