PETS : Don’t Wing It If You Plan to Feather Your Nest With Pet Bird
They don’t require pooper-scoopers, flea dips or a big back yard. Those are some of the reasons Lance Bryson thinks birds are fast becoming the pet of choice.
Bryson, organizer of Sunday’s Bird Expo at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, says that because of the large number of people who live in apartments and condos, prospective pet owners are flocking to birds.
Whether you spend $6 for a parakeet or $6,000 for a macaw--or buy one of the other approximately 1,000 birds that will be on sale at the swap meet--make sure you’re getting the pet that’s right for you.
Some birds by nature are quiet; others are loud and demand attention. You should know your comfort zone and buy a pet that will provide companionship, not chaos.
Conures, also called dwarf parrots, are smart and can be taught to do tricks, but because of their screeching, they may not be the right pet for high-strung people.
Cockatiels, on the other hand, are gentle, loving and fairly quiet. Some males can be taught to talk, and most cockatiels are good whistlers. All varieties of cockatiels have a mild temperament.
If you want a good talker, consider an African gray. But if you’re interested in a quieter, less demanding companion, consider a finch or a canary. Of the nearly 30 varieties of canaries, all are tranquil. If you want a canary that will be a good singer, buy a male.
Larger parrots, such as African grays or cockatoos, may be too much trouble for a first-time bird owner. Regular visits to the avian veterinarian are required for nail, beak and wing trimming, and annual blood tests are recommended. Low maintenance makes parakeets or cockatiels well-suited to first-time bird owners.
When choosing a bird, beware of one that sneezes, has nasal discharge and is listless; it could signal a respiratory problem. A healthy bird has bright eyes; clean, shiny feathers; a good appetite, and plenty of energy.
As you browse, be aware that the bird also may be making a selection. It is common for parrots and other large birds to form people preferences. If a bird doesn’t like you, it might show it, by biting you or using more subtle body language.
Avian specialists will be at the Bird Expo so shoppers can discuss concerns about bird ownership. They include conure expert Robbie Harris, who will autograph her book; avian veterinarian Michael Ikeda, who will answer questions about bird health and maintenance, and author Chris Davis--”The Bird Lady”--who will offer advice on preventing “bad” bird behavior.
* The Bird Expo is Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Orange County Fairgrounds, Building 10, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children under 12. Information: (714) 363-8279
