When deciding to add a feathered friend to your family, it's important to select a bird whose needs can be met in your home. Many birds, though popular and readily available, are not appropriate pets for most people. There are several species of birds with physical, behavioral, and social needs that are simply too great to be addressed in an average household. These birds should not be pets and are best left in their natural habitats.

Canaries, finches, cockatiels, parakeets, and lovebirds are birds who have a long history of selective breeding in captivity, and can be considered domesticated strains of wild species. Their basic needs are more easily met, proper supplies to care for them are readily available, and these birds can live long, happy lives in a caring home.

In comparison, birds like conures, parrots, macaws, cockatoos, and toucans are problematic because they have not undergone the same process of long captive breeding and genetic selection. These birds are still wild animals, even when bred in captivity. As such, their normal behavior can make them difficult and demanding to live with. Issues like size, noise, destructive behavior, biting, and behavioral vices, coupled with a lifespan of 50 years or more, can make these species inappropriate as pets for the average owner. Because of these humane reasons, these animals are not recommended as pets. Most people simply cannot provide for the many complex needs of such birds, causing them to suffer for their entire lives.

Another reason to choose captive-bred domestic strains of bird species is because of the wild animal trade. Despite U.S. laws that prohibit the import of many species of wild-caught birds, millions of birds are still caught every year for the pet trade and sold all over the world in pet stores or online. The commercial trade in wild animals is a multi-billion dollar business that threatens the survival of many different species, and results in the inhumane treatment of billions of animals every year. While your local pet store may be full of colorful birds, those creatures represent just a tiny fraction of the captured wild animals who did not survive the process.

If you decide that you would like to get a bird, check with your local animal shelter before getting one from a pet store, the Internet, or a classified ad in the newspaper. Many shelters today are not limited to just dogs and cats, and have plenty of birds who are looking for new homes. Go to www.Pets911.com or www.PetFinder.com to search for adoptable birds at animal shelters and bird rescue groups in your area.

DOG TIP

To find a good doggy day care for your pet ask your veterinarian, groomer, dog trainer or other pet owners for a recommendation. Consider touring the facility noting any odors, how the dogs are playing together and the attitude of the day care staff. There should be a ratio of no more than 10 dogs for every one human staff member. Be sure to select a facility that requires vaccinations to be up to date.

CAT TIP

Before making a visit to the veterinarian with your cat consider writing down your questions on a piece of paper. It is not uncommon to forget key questions and concerns once in the exam room. Your veterinarian will respect your preparations and appreciate you as a responsible pet owner.