Learning to Care for a Bird

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Birds have been valued as pets for a long time. Ancient Egyptians were the first to have birds as pets. Trained as messengers, birds delivered messages home during battles between Greeks and Romans. Canaries were used to detect poisonous gases in mines so miners could safely evacuate. Learning about types of birds as pets is a good idea. Finding the right match for a family will insure a positive pet experience. Certain birds like solitude while others will bond to one person for life. Some birds are noisy and not suited to apartments where neighbors could be disturbed. Animal shelters or bird rescue groups are possible places to find a bird. Bird clubs can suggest reputable breeders. Start with a healthy bird by checking its surroundings, feathers, and eyes. A visit to the vet is suggested as she can draw blood to help monitor the birds health. Having a list of questions is also a good idea. A bird needs a cage suitable for its size and wing span. A vet can suggest an appropriate diet for the bird and may microchip it for safety. With patience, many birds can learn to talk. Some love to go on outings with family members but owners should be aware of the birds location. Birds may peck and care should be taken to teach the bird proper behavior. Screaming at a bird is inappropriate as it may only mimic the owner. Birds can live from twenty to fifty years so an owner must be prepared to care for the pet for a lifetime. A bird can be a life-long companion. Large colorful photographs of a variety of birds are combined with large easy to read text. A table of contents, further reading and links, and a glossary are provided. Young readers will be fascinated learning about birds as pets. Part of the Beginning Pet Care with American Humane series., Children's Literature