Birds as pets

KEEPING birds as pets has been a human pastime for some 4000 years. But despite its entrenched traditions, bird-keeping seems to be a hobby in conflict with itself.

The most glaring contradiction inherent in having a pet bird is the concept of caging nature’s freest animal. Birds are touted as good pets for those with limited space, yet all the best care advice demands they have access to an aviary or at least some room to fly. These conflicts have been the source of many debates on budgie husbandry, but one thing has been clear for ages: it make a lot of people happy.

Ancient Egyptians were particularly fond of birds, caging, domesticating and deifying them in countless hieroglyphics. From carrier pigeons to hunting falcons to the chic playthings of Greek and Roman antiquity, the domestication of birds has always revealed our earthbound obsession with colour and abandon – our attempt to penetrate the heavens vicariously.

The enormous popularity of bird-watching further exposes our fascination for these creatures. (See Flock together) Direct descendants of the dinosaurs, birds are surely the most vibrantly coloured and variable creatures in the animal kingdom. And it’s utterly natural for us to want to reach out and pull them into our world.  

A strong emphasis on their looks is the reason birds are often considered a more “decorative” style pet like fish. But depending on the breed, birds can be highly intelligent, social and interactive. And they will require a significant amount more attention and maintenance than your average aquarium. Considering many domestic species have an almost human lifespan, birds can be a major undertaking.

Acquiring a pet bird should be the result of careful planning and a clear understanding of the responsibilities involved. Prospective owners should carefully consider whether they have, and will continue to have, the facilities, time, financial means and level of interest necessary to ensure a high standard of care for their bird. Owners need to make sure they will be able to meet the bird’s physiological, behavioural and social needs.

The Royal Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals urges people looking for pet birds to check with their local animal rescue group first. The RSPCA says if you can’t find the right pet birds or have your heart set on specific types of birds you’ll need to find a responsible source. It’s important to purchase birds from legitimate sources such as a reputable breeder or seller (who in turn purchases birds from a responsible breeder). To promote and improve bird welfare, breeding birds and their offspring must be provided with a high standard of care and good living conditions.

Some key considerations

Housing must meet the bird’s physiological, behavioural and social needs. Provide a cage or enclosure as large as possible. Ideally, any enclosure should provide a large space relative to the size of the bird to allow for free movement and flight. Where birds are permanently confined in a cage they need to have regular access to a flight aviary or opportunities to fly in a safe environment (such as indoors).

Birds require sufficient horizontal and vertical space to allow for natural free movement and flight. Remember that birds usually do not fly straight up and down and therefore cages that are narrow with a lot of vertical space – but not a lot of horizontal space – may not provide adequate or suitable dimensions for pet birds.

An interesting housing environment will ensure your pet birds don't become bored when they are confined. Providing environmental enrichment such as a varied appropriate diet, movable perches and other types of safe features will make your bird's life much more enjoyable.

Social contact is also very important – most bird species are highly social, living in either groups or at least pairs in their natural environments. Pet birds should be housed in groups or pairs of compatible species or individuals to ensure that their need for social contact is met. Veterinary care should be provided as required.