Birds are exotic pets which are popular with pet owners across the world. There are many different types of birds that are kept as domestic pets, including parrots, budgies, doves and chickens.
However, are there some kinds of birds that make better caged pets than others? Let’s have a look at the different birds that may be better suited to life in a cage.
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Is it fair to keep birds in cages?
Some may think that keeping birds in cages is cruel. When you compare birds that live in the wild to birds that are kept as pets, there is a clear lack of freedom. However, we as humans are responsible for the breeding of caged birds and their popularity within the pet trade.
If you are thinking about adopting a bird, it may be worthwhile in supporting the rehoming market as opposed to pet shops and private breeders. This helps to keep the demand down for future captive breeding, as well as being able to offer a pre-owned bird a new home.
Can you keep wild birds in cages?
No, you should not keep wild caught birds at all. If wild birds are caught and kept in cages, they are likely to die. Wild birds often become stressed, lonely and malnourished.
If you have found a wild bird that is injured, contact your local wildlife rescue centre.
What birds cope well in cages
The pet bird trade offers a variety of different birds that have been bred to be kept as pets in cages. Before offering a pet bird a home, make sure that you are committed to them for the rest of their lives. Most of these birds have a life-span of between 10 – 15 years.
Also ensure that you do adequate research on your desired species of bird. Birds require specialised care and correct husbandry is paramount to a healthy bird.
Budgerigar
Budgies are one of the most popular birds to keep as pets. They are friendly, playful and loving. Budgies are small in size, easy to train and are low maintenance. They make a fantastic breed for new bird pet owners.
Cockatiel
Originally from Australia, Cockatiels are another bird that make great pets. They are intelligent, friendly and affectionate. They are only a small bird, so will not quickly outgrow a cage.
Canary
Native to the Canary Islands, Canaries make lovely little pets. They are usually bright and colourful as well as being intelligent and easy to train. Male Canaries will fill your home with a lovely sound of singing and chirping.
Chickens
Chickens make fantastic family pets and are a great way for children to learn about animal husbandry and care. They should be kept in large pens or cages for their own safety. If you’re a keen gardener, chicken manure makes fantastic compost!
Doves
There are a variety of Doves that are available in different shapes, sizes and colours. Doves can make fantastic pets. They are docile, gentle and easy to care for. Doves are low maintenance and make a great beginner bird.
What birds are not suited to life in a cage?
There are some birds that do not cope well with life in a cage. This can be due to the fact that they are confined to a small space or that their husbandry is incorrect. Some birds can just be really difficult to keep and may not be recommended for novice owners.
Macaws
The Macaw is an extremely intelligent bird. Whilst they can make good pets, you need to be pretty devoted to them. They are one of the largest birds that you can keep in a cage, but their enclosures need to be rather large. Plenty of space also needs to be allocated for ‘out of cage’ activities.
Cockatoo
These birds do make fantastic pets and they become extremely attached to their owners. It is for this reason that they may not enjoy life in a cage. Cockatoos like to be with their owners as much as possible, so can cause quite the drama if it is put in its cage.
Amazon Parrot
These birds may not like cage life due to the amount of space that they need in order to be happy. They are also highly social birds, so require playmates. This means that the amount of space that you need to offer them doubles in size.
Final thoughts on pet birds
Birds do make fantastic pets when they are provided with the correct husbandry and care. Birds will have a natural instinct to want to fly and explore their territory, so they should be offered as much space as possible so that they can spread their wings and fly.
However, it is important to understand that birds are not for everyone. Many people underestimate their care but also do not realise how loud and demanding birds can be. If you are worried about your bird, make sure that you know where your local veterinary practice is that treats avian patients.
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