Celebrating Pet Birds

September 17th has gone to the birds: it’s Pet Bird Day! While Polly may never be as popular as Fido or Fluffy, she’s flown, chirped, and danced her way into millions of hearts. We’re more than happy to put our feathered friends in the spotlight! In this article from Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO vet serving Louisville and surrounding areas, a local vet offers some fun facts and statistics about our winged pals. 

Bird Population

There are more than 10,000 bird species in the US today, with the vast majority of them being wild. Even many of the birds that are often kept as pets are just a few generations removed from living wild. As to how many pet birds are out there? An AMVA survey puts that number at just about 7.5 million.

Polly’s Popularity

It probably won’t be much of a surprise to learn that dogs and cats are the most popular pets in the world. Fish are in second place, with birds flying in behind them. As to the most popular pet birds, the adorable Parakeet, or Budgie, is happily chirping away in that top spot. Other popular birds include the Cockatiel, Dove, Canary, Hyacinth Macaw, Lovebirds, African Grey Parrots, Pionus Parrot, and Finch.

Choosing A Bird 

Are you considering adopting a bird? You’ll want to start by doing some research. While birds of a feather may very well flock together, their personalities and care needs vary from species to species. If you want a cute little bird that doesn’t need too much attention or playtime, a Finch may be a good option. If you’re more interested in a fun, vivacious pet that’s affectionate and playful, a Hyacinth Macaw, Cockatiel, or Parakeet may be a good choice. If you want a winged buddy that may learn to talk, sing, or dance, and is maybe a bit extra, an African Grey, Amazon Parrot, or Cockatoo may be a good option. 

Of course, Polly’s personality isn’t the only thing you’d want to look at. Longevity is another crucial thing to consider. Some birds can live longer than their humans! For a first time bird owner, we would recommend going through a bird rescue: they have experience at matching pets and people, and can offer great guidance. 

Do you have questions about your bird’s health or care? Contact us here at Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO vet serving Louisville and surrounding areas.