A Bird for Christmas
© 1996 Sybil Erden,
Phoenix Arizona - revised July 21, 1997

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Birds are wonderful companions; bright, colorful, inquisitive and sometimes even talkative. Because they are so appealing, every year, especially shortly before the holidays, I receive phone calls from friends and acquaintances who have questions about getting a first bird, or giving a bird as a gift.

What kind of bird is a good first bird?

Do you want a pretty bird to watch, one that is not especially interactive with you? Then perhaps a finch or canary are for you. Are you interested in a riendly little bird you can play with? Then two of the favorite first birds are hand-reared budgies and cockatiels. All of these birds are available everywhere and are pretty easy to get from local breeders or pet stores. It is also easy to find toys, cages, playpens, carriers and food for these smaller birds. Before you decide, visit bird shows or pet stores and look around. Go to local breeders and handle some of the birds. Buy a book or read some magazine articles about the bird you are considering. Then make an educated choice based on the space, time and specific requirements you have to meet.

How much time does a bird take to care for?

Birds take up a lot of time. People think that a small bird takes less work than a large bird, and that is just not true. A small bird takes less space, and in most cases is quieter. But one little bird takes more time than a 150 pound Rottweiller. If you want your friendly little baby bird to become a friendly adult, the more time youspend with him the better. I know a number of people who bring their (generally smaller) birds to work with them. They have a second cage or playpen set up in their offices, or work areas. As a result these birds remain very friendly to one and all! What a great boss these folks must have!

Are birds good pets?

Birds are not pets. They are either aviary flock birds, where they live and socialize with others of their own kind. Or they are breeders, who likewise only interact with another bird; their mate. Or they are companion birds, they bond with your and your family, and accept you as their flock. Birds need intense interacting and socializing. It is part of their nature. In the wild their lives depend upon it, in captivity their mental well being is determined by it.

What kind of / size cage should I get?

Always get the largest cage you can for your bird. Decided on one? Look at the one a size bigger and you should probably go for that. Important, however, is making sure the bars are close enough that the bird cannot get it’s head through no matter what it does. Try to find a cage that has horizontal bars as well as vertical, for ease of climbing. And, for most birds, unless it has a very long tail, it is better to get a square size rather than a tall skinny size. The absolute minimum size a cage must be, even if your bird will be spending most of his time outside on a playpen or play perch, and will only be sleeping in it, is large enough to have it spread it’s wings and flap them vigorously. Make sure the cage has no lead paint, and if it is galvanized metal, scrub it down with vinegar solution and flush well with water to remove any toxic residues.

How long do birds live?

Probably longer than you’d guess! Although finches have fairly short life spans, (average 4-5 years) even a little Cockatiel can live past the age of 30! This is why people must understand that taking in a bird is a lifetime commitment.... YOUR lifetime! Like having a baby, this is something that should not be an impulse. Below is a chart of maximum and average life spans (in years) of some companion birds. (Ref: Avian Medicine, Principles and Practices Ritchie, Harrison and Harrison, Wingers, 1994)