National Bird Day is May 4th! Our winged friends are very cute and cheerful little pets, and they certainly do brighten up our lives with their musical voices, adorable habits, and charming personalities. These colorful fluffballs can carve out some pretty big spaces in our hearts! Read on as a local Greater Cincinnati vet lists some reasons to celebrate Polly’s special day.
Polly will probably never become as popular as Fluffy or Fido, but she is definitely winning a lot of fans. Recent surveys show that bird ownership is on the rise in the U.S. As of 2017, there were over 20 million households with pet birds. That’s a pretty big increase over the 14.3 million reported in 2015!
Why are birds gaining ground? Social media might have something to do with it. Every year, more and more people post videos of their feathered friends dancing, singing, and generally living their best lives. It’s almost impossible not to laugh at some of Polly’s silly antics!
Before adopting a bird, do some research. Some of our winged friends can live as long as 100 years! Macaws and Amazons have the longest lifespans, but other birds can also be pretty long-lived. Cockatoos, for example, can live 40 years.
Many birds really like music. This makes sense: after all, birdsong is the music of the wild. Polly does have her own tastes, however. Start by playing something relaxing. (An Eagles song wouldn’t be inappropriate.) You may also find that your colorful little pal really enjoys upbeat dance music. There’s only one way to find out!
One of the best things about birds is their ability to talk. Some of the chattier ones are Amazon parrots, Indian Ringneck parakeets, Cockatoos, African Grey parrots, and Eclectus parrots. However, birds are all unique individuals, and they don’t all speak.
Most birds haven’t really been domesticated, the way dogs and cats have been. For the most part, Polly is no different than her wild cousins. Early training and socialization are key. Speaking of wild birds, consider setting up a birdfeeder. This is a great way to honor our feathered buddies!
Contact us, your Greater Cincinnati veterinary clinic, for your bird’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
