Our Birds

Pet or Companion Birds

What to Consider

Birds have been kept as pets for time immemorial. Their magnificent plumage and for the most part a good ability to mimic sounds have made them increasingly popular as pets. It doesn’t make a great deal of difference whether they be large or small, native or exotic or whether they are seed eaters or nectar consumers, all are individuals and need to be accepted as such.

We at Birds ‘n’ All pride ourselves in either breeding and hand-rearing birds ourselves or acquiring birds from breeders who are endorsed by us. We would also be the first to agree that there can be a distinct difference between a ‘hand tame’ and ‘hand-reared’ bird. The former is a reflection of the time and effort spent with a young bird whilst it is being hand-reared whereas the latter doesn’t necessarily mean the bird welcomes human interaction.

Whilst we fully agree that a young bird that is spoon fed, or syringe-fed will generally respond to a human companion, a crop-fed bird can also do so if the owner/hand rearer spends sufficient time interacting with the young bird after feeding it and certainly has a high potential to become a good pet or companion bird when weaned.

It is critically important to consider before purchasing a bird; your own time commitment, the environment your pet bird will be placed in, your neighbour’s attitude to a possible noise issue, the size of the bird and level of care, potential allergic reactions to other members of the household and remember some species can live up to 100 years. Your new acquisition will regard you as its life partner and establish a stronger bond with you than any human could!

These birds will love you unconditionally and completely rely on you to care for and provide the best for their physical and emotional wellbeing. We also highly recommend that a bird is well socialised from an early age as should you be absent for a period of time the bird does not suffer what is regarded as ‘separation anxiety’ which can lead to psychological problems.

When a hand-reared tame bird is sold by us we ensure the new owner is provided with all the relevant details in regard to dietary requirements, general care and management, books to assist in caring for your new pet and details of who we consider as preferred avian vets.

In short, when thinking of purchasing a pet or companion bird please do consider the needs of the bird above your own and be prepared to make a long-term commitment rather than act on a whim. REMEMBER your new pet will rely on you to care for it in the best possible way and it will return your love tenfold!