1. WHY?:    Why do you want a bird?  Thinking about this first lays a foundation for the rest of your search.  The basic reasons a person chooses a bird are: companionship for themselves or their children, to decorate their homes or yards in an aviary setting, to add to an existing collection, or to breed them as a hobby or business.  Identify what you want to do and you will narrow your search considerably.

2. WHO?:    Who do you want in that cage?  Birds, like people, have a variety of personalities and mannerisms.  Consider the fact that some birds are known for beautiful singing, talking, or even screaming!  Additionally, many birds are known for their playfulness, shyness, hostility, or need to be cuddled.  Pick the personality that matches your expectations.

3. WHEN?:  Do you have time to spend with your bird?  First of all, some birds could outlive their owners!  Keep in mind that you could be in for a lifetime commitment.  Also realize that most birds are interactive animals and can often feel left out and develop serious behavior problems if they are neglected.  Keep that in mind if you are a busy professional or if you think the "newness" of owning a bird may wear off. 

4. WHERE?: Do you have a place to put your bird? Birds come in different sizes and require different sized cages.  Their homes should be in a place that allows for sun, shade, security, and playtime while hopefully not taking over any particular area in your home (unless you want them to).  Also, birds could be noisy, are definitely messy, and tend to be naturally destructive. Basically, they love to vocalize, chew, and poo!  The end result is that you should have a big enough place where your bird will be able to do all of its birdie business!

5. HOW MUCH?: Do you have enough money to own the bird you decide on?  Consider that you will have to buy the bird, then house it, feed it, and give it plenty of toys to destroy.  Remember that you might have to do this for many years and then consider whether or not you will have the finances in your budget to take care of the job.  Another point to ponder is that you may one day want to breed your pet and essentially have to double all of these costs to accomplish this.  Don't take a second job to pay for your hobby!

6. HOW TO BUY:  There are a number of places to buy a bird.  You can buy from pet stores, bird shops, bird shows, bird clubs, and from local breeders or those who ship nationwide.  No matter where you buy your pet you should take your time, ask lots of questions, only buy domestically raised birds, and buy from sources who come highly recommended by friends or club members.  Try to buy from a place that has a guarantee and favorable return policy that allows you a reasonable amount of time to take your bird to your own local avian specialist for a health examination.  The most important thing to be sure of is the health of the bird for sale.  You can find more information on how to spot health problems in our avian care section.

All of the above tips will hopefully match you to the perfect bird!  We hope that all of these tips help you and your family choose the right bird for a lifetime of enjoyment.   Don't forget to: