Many parrot species can live up to 100 years.
If you are living in a city, looking for an affordable yet spacious place to stay is probably difficult. Worse, most of the time, landlords ban owning pets.
But living alone can be depressing. After all, humans are designed to be social creatures. We sought companionship. And this is why having a pet bird is rather underrated.
Below are the reasons why you should consider owning a bird instead.
1. Low maintenance
Let's admit it: although dogs and cats are cute, they could cause a lot of disasters at home. A lot. Imagine coming home from work feeling tired only to see your 60" Smart TV shattered into pieces after your naughty dog toppled it over.
That will not happen if you own a bird. Before heading out, just put them inside their cages for their (and your fragile belonging's) safety.
You also do not have to worry about their daily workout regime. Just let them out of their cage for some hours. If flying is not an option, various alternatives like climbing and wing beating are still plausible options.
Lastly, you also do not have to worry about their hygiene as birds are capable of doing that on their own. They only need a spritz of clean, non-chlorinated water at least once a week.
2. Inexpensive to feed
Birds eat a small volume of food every day. They primarily consume plant-based foods too, which are relatively cheaper compared to dogs' or cats' food.
Aside from seeds and nuts, birds can also consume even the discarded pieces from your vegetables and fruits. Just make sure it is not toxic to them, though. Pelleted foods for birds are also available in the market.
3. Can live in small spaces
This dilemma was mentioned earlier. Condominiums and sometimes even apartments usually have limited space. If that's the case, you can opt for small bird species like canaries and finches, which can live even on a small bird's cage.
Additionally, many landlords do not consider birds as a pet, so they will not be banned from your place or you will not have to worry about paying "pet fees". Be mindful of the bird's sounds, though, as it might disrupt your neighbors and warrant you an unwanted call from your landlord.
4. Naturally smart
Training your pets is a must, especially when you're living in a condominium. Unfortunately, it could be tricky especially on dogs.
Birds, on the other hand, are naturally smart. If you have watched some funny videos of birds online, you probably think it takes a lot of effort to train them. Actually, it does not. According to the National Audubon Society, birds can solve problems naturally. They can even use tools.
Chickadees, parrots, cockatoos, and crows are some examples of birds with a high degree of intelligence.
Moreover, birds are social creatures too. With proper training and bonding, they could be just as affectionate as a cat or dog. And using their natural intelligence, they could easily recognize their owners and even communicate with you.
5. Long life span
Although wild birds often die within three years, that is because of external factors such as the environment and predators. If well-taken care of, common bird pets like budgies can live up to 20 years. Parrot species, on the other hand, can live up to 100 years.
This is perfect for a human who wants a life-long pet companion.