Most Birds are not meant for petting as they are flying beings and need a lot of space. In spite of that a lot of birds species are largely kept as pets. These birds include Pigeons, Doves, Parrots, Parakeets, Cockatoos, Macaws etc.
These birds are mainly considered as pets due to their vibrant colours and calm nature. But some people also prefer predatory birds as pets which mainly include Eagles and Kites. Such people are rare compared to other bird keepers. Among the most commonly petted birds are ducks, swans and hens, mainly for their eggs. Next in line are parrots of different kinds for their appearance.
Keeping birds in confinement is a questionable practice in all parts of the world. They are the most freedom loving creatures on Earth and they need it more than most living things. Different birds have different origins but they all have one thing in common, their desire for flight.
It is unusual that they will not fly off if left un-caged or unchained. Hence it is highly advisable to not to keep birds as pets. But there are certain birds that can be trained to be loyal to a particular household in spite of being left free to fly.
Structure of Birds
Birds can fly with easy as they have hollow bones which make their body light and their wings are heavier and stronger than their body helping the wings pull up their own body weight with ease.
Advantages of Petting Birds
- They can make good companions if handled with care and if provided enough freedom
- Birds make the house look prettier and are hassle free pets as they are minimum threat to guests or new faces
Disadvantages of Birds as Pets
- Pet Birds often become depressed as they are deprived of their natural instincts of flying and being social
- They too need heavy veterinary care unlike what most people do as they are not supposed to be caged or chained
- Captive Birds can be prone to malnutrition and often live longer than their owners making them susceptible to care takers who may not want them
- By nature birds are not meant for human companionship and prefer mingling with their own kind more than us
- They end up lacking proper nutrition as a result of only seed diets
- Pet Birds end up making the house extremely dirty with their excreting habits
Tips To Take Care of Birds
These tips are mainly relevant to those domesticated birds that cannot be left in the wild after spending such a long time in captivity
- Such birds need a lot of vet consultation as they are now prone to be being attacked by wild birds of the same breed if left in the wild
- Captive birds are not capable of adapting to the wild nature which can make them perish easily and become a prey to other predatory birds, which is why it is essential to be kind to them to avoid any further damage
Hence it is highly advised not to pet birds and to let them fly free in the wild where they belong.
