Paws and Claws

“Birds are a completely different and unique species compared to regular cats, dogs, or any other mammal,” says Dr. Nishit S. Gokarn, Veterinary Surgeon, at The Progressive Pet Clinic in Mumbai. The joy of watching their beautiful plumage along with seeing them play around in their own spaces, simply goes unmatched. It isn’t just the little tricks, many birds can be taught to chatter, sing, and make special sounds (car honks or doorbells). They enthrall everyone with their charms.

According to a study in 2022, the US alone had around 5.7 million pet birds. Many in India too seem to be garnering an interest in having birds as pets. Fatima Junaid Khan, a bird trainer and bird parent, shares her experience through the years with birds. She says, “These little ones are seriously adorable to keep as pets. They are very sociable, intelligent and with the right training they form deep bonds with their owners.”

Dr Nishit says, “With apartments getting smaller, housing a dog or cat may not be possible for everyone due to which having birds as pets is usually preferred.” Nishit adds, “I see a lot of people keep cockatiels as pets, as these tend to be much smaller in size as compared to the other varieties available.”

Fatima feels birds are more interactive than dogs and cats. “They simply make you happy by performing tricks in their little cages,” she shares. Birds usually do not require vaccinations. However, annual veterinary examinations and blood checks do become mandatory as they tend to grow old.

She adds, “Birds are a perfect fit in urban areas. Here, houses are small and a bird requires less room and space as compared to any four-legged animal.” Another differentiating fact is that with more consuming and busier lives, birds also tend to serve as an alternative yet appealing choice for those who want a pet with fewer or fewer demands.

Most mammals are high in maintenance even for minimalistic grooming. Some may need grooming or spa sessions to maintain their fur, while others may need regular baths to help them stay clean and keep bugs and fleas at bay. However, most birds are by default tuned to stay naturally hygienic. They preen their feathers daily to give themselves a grooming look at timely intervals. A bird bath can work wonders. They love taking a dip now and then to keep themselves clean. Fauzia Chaudhary says birds may seem independent, but they still need proper care. “A balanced diet, a lot of room for social interaction, and a lot of homely warmth and nurture.”

She believes that in India, most people prefer varieties of parrots, especially the Indian Ringneck or lovebirds along with Budgerigars aka Budgies. Fauzia adds, “The Indian Ringneck is particularly popular because it is known and cherished for its colourful plumage and fantastic ability to mimic sounds.” Adding, “The relatively easy care and training make these a favourite among bird enthusiasts and others.”

These cheerful, tiny bundles of joy come with a lot to offer. Dr Nishit says, “Physical and mental enrichment of birds is very important to keep them healthy.” He even shares a word of caution to those who may want to have birds kept as pets. Adding, “It’s imperative to ensure that you procure your little one from a licensed breeder or hobbyist as illegal trading of birds is quite rampant in the country and one shouldn’t fall prey to such.” A little bit of care, mindfulness, and compassion can help you take flights of fancy with your little birdie!