Birds

These are pets such as budgies, cockatiels, parrots, finches, love birds, canaries and cockatoos

Environment

A suitable living environment

Diet

A suitable diet

Behaviour

To be able to behave normally

Companionship

To have appropriate companionship

Health

To be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease

1

Environment

A suitable living environment

2

Diet

A suitable diet

3

Behaviour

To be able to behave normally

4

Companionship

To have appropriate companionship

5

Health

To be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease

Did you know?

Did you know that some lovebirds like to carry their nesting material under their wings rather than in their beaks? Birds make beautiful pets but they do need to be kept occupied otherwise they can become bored which leads to stress and feather plucking. All will benefit from some reward based training to help them feel comfortable with being handled. Some people like to keep their pet birds indoors while others will create an outdoor aviary. You’ll need to do your research to see which option suits you best.

Check before you buy

Research before you buy

Be sure you fully understand and fully appreciate the needs of the animal you are interested in, for example providing the right types of perches. Make sure you will be able to afford to meet the costs for the lifetime of the animal.

Consider contacting your local animal rescue/rehoming centre

Seek advice from reputable pet shops, breeders, books and websites

There might also be local interest groups that could help and your local veterinary practice may also be able to recommend suitable breeders.

Ensure you know what equipment you’ll need to make your pet at home, including providing them with sufficient space to get exercise when they need it

Ensure you buy from someone who specialises in the animal you are interested in

Visit the animal you are intending to buy

If you are buying an accommodation set-up with your new pet check that it is clean, supplied with the appropriate food and water receptacles, and that any special equipment for maintaining the animal’s environment is working properly

Some parrots require a special licence and paperwork before you can buy them so make sure that all relevant paperwork is available for inspection when you visit

This could include any necessary permits such as CITES or other documents.

If any paperwork is unavailable and has to be sent on, obtain a written commitment as to when it will be delivered

Ensure that the animal you are buying is healthy and free from signs of injury or disease