If you are thinking about adding any kind of pet to your family, it is very important to keep your living arrangement, lifestyle, and financial situation in mind so you can choose a pet that will be compatible. Learning as much as possible about your new pet before acquisition will dramatically reduce unwanted pets.

Maybe you have limited space (live in an apartment), are unable to take your pets outside for daily walks, have limited funds, or simply crave an animal companion a little different than a cat or a dog. If you want a companion, but feel that a furry critter isn’t quite right for you, read on to learn the top ten reasons why birds make great pets.

1.  Most birds are very intelligent.

Compared to most animals, birds rank very high when it comes to intelligence. Their ability to learn and their inquisitive nature make them interesting and captivating pets. Most birds bond very easily with their owners, and will constantly learn from their behavior. This leads to delightfully human-like antics. When was the last time your cat said “Hello” or your dog said “Come in” when someone knocked at the door?

2. Most birds are easy to care for.

Compared to cats and dogs that typically have free roam of the house or yard, birds can be much easier to care for. They can be placed inside their cages when the owners are away (work, school, etc.), they don’t require house training, and daily walks are not an issue. Many people prefer the daily cleaning of a bird cage to the scooping of a litter box, or daily walks.

3. Most birds are simple to train.

Since birds are unusually smart, training them can be enjoyable, and they are typically very eager to learn new things from their owners. Because birds are smaller than other pets, their care can be less physically demanding that that of larger animals, which makes them good for children, the elderly, or disabled persons.

4. Birds require minimal grooming.

Birds are naturally very hygienic animals, and they preen (clean) their feathers daily to keep themselves shiny and clean. Rather than having to deal with 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 animals.

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. Most birds require very little space.

Small bird species, such as parakeets, canaries, and finches, make wonderful pets for those who live in apartments or condominiums with limited space. While larger pets require extra room to roam and play, a small bird’s cage can easily fit into a smaller living space.

7. Most rental properties do not consider birds as “pets”.

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.

8. Birds are very pretty.

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.

9. Most birds are relatively long lived.

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.

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