What Kind of Bird Are You?

Deciding to purchase a new pet is a big commitment, and should never be entered into lightly. However, this is not something that should scare you away from getting your new feathered friend. There is a simple and easy question that you can ask yourself the next time that you look for a pet bird, and that question is, "What kind of bird are you?"

There are four things that you should keep in mind as you are trying to determine what kind of bird you are. These are simply guidelines, but should be able to help you quickly determine what you are looking for.

• Size. Generally speaking, there are a variety of birds that you can choose from. Basically, this boils down to small, medium and big. Some examples of large birds would be parrots and cockatiels, while some examples of the smaller birds that are commonly seen are love birds, finches and even parakeets. Keep in mind that the larger the size of the bird, then the corresponding size of the birds home.
• Personality. Every bird (regardless of species) is going to have its own personality. It is true however that birds from specific species act in similar manners. Cockatiels and parrots can be trusting and gentle if you have earned their trust. That being said, if they do not feel protected and secure in their home, they are going protect themselves. This would mean a large, and angry, bird running amok. Take the time to get to know your bird before you bring him/her home.
• Needs. When considering needs don't just focus on the possible needs of your new bird, but also on your needs as well. There are going to be some conflicts between your needs and that of the bird, so be sure that you weigh these factors as well in your considerations. Birds are going to take time, money and effort for their care, be sure that you understand all the needs as well as your ability to meet them.
• Source. This may surprise you, but one of the things that you really need to consider is where the bird has come from. You are going to want to make sure that you get a bird that was raised domestically, as opposed to one that was caught in the wild. There are laws in place that prohibit the importation of birds that were caught in the wild, but it still happens. So, you are going to want to make sure that you have some type of certification documenting where your new feathered friend came from.