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If you
are thinking about adding a pet to your family, it's important to keep in mind
your lifestyle and living situation so that you can choose a pet that will be
compatible.
Perhaps you are live in an apartment, are unable to take a pet outside for daily
walks, or simply crave a companion that will be a little less common than a cat
or dog. If you feel like a furry friend might not quite fit what you are
looking for, read on for the top ten reasons that a bird would make a wonderful
pet!
1. Birds are intelligent animals.
In the
animal kingdom, birds rank near the top when it comes to smarts. Their capacity
for learning and inquisitive nature makes them facsinating, captivating pets.
Birds that are bonded with their owners constantly learn from the person's
behavior, and often delight them with surprisingly human-like antics.
2. They are relatively easy to
care for.
As
opposed to four-legged pets that typically roam free within their owners homes,
birds are much easier to care for. They can be placed inside their cages when
you are at work or busy, they don't require daily walks outside, and
housebreaking is not an issue. Many people prefer the convenience of cleaning a
cage once daily to scooping a litter box or having to go for walks outside
every few hours.
 3. Birds are fairly simple to
train.
Because
of their above average intelligence, birds can be a joy to train and are
typically eager to learn new things from their owners. Since birds are
relatively small, training them can be less physically demanding than working
with larger creatures, making them a good choice for the young, elderly, or
disabled.
4. They require minimal grooming.
Birds are
naturally very hygienic animals, and they preen their feathers daily to keep
them shiny and clean. Rather than having to deal with smelly shampoos, flea
baths, and expensive haircuts, bird owners can usually maintain their pet's
health and good looks with a quick nail trim now and then and a shower of plain
water once or twice each week.
5. Birds are extremely social
creatures.
If you
want a pet that will bond strongly with you, a bird is a wonderful choice.
Given proper training and socialization, birds can be every bit as loving and
affectionate as a cat or dog. Many pet birds are inseparable from their owners,
some even accompanying them on daily errands such as trips to the bank or
grocery store.
 6. Birds are fairly inexpensive
to feed.
It's
important to provide pet birds with a high quality pelleted diet, but they can
also benefit greatly from foods that their owners share with them. When you
serve fresh fruits or vegetables in your home, you can set a portion aside for
your bird's meal. This provides the pet with additional nutrients and variety,
and allows owners to "stretch out" the commercial diets they buy.
Just make sure that the foods you share with your pet aren't toxic to birds!
7. They can be kept in a small
space.
Small
bird species, such as budgies, canaries, and finches, make wonderful pets for
those who live in apartments or condominiums with limited space. While larger
pets require extra room to romp and play, a small bird's cage can easily fit
into a cozier living space.
8. Birds are not considered
"pets" at most rental properties.
Owners of
rental property often impose monthly "pet fees" on tenants that have
cats and dogs. Most landlords, however, do not consider birds to be pets,
effectively relieving bird owners of the extra charges. For this reason, a bird
can be a very economical choice for renters who wish to adopt a pet.
9. Pet birds are attractive to
look at.
Obvious
as it may seem, the aesthetic value of owning a bird should not be
underestimated. It was, after all, a bird's beauty that attracted mankind to
them in the first place. Birds display beautiful colors and comical behavior
patterns that are interesting to watch and have even proven to lower stress
levels in individuals! It can't be denied that birds bring a certain life and
vibrance to the homes that they grace.
10. They are long-lived
companions.
Those who
have experienced the heartbreak of losing a long time pet are often not eager
to repeat the process any time soon. Many bird species live extraordinarily
long lives, some living more than 100 years! This often eases the concerns of
people who want to make sure they adopt a pet that they can love and enjoy for
a very long time.
Source: www.about.com
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