Setting Up For The New Arrival

Are you considering adopting a bird? If so, keep in mind that it will become a member of your family and it will consider you a part of its' flock. It will depend on you for all its' needs and the love you give it will be returned more than you ever thought possible.

What do you need when you adopt a new bird? This is one of the questions we are asked all the time. Back in the Dark Ages of bird care, people thought all that was needed for the bird was a cage and seeds.

However, with more and more breeders selling hand-fed babies, this is no longer true. Back in those unenlightened days of bird care, (around 20 years ago) most of the birds in the country were either imported or smuggled into the country. The birds went through a quarantine station, and most of them were either young (though not babies) birdsor already mature birds. Little thought was given to their psychological well being. While there were many good loving owners, most birds suffered from the lack of knowledge about what their needs were. Luckily today we know so much more about what a bird needs to be kept physically healthy and mentally healthy as well.

When adopting a bird, the new owner has to figure in not only the cost of the bird, but the different supplies needed

as well. It is no longer just the cost of a cage and some seed. It is all the little extras. Many of these accessories are an ongoing cost and not a one time thing.

It is very important to make sure that the new bird sees an avian veterinarian as soon as possible. There is so much more known about birds today and because of this birds are living longer in captivity.

Part of the reason for this is better medical care and knowledge of bird health. More is known about proper nutrition. Today's avian veterinarian is able to diagnosis problems earlier or to prevent them all together. Make sure that the veterinarian you are seeing knows birds, sees them on a regular basis, and is current on all the latest research. While leaps and bounds have been made in the field of avian medicine, there are still few veterinarians who specialize in birds, or see birds as a regular part of their veterinary practice.

Also, keep in mind if you are adopting a baby bird that you plan to continue hand-feeding you will need extra supplies you would not require if you were adopting a baby bird fully weaned.