For the would-be pet
owner, birds have many advantages over other types of domestic livestock. They
are inexpensive to acquire and comparatively undemanding of their owner
attention. With rare exceptions a few
pounds a year will be quite sufficient to meet all the needs of a pet bird –
seed and/or fruit and live food, sand, grit, cuttlefish and green food.
Birds do not need to be
taken for daily walks, nor does their courtship behavior keep the neighbors
awake at a night. The majority of the
species mentioned in this book will breed freely and easily in captivity. But
for those whose space limitations demand a controlled pet population, it is
worth noting that bird caged singly seems to thrive as happily as those who
have access to mates. A bird cage takes up a very little space in the living
room. A cage 18 inches long by 12 inches wide will suffice for most of the smaller
species. Provided a cleaning routine (which takes only second day) is
instituted, cages birds need never smell, and are very rarely ‘vicious’ with either their owners or strangers.
Pet birds are ideal
beginners pets for children, but are equally suitable for elderly folk. They
can be wonderful companions for invalids.
The psychological therapy of being allowed to keep a pet bird in their
cell has been the start of many a hardened criminal’s resolve to ‘go straight’.
Keeping pet birds is a hobby which cuts across all ages and social
barriers. Pop stars and prime ministers,
royalty and rogues, as well as a host of ordinary folk, have taken pleasure in
this ever fascinating hobby.
