Birds As Popular Pets: The Rising Trend of Avian Companions

By Carol Bryant, Professional Pet Blogger

A quiet revolution has been taking place over the past ten years. Avian companions have taken flight and made their mark as one of the top five most popular pets.

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) ‘s 2021-2022 National Pet Owner’s Survey reveals that 5.7 million homes have pet birds. Amazingly, at least 50 percent of bird owners say the pandemic was a significant factor in acquiring their new feathered friend.

As birds make their way into homes, they usually don’t fly solo. Most bird owners report sharing life with more than one bird. Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) are the top bird-owning sector, which means birds are here to stay.

Why Birds Make Popular Pets

According to MyRightBird.com, bird owners love watching their feathered companions in the peace and quiet of hone. Birds, like other pets, provide stress relief, social interaction, and are good for mental health and overall well-being.

The Bird Enjoyment and Advantage Koalition (BEAK) started a national holiday to pay honor and call attention to the joys that birds bring. National Pet Bird Day takes place on September 17th each year to recognize how birds enrich people’s lives.

Caring for New Birds at Home

Like any pet, birds require a good diet, a clean cage, fresh food and water, safe toys, exercise, and veterinary care. Your new bird may take a few days to weeks to acclimate to his new home. Try not to make loud noises initially so your bird isn’t easily startled. The GAIA Veterinary Center recommends not handling your bird for the first few days. Allow him to stay in his cage and simply clean the litter beneath. Dogs and cats should not be left alone with your birds for weeks to months. Your new feathered pals should feel secure in their new home.

Health and Wellness Care of Pet Birds

The UF Small Animal Hospital says birds are often seen for exams, beak and wing trims, nail trims, and DNA sexing.

From time to time, birds experience various issues related to their species. These include:

• Irritations
• Pecking sores
• Wounds
• Thrush
• Bumblefoot
• Abscesses
• Feather plucking

You should always seek veterinary help for wellness exams and to address any injuries, ailments, or illnesses.

Fortunately, Pet King Brands offers ZYMOX® Avian Topical Spray and Topical Solution for all birds. Formulated with the same antimicrobial LP3 enzyme system as its entire line, these products are antibiotic-free, non-stinging, and non-irritating.

ZYMOX avian products contain aloe vera and zinc gluconate to restore the moisture level of plumage and strengthen feathers. These are the types of products to keep at home in your bird’s first aid and care kit.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends pet parents are aware of signs of sickness in their birds. Symptoms include appearing sluggish or depressed, ruffled feathers or areas of feather loss, abnormal breathing, and fluid running from the eyes or nose.

Types of Popular Pet Birds

Hundreds of types of birds exist, but they don’t all make good pets. Here are some of the more popular pet birds people enjoy:

Canaries: They don’t talk, but they do sing pretty songs, particularly the male canaries. They come in several shades and live up to 10 years.

Cockatiel: Easy-going, friendly, and affectionate. They can whistle and make sounds, and some will even talk. They come in many colors and can live up to 20 years.

Finch: These small, lower-maintenance birds aren’t much for playing, but they love to be in pairs or small groups. A finch’s typical lifespan is ten years.

Lovebird: The lovebird is actually within the parrot species. They are quiet, need social interaction, and are ideal for smaller homes or apartments. Their lifespan can be up to 20 years.

Parakeet: Popular with new bird owners, they are both affectionate and friendly. They can whistle, sing, and even learn to do a trick or two. There are many breeds of parakeets, and they can live up to 15 years.

Further Information on Pet Birds

When selecting and caring for your pet bird, consider using these resources:

Selecting a Pet Bird Association of Avian Veterinarians Backyard Poultry

Suggest including the ZYMOX YT video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy_ujY2SYnw

About the Author

Gayle King introduced Carol Bryant as a “dog lover of the highest order” when she and her Cocker Spaniel, Dexter, appeared on Oprah Radio. Carol is well-known in the pet industry, having appeared on television, radio shows, and podcasts, as well as in articles from CNN and Yahoo to Dogster and Today.com. She is the founder of the award-winning blog FidoseofReality.com and is the Immediate Past President of the Dog Writers Association of America.