When one thinks of a cute, cuddly and amusing family pet, a dog, cat or rabbit may come to mind, but according to Laurie Fierst, owner of Parrots & Company in Glenbrook, a bird might be also be the perfect choice.
Fierst told Patch that birds are more akin to dogs than cats when it comes to personality. "Birds have the intelligence of three year-old child, they can express themselves through body language, and some of them can even talk," Fierst said. "But every variety has different characteristics."
According to Fierst, who has been running her shop for over 30 years, birds have "tremendous pet quality" because they require less medical attention than other animals, they are very responsive when stimulated by their owners or toys and they can live a long time if taken care of properly.
"Cockatiels are most popular with families that have kids because they very affectionate," she said. "African greys, on the other hand, are popular because they can talk, but they aren't as cuddly. Macaus will make you laugh because they can roll over on their backs and white-bellied caiques love playing with toys."
But no matter what breed you choose, Fierst said that all birds attention, stimulation and a proper diet to live long and healthy lives.
"When customers come in and buy a bird from us for the first time, we teach them how to care for their new pets and give them explicit instructions because if you don't care for them and give them the attention they need, it's akin to leaving a puppy tied up outside," she said.
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