Do You Have What It Takes

We are not trying to scare you away from owning an exotic bird. We just want you to know that they can get to be extremely expensive and be life altering. It is better to know what you could be getting into, before it happens, rather than after it is to late.
 
Here are just SOME of the expenses of owning an exotic bird:
 
  • Cage--Depending on the size you need could be from $200-$2500
  • Food--Pellets, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables daily
 
  • Toys--Lots of toys.  Again, depending on the size these can range from $5-$50. Sometimes these toys are chewed up and destroyed in a matter of days, sometimes in a matter of hours. They have to be replaced.
  • Perches--Birds need different types of perches--wood, concrete, rope and different size perches
  • Playstand--You will need at least 1 play stand for your bird. These can range from $50--$500
  • Vet Bills--Aviary vets aren't at every vet office. This is a specialized field. You have the cost of   routine care--nail, break and feather trims, then if you need tests there is blood work to test for diseases, and much more
  • Exotic birds chew--wood, toys, furniture, trim work, walls.  They don't care that the desk belonged to your great-grandmother and is worth $5,000.  To them it's something to chew on and they will enjoy it. You may not be a happy camper though
 
Bird Facts
 
  • Did you know exotic birds can live 50-80 years or longer?  Are you prepared to provide for them when they outlive you?
  • Did you know chocolate, avocados and fruit pits are deadly to birds?
  • Did you know that fumes from Teflon cookware can kill a bird in minutes?  Are you prepared to give up your non-stick cookware?
  • Did you know you CAN'T just feed a bird seed? They need pellets, fresh fruits & veggies.
  • Exotic birds need a great deal of time out of their cages and interaction with their "flock", which is you.  Do you have the time to devote? 
 
  • Exotic birds are incredibly intelligent. They have to be kept mentally stimulated.
  • Exotic birds can be VERY loud. How will your neighbors react when your bird starts screaming and continues for an hour with a sound that can be heard for 1/2 mile or more?
 
  • Not all birds talk, even ones that are "supposed" to. Some birds will never talk.
  • How about being bitten? The most loving, gentle, friendly bird can suddenly become aggressive.  There are horror stories of people being rushed to the emergency room after being bitten by a bird they've had for 15 years.
  • Did you know that a lot of exotic birds bond to one person only?  Sometimes they don't like anyone else and can be very possessive over their chosen one.
 
  • Bird cages MUST be kept clean.  That means cleaning and disinfecting at least once a week on top of the daily clean up of thrown food and waste.
  • Did you know most exotic birds are only 1-2 generations out of the wild?
 
None of this is meant to discourage anyone from owning an exotic bird.  They are truly wonderful companions that enrich our lives and hopefully we enrich theirs just a little.  But, and that's a huge BUT, you have to be aware of what to expect.  These aren't cats and dogs that you can just feed and take outside.  Exotic birds must be handled, played with, interacted with and given love and devotion.
 
Parrot Island Bird Toys. Bird Haven