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Buying your first pet bird

by John Catchpole

It is when the weather is good and the days are longer, that you may go out to look for your first bird, or simply come across them by chance when visiting a garden centre or passing a pet shop. Whatever the motivation, it must always be borne in mind that buying a parrot is going to be a long-term commitment. All psittacines tend to be classified as ‘parrots’, whether a budgie or any other parakeet, cockatoo, macaw, conure, Amazon, African Grey or any of the many other species.

Some birds can live as long as humans and require as much care, love and attention as any other member of the family. If you have made up your mind that a bird is what you really want, the following points should help you make the right choice.

But bear in mind that the Animal Welfare Act 2006 became law in 2007 and makes owners and keepers responsible for ensuring that the welfare needs of their animals meet the basic needs of the Act.

The law also increases to 16, the minimum age at which a person can buy an animal, and prohibits giving animals as prizes to unaccompanied children under this age. Anyone who is cruel to an animal, or does not provide for its welfare needs, may face prosecution.

The big question is: Which species is best for your home and from where do you buy it?