ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION ???

• I want a bird that talks!"
  Talking is a plus in a companion bird. But, it is not the reason to get a bird.
  
• I want a bird that matches my decor.
  Birds are pretty. But they are birds. They are messy and noisy.
  Birds of all colors need love and attention.
   
• Corn Cob Bedding
  Using corn cob bedding usually means an owner only wants to change the cage bedding once a week.  Would you like to have to stand in your own droppings?  Newspaper layers changed once a day is inexpensive and easy. AND corn cob bedding is a breeding ground for fungus.
   
• Commercial "cage protectors" for mites
  If you care for your bird appropriately, these are completely unnecessary.  One of the main ingredients in these cage additions is paradichlorobenzene which actually can be quite harmful to the health of you pet.  If you are concerned about mites, please see a qualified bird veterinarian. 
   
• Not buying a bird a toy because it gets chewed up and destroyed.
  Bird toys are made for chewing and destroying!  Chewing is a bird's natural behavior and a definite stress reliever.  Being stuck in a cage all day is no fun with no toys to play with. Toys enrich your bird's environment. And an enriched environment results in a happy, healthy bird.
   
• Asking the same questions over and over without listening to the answers provided or reading the recommended books and magazines.
  Many people don't realize that a companion bird demands as much attention as a child. Because of their long lives, your birds will be your companions for many years!  The more you understand about the needs of a companion bird BEFORE bringing it home, the happier both you and your pet will be.  Different birds fit well in different environments. Every person contemplating bringing a companion bird into the home should do everything possible to learn from the multitude of available resources.
   
• Birds on the shoulder
  Rule one: If you cannot get your bird off of your shoulder with a simple command - no shoulders!
  Rule two: If the bird has EVER bitten you while on your shoulder - no shoulders!
  Rule three: Amazons should not be on the shoulders during breeding season. If you don't know when breeding season is for Amazons, you should read the previous pet peeve.
  Rule four: Never let a bird on your shoulder when you are dressed to go out, or are wearing that favorite sweater your Aunt gave you for Christmas. A nice poop will make quite a mess. And it will not be the bird's fault.
   
• Proper Diet
  If you are going to invest in a companion bird, don't feed your pet a seed diet in addition to a few veggies or some fruit because it may be less expensive than a good pelleted diet. Consider the cost of treating an overweight, but malnourished bird with high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, respiratory problems, feather problems (or no feathers at all), heart problems, and more, due to an improper diet. 
   
• Birds as a gift
  Birds, or any animal for that matter, should not be bought on impulse as a gift for another person, particularly if that person has never kept a pet bird.  More often than not, these birds are misunderstood, neglected, or even abandoned because their owners are not prepared to properly care for them.  Birds live for many years and require a lot of interaction and love from their owners in order to live a happy life.  Always research first and take into consideration the needs of the bird before purchasing it.
   
• Medical Care
  DON'T ignore the medical needs of your bird!! Always have money tucked away for an avian emergency. An emergency can (and will) occur when it is least convenient financially or otherwise. The guilt and heartbreak that will haunt you forever if you do not do the right thing - will cost you more than this vet visit possibly could.