Pet Birds For Children 

Have your little ones been begging for a pet?  A bird may actually be a good option for some families. However, our feathered pals need lots of love and care. They also vary quite widely on their needs and personalities. Before bringing one of these charming, beautiful creatures into your home, it’s important to do plenty of research. A Middletown, DE discusses getting birds for children in this article.

Choosing Polly

Picking the right kind of bird is more than half the battle here. Not all of our feathered buddies are suitable for children. Lovebirds, budgies, and cockatiels are popular options for kids. Finches and doves may also be suitable, though they prefer to be admired from a distance. There are actually quite a few things to think about here. Do you expect the kids to care for Polly, and play with her? Or do you prefer a bird that doesn’t need as much hands-on time? Keep in mind that many birds are happiest with buddies. Noise levels are something else to consider. Our winged pals can be loud! Ask your vet for advice.

Care

It’s all too common for kids to beg for pets, but then lose interest in their new animal friends. This can be very difficult on the pet, particularly if they end up getting rehomed. Changing owners is very stressful for our animal companions! Make sure that you’re willing to supervise Polly’s care and monitor interactions carefully. 

Bird Proofing

Birds are small, fragile, and curious. Birdproofing is a must with these guys! You’ll need to be very careful with things like fans, fumes, and windows. This is also something to consider if your kids often leave things lying around. Polly could hurt herself on small toys or other personal items! Ask your vet for more information.

Tips

There’s no simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer to the query of whether a bird is appropriate for a specific family. It depends on the bird and the household. Do plenty of research, and talk to your vet. You’ll also need to consider any other pets you have. Don’t move forward unless you’re willing to provide Polly with love and great care for the rest of her life … even if the kids lose interest in caring for her.

Do you have questions or concerns about bird care? Contact us, your Middletown, DE animal clinic, anytime.