PetBirds : Tips on Selection and Health care [Part I]
  By Dr Annie Varghese M.V.Sc. (Surgery)
  Animal Husbandry Department , Kerala



     Pet Bird owners are on the increase here in India. Pet birds are cute, attractive, colourful and good companions. Thus, often a person becomes a pet bird owner on an impulse – he goes to a friend's house, sees a macaw or a cockatoo, falls in love with it, marches to the nearest pet shop, grabs the available pet bird, and goes home......here is a new pet bird owner. Little does he know what a bargain he has made- a macaw lives close to a 100 years. The special dietary needs, requirements, handling methods, let outs daily.. ...he will learn it the hard way. This article aims at directing people to sensible pet bird rearing and helping present owners in the care and management so as to avoid the losses and pain.

Breed Varieties:
There are more than 300- 400 varieties of pet birds to choose from. They range from small lovebirds, budgerigars to larger sized cockatoos, macaws, parrots. African Grey Parrot, Amazon Parrot, Bank Mynah, Talking Mynah, Canary, Cardinal, Cockatiel, Cut throat Finch, Emrald Toucan, Parakeet, Yellow wingedGreen Budgerigarars just to name a few.

Choosing a Pet Bird:

Before actually purchasing your first pet bird, look into the following points:
1) Purpose: The purpose should be clear - income ? companionship? Ornamental? The prospective pet bird owner should be clear whether his motive is one or more of the above reasons. Accordingly he should select a breed for maximum gain and minimum loss.

2) What Bird Size is best for you? : The size of a bird will be important in determining how long you will care for your pet as far as training, housing, requirements and overall interaction. Bigger birds come along with bigger commitments, and are exceptional companions, louder, messier, and more demanding than smaller ones. New owners should prefer smaller birds

3) Behaviour and Temperament: The way the bird relates to you is important in the quality of your ownership. Whether they are socializing types, or prefer not to be touched, all of this matters. Research prior and choose the species compatible in behavioural patterns to your needs.

4) Nutrition and Maintenance: Some species need special care and diet eg. Lories need a diet of pollen, nectar and fruit. Though beautiful and colourful, lories have liquid droppings and need special care.

5) Budget and Finance: The cost factor involved not just for proper housing and purchase, but also for daily care, veterinary care should be appropriated.

6) Time Commitments: Supervisory activities for at least 2 hours a day is important. Daily exercise, interaction, time out of cages is all important. A little research and careful selection can help select a species which one can enjoy.

to be contd....