Pet BIRD Checklist: 10 questions to ask yourself before getting an exotic bird

An unfortunate reality in our world is how easy it is to acquire exotic birds as pets. And while many bird owners out there are perfectly suitable "parents" for exotics, many aren't. On average, a parrot is re-homed 7-10 times in its lifespan. With an intelligence of a 4 year old human child, imagine the emotional toll that takes on a bird throughout its life. So, why does this happen? Why are so many exotic birds surrendered, re-homed or sold back into bird stores? The simple answer: people don't do their homework. They don't research, they don't consider the responsibility, and they don't take that responsibility seriously.

As a result, many pet birds in captivity end up either locked away in a cage, neglected most of the time, yelled at for being a bird (destroying property, screaming loudly, biting, etc.), or are sent to a new "home" with no choice in the matter. This is extremely difficult for birds, and if you've ever seen photos of a bird with no feathers that looks "naked" then you've come across the results of exotic birds in a horrible human world. Birds in captivity, when neglected, abused, under-stimulated, or traumatized, will pluck out their feathers and self-harm due to the stress of being a captive bird in a bad home.

Whether you're looking to buy a parakeet, a cockatoo, a macaw, a toucan, or another type of exotic bird, it's critically important that you consider what it takes to give this bird a home. Not just a good home, but a home and lifestyle that provides your feathered friend the necessary enrichment, attention and care it deserves. As someone who has volunteered at parrot rescues and seen first-hand the result of exotic bird ownership gone wrong, not to mention, as someone who OWNS an exotic bird myself and did my homework before getting Chester the Toucan, I have developed a sort of "checklist" for exotic bird ownership to help you decide if a pet bird is right for your family or not.

1. Do I have other pets in the house that could pose a risk to a bird?

   As an example, cat saliva is toxic to birds. Cats like to play with their food and hunt birds for fun. One of the biggest causes of bird deaths - both in the wild and captivity - is cats.
   

2. Do I have any vulnerable family members who could be harmed by a bird?

   ALL. BIRDS. BITE. And they are extremely unpredictable. Do you have a young child in the house? Do you have anyone who is scared of birds? Do you have a reflex to hit something coming at you?
   

3. Do I have an exotic vet nearby for emergencies?

   Birds hide their illnesses until they are very ill and can no longer keep up the facade. Because of this, you often are dealing with life-or-death situations when you notice your bird is sick. Having a vet hours away isn't ideal. And it's critical you have an EXOTIC vet who knows about your type of bird. For example, I had a bad experience at an exotic vet because they didn't understand the difference between toucans and parrots. They asked me if I "checked his crop." Only parrots have crops, not toucans. It's this lack of awareness that can be detrimental to your bird's health. Make sure to "vet" your vet.
   

4. Have you researched common illnesses, health issues and hazards for your bird?

   As an example, Chester is a chestnut eared aracari (toucan). This means he's prone to gout, iron storage disease, and potentially diabetes. It also means he can't have citrus or any highly acidic foods or foods containing a lot of iron. So far most of the research is showing diabetes in the bigger species of toucans, but that's not to say it's impossible for Chester to get diabetes. So, have you researched symptoms, preventative measures, necessary lifestyle changes to accomodate this? The funds necessary to avoid these diseases such as organic fresh fruit, limiting citrus in their diet (citrus inhibits the ability to process iron), which foods are best and worst for them? How often they should receive checkups with a vet? Which blood tests are necessary? Female vs. male issues (such as females being 'egg bound'). Make sure you've done extensive research into the possible health issues that could happen to your bird. Are you able to adequately take preventative and reactive measures to mitigate any harm or disease to your bird?
   

5. Do you have a lifestyle that allows for you to provide the proper attention and enrichment your bird needs?

   Birds are flock animals. They are always in groups and are extremely social. If you're someone who doesn't work from home, doesn't have a household of people to spend time with your bird, loves to travel, is often gone/out of town, spends most days or nights "out" or spends a lot of time staring at screens, you probably shouldn't get a bird. One of the quickest ways for birds to feel neglect and begin self harming by plucking feathers is from being under-stimulated and not receiving the flock culture and attention they deserve. I spend every day waking up with Chester, narrating my day, including him in as much as possible, and making sure Chester feels "seen." Imagine going through life all day and not being perceived by anyone. They're all ignoring you like you're not there. Maybe you'd decide to do something like lash out and hurt someone just to get a reaction and have someone notice you. A lot of behavioral issues stem from birds not receiving the attention and enrichment they deserve. This means new toys, new foraging activities, new challenges, training, exercise, chances to fly, etc.
   

6. Are you comfortable having a bird flying around your house?

   I truly truly truly will NEVER understand why people choose to clip birds' wings. If you don't want an animal who can fly, don't get an f-ing bird!!! If you take away their ability to fly, you are taking away a main way for them to navigate. To exist. To exercise. To be a bird. Don't do it. And don't leave your bird in a cage just because it's inconvenient to have them out. Their cage shouldn't be their main place they live. It should be where they go to eat, poop, nap, etc. Their home should be YOUR home. Don't get a bird if you're not going to let a bird be a damn bird.
   

7. Are you prepared for the inevitable mess?

   Birds poop. They destroy. They chew. They throw. They steal. They poop again. Birds are the definition of "This is why we can't have nice things!" Now, the type of mess will depend on the type of bird. For example, many bigger parrots like African Grays, Macaws, Cockatoos and Amazons can chew through walls, doors, plastic, furniture, etc. Birds like toucans (which are NOT parrots) don't have this kind of beak strength, but due to their fruit diets, can stain your furniture, walls, clothes, and even ceilings, like CRAZY. When I decided to get Chester, I knew it was going to be messy. I get performance fabric to mitigate the amount of permanent stains, I rarely wear nice or expensive clothing, I don't get too "attached" to anything in my home, and I am CONSTANTLY CLEANING. Chester poops every 5 minutes or so, and it's not always possible to potty train your bird. So go into it expecting your bird will NOT be potty trained. Expect the poop mess and prepare for it. Also, as a side note, I know some people put "diapers" on their birds, but this is extremely bad for them and can cause infections due to their cloaca if worn for more than a very brief period of time. So there's no diaper solution to the in-home poop issue. And hence, if you're not fully willing to accept this, you might become one of the bird owners who keeps their bird primarily locked away. Which is not good bird ownership and will cause your bird to have behavioral issues and a worse quality of life. Let them be free, and let them poop! If that sounds gross, don't get a bird! Simple as that.
   

8. Are you prepared to change your life for a pet bird, including things you'll have to give up?

   A lot of cook and bakeware is toxic to birds, especially at high heat. Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems, so I had to get Caraway pans for baking/cooking and throw out any unsafe nonstick pans. If I bake with silicone, I use a neighbor's oven. I can't cook oil at too high of temperatures, and I have to be careful not to cause smoke in my apartment. Which brings me to candles...no more of those! When I got Chester, I had to give away $300 worth of candles I'd bought because not only is the fire unsafe, but the toxins emitted by the candles are harmful to birds. Same with many hair dryers, curling irons/hair straighteners, ironing boards, etc. And you'll have to think about other things too - ceiling fans, fire places, plug in scents, perfumes, room sprays, cleaning supplies, etc. There are a LOT of things that can kill your bird in your home. Are you really ready to give that all up?
   

9. Do you have the money to support an exotic bird?

   Think: not just annual or semi-annual vet visits, but emergency vet visits. Think: fresh food to give them a robust diet, new toys and enriching activities, air purifiers, new pans/cookware, any other household items you have to throw away and get "bird safe" versions of. Do you have the money? Are you actually going to spend it on your bird or say "eh, it'll be fine."
   

10. Are you prepared for the fact that your bird might not like you?

    Just because you get a bird doesn't mean it's going to bond with you. Often times, people get pet birds only for the bird to bond with their partner or another household member. Then the bird gets territorial and may attack you if you come near its chosen human. You don't get to choose who your bird likes, and it's not like a dog with unconditional love. Birds have very unique personalities. Not all sing, not all mimic, not all snuggle, not all do funny tricks. Some are quiet and sit still, not doing much. Some are rambunctious and chaotic. Some are violent and aggressive (well, actually, they all are...) Some just simply don't like your energy. So have you met a bird and tested the relationship/vibe between you two? Are you prepared to love your bird and give it a good life even if it doesn't love you back?

I hope these questions above help understand some of the important considerations before getting a pet bird. If you're still feeling confident, I'll leave you with the below illustration that always leaves me in tears because of the painful reality of bird ownership. Credit to Jenny Jinjya, the comic artist, for the below illustration.