Dd wants a bird. Wwyd?

[mamalovesmojitos]

Hi all. I've never had a pet, I like animals but never really saw the attraction of keeping one. Especially birds as I've always thought it completely unnatural to keep them caged.

Dd has wanted a pet for so long but we do not have the space or experience for a dog. Recently we visited someones house; they had sweet little zebra finches. Dd was enthralled with them. Owner mentioned in passing that she was giving some away. Dd (7) has begged for them.

Is keeping pets a positive thing? Dd is very sensitive and kind, sort of 'motherly'. She wants a little buddy (only child). The birds seem to be easy and cheap to mind. However, I'm still a bit hesitant as I know nothing about keeping pets. Any advice gratefully received .

Bump

I'd say no.

Birds do not belong in cages.

I wouldn't get a bird- unless you let it flu daily and catch it easily, my nan got me n my sister one each. (my canary lasted 7 yrs and my sisters cocktatial is still going strong 17 yrs later.) I feel it's wrong to keep
Then caged up alone, plus there noise is pretty annoying!

Thank you for replying. Duly noted. I definitely think it's weird too, been reading up about the ethics of keeping pets all morning. Owner did say that they would not survive in wild as domesticated which softened me up a bit, but deep down I think I'd feel ashamed to have them.

Maybe I'll get dd a bird-shaped teddy instead .

How about a hamster? I think it's a bit less cruel as long as you get them a nice big cage with lots of enrichment and give them tons of attention. My daughter has had a hamster in the past and currently has pet rats, I'd say the rats are a lot more interesting.

I also agree with birds not belonging in cages, (so cruel, whales also don't belong in tanks but thats not the point though) i would say a hamster, or a rat easier pets, easier to live with

How about one of those bird feeders that attach to the window so she can watch them up close?

i have a huge issue with birds in cages. the cages are always just so, so, so small.

i mean, i am maybe slightly hypocritical as I keep rabbits, but they have a shed to live in and a very large run, plus run of the garden when we're around... it's as similar to a natural environment as we can make it

you simply cannot do that with a bird.

the other thing is that birds aren't really the kind of pet you can look after and cuddle and stroke and be friends with are they? not zebra finches anyway. I imagine a parrot or something would be a little more interactive, but little delicate birds? no.

get a cat instead.

go for a hamster - if handled lots they are friendly (unlike rabbits IM(limited)E) and they are easy to look after.

count youself lucky though - DS wants a hawk (not happening)

Hmm. Hamsters nocturnal. Not good for small people to handle and generally only live a couple of years! Had a lovely ratty some years ago. Again they don't live long. Perhaps sponsor a dog through dogs trust or something like that. (No vet bills, walking, cleaning out etc!)

my (russian) hamsters were crepuscular (is that the right word - awake morning & evening, asleep day & most of night). They were also taken into school be a friend's 5yo DS and passed round the whole class - they never once bit anyone until I had to have them in the same house as DCat and they weren't being handled as much.

a hawk! Will look into hamster. Sponsor a dog also a good idea, thanks. I'm allergic to cats.

I don't think she'd like to hold or cuddle them, just likes their song and to watch and talk to them. I'll definitely buy a bird feeder this weekend. Might ease the pain! Thanks.

Sited of keeping a pet bird you could adopt one from a species which needs conservation.

Volunteer dog walker for your local rescue? Sponsor a bird at the local zoo and get season tickets so you can go regularly?

Have you got enough outside space to rescue some battery hens?

It's quite easy to make a bird feeder too if you want to engage her in that.

just bear in mind the squirrels - they alwas eat most of the food we leave for the birds!!