It’s no secret that Americans love animals. Wildlife watching is becoming a favorite pastime and pet ownership is immensely popular. In fact, there has been a growing trend of keeping small animals as pets, and that includes the nearly 21 million individuals who own birds. While still not as popular as dogs and cats, there are numerous reasons why pet lovers are flocking to their feathered friends.
Limited Equipment
Keeping a pet bird does not require much equipment, unlike other smaller animals. Every pet bird needs a cage and a perch, which comes standard in most cages. The lining is necessary for the cage, but that can be as simple as using old newspapers or wax paper. You’ll need food and water dishes, as you would for any pet, and birds should have toys and a nesting box for hiding. Birds also need access to sunlight, so providing overhead full-spectrum lights for birds can give a big boost to their health and happiness. You certainly won’t need to invest in the expensive water filters, heating elements, strip lights, and water conditioners that accompany many fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
Long Life Span
One of the major advantages birds offer to other pets is a longer life expectancy. While many dogs and cats fail to reach even ten years of age, many birds live 15 to 20 years or even longer. Smaller birds like doves, canaries, and lovebirds often average around 10 to 15 years, with larger species, especially in the parrot family, living for dozens of years. Some of the longest-living birds include macaws and African gray parrots, which can live 50 and 60 years, respectively.
Whether they are covered in fur or feathers, owning a pet can be one of life’s greatest joys. Next time you are considering bringing a pet into the family, don’t wing it, get a bird.
