A hand-raised bird has the best pet potential in those species that humans enjoy interacting with — the parrots, from budgies and cockatiels all the way through to the giant hyacinth macaw. As aviculturists learn more about raising birds in captivity, though, they repeatedly find that it’s not the hand-feeding so much as the social contact with humans (really just a by-product of handfeeding) that increases the pet potential of birds.
In one study, orange-winged Amazons were allowed to raise their own babies, while they were also handled regularly by humans during the preweaning period. The results? The human-socialized, parent-raised babies made fine pets.
The study’s results make good sense, considering what we know about other companion animals. For example, experts recognize the importance of a puppy being fed by his mother and of the lessons he can learn from his mother and siblings. We don’t hand-raise puppies or kittens (unless they’re orphaned, of course), but we do understand the significance of socializing them. The best breeders of dogs and cats make sure their babies are gently handled from the time they’re born and are exposed to the sights, sounds, touches, and smells of human existence. Logically, the same rules apply to birds: Breeders should ensure they’re positively exposed to a variety of foods, objects, sounds, and situations. Without such socialization, baby birds will grow up to be suspicious or fearful of unfamiliar foods or objects. And yet, until recently, hand-feeding was the gold standard for raising and socializing baby birds. We think it’s time to change that belief: Successful raising of baby birds may rely on hand-feeding, but proper socialization is the key to developing companionship qualities in many ways. The two do not necessarily have to go together (and often don’t).
Considering the prospect of an older bird
When you start looking for birds, you can expect to find a fair number for sale who are past — and in some cases, long past — their adorable baby stage. They become available for all the reasons other pets do — their owners died, moved, divorced, became bored with their birds, or couldn’t deal with their behavior problems. Are older birds eligible for your consideration? Yes! But you need to look at each candidate individually, because the details of every situation — such as behavior patterns reinforced over the years, good and bad — will vary.
Before the age of sexual maturity
After the age of sexual maturity
Adolescent birds often go through a bitey period. Other behaviors that emerge during this “teenage stage” include sexual behaviors, whistling, singing, talking, and territorial behavior — metaphorically placing a “Keep Out!” sign on the front door of the cage. Now is a good time to stock up on toys and other items that it’s okay for your bird to destroy. When their African ringneck, Larry, went through this phase, Kim and her husband went through dozens of pairs of wooden chopsticks acquired from Chinese restaurants and sushi bars. Larry loved reducing them to wood chips.
Some birds also become available because they’re sexually mature. Like human teenagers, birds can drive you crazy because hormones are driving them crazy. Some birds change from Jekyll to Hyde seemingly overnight, and people who don’t understand or know how to cope often give up their pets in frustration. Sometimes such birds pass from home to home to home, sold and sold again, becoming bigger problems at each stop. These birds are not necessarily good pet candidates; realistically, they’re rehabilitation projects at best and may be suited only for experienced bird keepers. These birds deserve a good home, but it needs to be the right home, with a loving and experienced owner.
As the popularity of pet birds continues to hold, so, too, does the number of birds given up by their owners. The typical dog- and cat-oriented animal shelter isn’t really equipped to accept and rehome birds (although some do, of course). A variety of groups now operate to fill the gap, serving solely to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome pet birds. Some of these groups provide careful screening and extensive education of prospective owners to increase a bird’s chances of sticking in a new home. These organizations can be an excellent source of pet birds. To find one, talk to veterinarians, pet stores (especially those specializing in birds), and shelters in your area. We list a few in the appendix at the back of this book.
Finding a Reputable Source
Two factors are arguably more important than any others when it comes to buying the right bird with pet potential:
Species selection: Have you chosen the right kind of bird for what you want in a pet? Have you looked beyond the flash and feathers and selected the bird with the level of care, interactivity, and noise that you can live with? (If you’re not sure, turn to Chapter 2 for a look at pet bird species, or visit Chapter 19 for our list of best birds for beginners.)
Finding a reputable source for a healthy, well-socialized pet: If you choose a species that’s right for you and then go to the wrong source to purchase your bird, you may be in store for a disaster as big as, if not bigger than, picking the wrong kind of bird in the first place.
Retail outlets are not only the most popular places to get pet birds but also among the better sources. This advice is the opposite of what experts advise when people are looking for puppies and kittens. Reputable dog and cat breeders do not sell to pet stores. Pet-store puppies and kittens too often come from breeding operations where animals are mass-produced with no consideration for health or temperament, often under unspeakably cruel conditions. Others may come from casual local breeders with accidental litters to place.