Bird Checklist: “Before You Buy”
Here, you'll find a checklist with important questions that you should ask yourself before buying birds.
Birds as pets for children? Yes, this works very well! Before you buy, you should also think about a few very things.
We have put together a checklist with the most important points. Discuss all of them with your family! Feel free to print this page so you can tick the boxes.
1. Life Expectancy
Can you look after your birds for 6-15 years?
Birds have a life expectancy of around 6-15 years (some breeds can even live for up to 40 years). Maybe you won’t be in school anymore, and you might be training or studying in another place.
2. Allergy
Are you allergic to birds?
Birds release a kind of dust that you can have an allergic reaction to. In this case, they are sadly not suitable as pets.
3. Vacation
Can someone look after your birds if you go on vacation?
It’s best if relatives can look after your pets while you’re away. Or friends that have their own pets. If not, there are always pet sitting services. But these can be expensive.
4. Costs
Do you have enough money to look after your birds?
Birds cost a lot to buy, and they need food as well as toys. If your pets get ill, you’ll have to take them to the vet and they could need medication. As these animals have very different lifespans, we can’t precisely say how much it costs to keep a bird.
We estimate 2,500 to 3,000 euros per animal. It’s best to ask a breeder in advance. But watch out: they may give you a lower figure as a huge number might scare you off - and that doesn’t make much sense for the seller.
We’ve come up with an extra article about the monthly costs of keeping a pair of birds.
5. Does Your Fmily Agree With the Decision?
After all, your parents will be responsible for your pet. They have to agree. Even your siblings should get a say in getting a new family member.
Parents’ Info
A pet can be a great experience for kids. Here are five reasons pets are good for children:
Children with pets:
- Learn about responsibility.
- Develop confidence and empathy.
- Are more active and get sick less often.
- Are less stressed and suffer from less anxiety.
- Feel less alone when their parents are at work.
Please don’t forget that parents are ultimately responsible for their children’s pets. Your child is allowed to help with feeding and cleaning but shouldn’t attempt these jobs alone until they’re at least 12 years old.
