09/01/2026
I see so much sadness in the bird world. So many rescued birds. Rescues full waiting for homes. I think most of the issue is in educating people about what it means to own birds and care for them properly.
There are so many videos of charming birds but rare to see the other side of living with them so i have decided to post about the things i experience with my flock.
Here are some things you dont always get told:
Expensive when you add up the cost of adequate diet, toys, vet care, damage to your home. Mine have cost me thousands a year just in repairs to my home.
Biting that causes bruising and bleeding. I have one that gets angry if i take things from him he cant have. He will latch onto my face swinging😑
Wanting to be with you all the time. Everything that is yours is theirs too. They can be territorial, jealous and attack other people they dont like.
Changing your home to suit their needs ect, no plants, no metal, other than stainless steal, suitable cooking utensils, being careful with doors, windows so they dont end up lost.
Cleaning- birds p**p regularly. Usually where ever they are perched which is usually on you! They dont care. When they eat they drop food or flick it at walls, floor, you...
They require companionship, alot of it. They bond closely with their chosen one and if they dont get enough time, stimulation they can resort to screaming, plucking.....seperation from their bonded human causes them stress so be prepared for all of these things for many years as many birds live longer than dogs, much longer.
They are like demanding todlers only they fly so they require training. They are wild animals and dont think like us. We have to think like them.
Birds can die easily in our environment. We bring them into our lives and are responsible for educating ourselves about what is harmful to them.
Yes the rewards are huge and bonding with a bird is amazing but all of the above comes with it.
Please think twice about what it really means to own a bird and your capacity to give them what they need for their lifetime. Remember they are intelligent and they feel loss and pain just as we do.
Please share and post your own experiences.