Tips n' Techniques #04
Choosing a Bird

When deciding on what sort of bird to buy, consider the amount of room you have, whether you want a bird that can be taught to talk and how much time you have to look after it. Male budgies that are by themselves are much easier to train to talk than females or a group of budgies. Larger birds naturally require much larger cages and can be quite noisy. Like any pet you must consider the affect a bird will have on your life and vica versa.

When taking a new bird home, try not to startle or bother it too much over the first few days as it's new surroundings, sounds and smell will all be a bit bewildering until it settles in. It may seem off it's food at first so encourage eating with treats if needed.

When buying a bird choose one that looks healthy and is active. Inspect the cages they are housed in. The care and attention given to their accommodation should be a good indication as to how they have been looked after. If other birds in the cage seem sick, enquire as to the cause and whether or not they will affect your bird . Seek advice on what sort of seed and food the bird is currently used to . You can then wean them onto your own diet over a few days. Remember, birds are creatures of habit and too many sudden changes can stress them.

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