With so many species of birds to choose from, finding the right feathered pet for your family and lifestyle can be a challenge. You will have to sort through birds of all sizes, shapes, and colors. Here are some important factors to consider to help you narrow down the choices for the right feathered pet for your family.

• Know what birds species can be legally kept as pets in your area. Checking your local regulations will help prevent unfortunate incidents later on.
• Some species of birds, like parrots, can live longer than humans do. Thus deciding to share your home with a feathered pet is a serious commitment. Some species of birds (such as finches and doves) have shorter lifespans than parrots. Knowing the average lifespan of a particular bird will help you plan for its future care.
• The responsibility of keeping a pet bird can be quite expensive. The budget should cover food, veterinary fees, housing, and accessories.
• Some birds vocalize loudly than others. If there are any noise restrictions in your area or you are living in an apartment, it is best to know more about the noise level that a particular bird can make.

If you want to know more about what bird species will best suit your lifestyle, read more and ask your Collingswood, NJ veterinarian about your possible choices.