Responsibilities Of Bird Ownership

Responsibilities Of Bird Ownership

Read all you can about the particular type of pet you have chosen. Books about birds are obtainable from pet shops, newsagents or your local library. Talk to friends who have the same type of bird you wish to purchase. Check with your local veterinary surgeon about the specific medical problems the bird of your choice could contract. At the same time check how these diseases are recognisable and what preventative measures are required to avoid them.

Birds require specialized shelter from the elements, protection from natural enemies such as cats, dogs and wild birds, a correct and balanced daily diet, and the opportunity to take adequate exercise.

Owners must ensure that pets receive proper veterinary care when they are ill, and must watch their pets to detect signs of illness.

The Law

The Victorian Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act covers all animals and birds and proclaims the following offences pet owners should know about:

abandoning an animal, failing to provide drink, food or shelter for an animal.

ill-treating, injuring, tormenting or torturing an animal.

killing an animal in a cruel manner unlawfully or maliciously.

The Code of Practice for the Housing of Caged Birds provides minimum cage requirements and can be obtained from the RSPCA.

If you suspect cruelty to an animal inform the RSPCA or Victorian Police immediately.

Care For your cage Bird

Should the cage be placed outside the house on a given day, care must be taken to protect the bird care from predators - cats and wild birds. Birds should not be left in the sun without shade.

A tray on the floor of the cage will collect excreta and should be removed each day and thoroughly cleaned. The cage itself should be easy to scrub out, while water and food troughs and perches should be easily removable for cleaning purposes.

After a hard day's work, will your parents be able to put up with even normal bird noise in the evening? What about just normal bird noise, which is music to bird care lovers, but nails on a chalk board for some people? Will your parents be able to handle that, or will they always be yelling at the bird, or even worse, throw things at the cage or hit the cage out of frustration? Will they only "take so much of it" and tell you, after a time period, that the bird has to go because it's too noisy/messy/expensive, etc...? Please also keep in mind that rehoming can be extremely stressful on the bird. Some birds never recover from losing their home, and develop lifelong behavioral and psychological issues because of it.

Bottom line: If your parents say no, respect their wishes and wait until you have your own place until you get birds. If you truly want birds as pets, you will still want them just as much after you move out.

More info about bird care, please visit RSPCA Vic.