There are a lot of reasons to consider getting a cat or dog. Loyal, affectionate, friendly, and adorable, cats and dogs account for no less than 81% of all the animal companions found in Aussie households. But there’s a problem. Are you renting a place in a new condo that enforces strict restrictions when it comes to the ownership of conventional pets? If so, you might be barred from owning a fluffball that will keep you company. But there are solutions.

There are, unfortunately, plenty of rental dwellings in our country with restrictions on the ownership of cats and dogs. However, in many cases, these limitations don’t apply to animals kept in cages, such as pet birds. Parrots, budgies, cockatiels, or other birds such as conures are capable of forming genuine bonds with their handlers and are a perfect introductory pet for families with small children.

They Are a Great Choice for the Right Kind of Owner

Birds are intelligent little animals that are ideal for small apartments and that have no problem adapting to our daily routine. Moreover, compared to dogs and cats, the ownership of pet birds is quite straightforward and significantly less financially straining. Sure, bird ownership is not free. But on average, bird owners are looking at an average annual expenditure of $479, which is significantly lower than the $3,200 the average Australian spends on their dog each year.

Do you want to keep your birdie happy? Then, you will need to invest in a bird seed mix, high-quality bird feeders, some toys, a couple of perches and of course, a sturdy cage with plenty of bedding. It might seem like a lot, but in actuality, owning a bird is a breeze compared to other types of pets, and if you do it right, your feathered companion could stay in the company of your family for decades on end.

Around 9.5% of all Australian households own a bird, which might not sound like a lot, but it’s more than it was ten or fifteen years ago. On top of that, over a third of bird keepers own more than one bird, which is quite normal if you think about it, as pet birds are social animals that require companionship in order to be kept happy. But let's say you choose a bird because you can't provide a pet with constant attention. How can a bird seed mix and bird feeders be a way to compensate?

A Tool to Keep Your Companion Around for Decades

Small parrots usually live no longer than fifteen years, but for larger ones, such as African Greys, it’s not unusual to see them reach an age that will make even David Attenborough jealous. In fact, the longest living bird in recorded history is thought to have been a cockatoo, called Cocky Bennet, who died in 1916, in Sydney, at the venerable age of 120.

How can you make your feathered friend live for more years than you can count? Well, let’s face it, sometimes it’s about genetics and luck. But a large component of a pet bird’s longevity also comes from nutrition. A proper bird seed mix is important for your bird’s diet, but their nourishment should also be accompanied by fruits, fresh vegetables, and pellets, the last of which needs to account for more than half of the bird’s nutritional intake.

What should you look for in bird seed mixes? First of all, it depends on what bird you have. For cockatiels, since they are bigger, it would be a good idea to look for mixes with sunflower seeds, while for budgies, small grass seeds might be a better choice. Moreover, it’s necessary to choose only seed mixes and pellets that are manufactured by brands recognised in the Australian market. Harrisons and Zupreem are good choices, but on top of them, you could also go for Vetafarm, TOP’s, Pretty Bird, Murphys, Versele-Laga and FORAGE.

Why Invest in Bird Feeders?

High-quality bird seed mixes are necessary for the proper physical and even cognitive development of your pet bird. But if you purchase bird food, you will also need to invest in a container for it, right? Bird feeders might look like simple accessories, but they are one of the most important purchases you can make to ensure the hygiene and comfort of your feathered pal. Qualitative feeders:

• Are a way to keep your bird’s food free of bedding or droppings
• They reduce food waste since they prevent your bird from spilling its seeds or pellets
• They are a way to monitor your bird’s eating habits
• And they can accommodate many types of foods.

High-quality bird feeders are characterised by easy cleaning properties; they can be attached directly to the sides of the cage, they come in a large variety of sizes, and most importantly, they are cost-friendly and can be utilised for years on end.

What Other Bird Accessories Should You Invest In?

Bird feeders and seed mixes are necessary in order to keep your feathered friend happy, plump, and healthy. But it’s not enough. In order to ensure your bird doesn’t get bored and encourage natural foraging behaviour, you should also consider investing in perches, toys, swings, bird baths, mirrors, and play stands. Your bird really doesn’t need that much in order to keep itself busy. But a sterile, empty cage will demoralise even the most resilient and social of pets. Speaking of social, pet birds often need a companion from the same species in order to be happy.

Cockatiels, Budgies, Finches and Lorikeets in particular can often thrive when housed with another bird of the same species. However, larger parrots, such as African Greys and Macaws, can oftentimes be fine alone, as long as they are in the constant company of their handlers. Birds are actually quite fond of other people’s presence and they can get stressed when we are not around.

Sure, one of the reasons why you consider getting a bird in the first place is that you likely don’t have enough time for a more demanding pet. But it’s important to remember that accessories such as bird feeders and toys are just distractions, and ultimately, your feathered friend will occasionally need your presence.