Pet Forum / Birds / Birds / November 2008

I'm not at all sure enjoying seeing a few birds while in a nursing home
translates into wanting to be around one 24/7 at home.  Caged "show"
birds are very different from companion birds.  I'm 63 and have
companion birds who will be with me until I keel over.  That's a scarlet
macaw, a CAG, and a white front amazon.

For a  companion bird the species doesn't matter nearly as much and the
personality of the individual bird.  Species  does affect how loud they
can be and maybe how messy their eating habits can be.  But what  really
 matters is whether the individual bird accepts the human as a companion.
YOU CANNOT JUDGE THAT FOR YOUR MOTHER!   A bird might easily like you
and not her, or the other way around. It might like both of your or
neither of you.  Best to find out before you bring the bird home.

 Large birds tend to have more confidence and not be as easily
frightened.  Your mother is still many times larger than a bird.  On the
other hand a large bird is  more capable of inflicting injury if the
human mistreats them.  That's mistreatment as a bird sees things which
includes ignoring them. Accidently hurting a bird will get you bitten
just as quickly as hurting it intentionally.

Don't do you mother any favors by surprising her with a caged bird.  If
she really wants a bird discuss it with her including what she expects
from the bird and what the bird will expect from her.  Flock birds crave
companionship and the feeling of safety that a companion provides.
They'll take companionship where they can get it including from humans
if the human behaves somewhat like they expect a companion should.
Thats why they tolerate humans, not that they favor being around humans
more than other birds of their own species. The human must do their
part. A caged bird which is ignored will be miserable and may turn mean.
 Best is for the human who wants a bird to go to a place (store or
breeder) which has birds and see if any of the >individual<  bird's seem
particularly friendly to that person.  From my experience you'll know if
a bird is right for for you and that's unlikely to change later. A bird
which will cuddle or just sit next to you and be friendly is a constant
joy to have around.  A bird that's scared and cringes in a cage is no
pleasure.

What kind of birds does the nursing home have?  I know that my mom's nursing
home has finches that the residents really love to watch, and I could see
them being good company for an older person who just wants another "being"
for company and entertainment.  OTOH, if she's looking for something that
she can handle, that opens up a whole 'nother world :).   And some species
have more dust, which can be an issue with older people whose activity
levels may be lower, and lung capacity compromised - but only you and your
mom can know that.

What is your mom looking for in a companion bird?  You mention singing, all
companion birds have a "song" of some sort, but with hearing changes, not
all older people consider the sounds easy to hear.  My grandmother, when she
was living with us, was horribly bothered by my lovebirds' songs, while I
considered them simply cheerful.  Another consideration are the hearing
differences - a cockatiel whistle, for example, might literally be painful.
Does she have bird experience?

And of course, you have to take into consideration lifespan.  I'm only in my
50's, and *I* have to consider it.  There may be a chance that you will
inherit the bird ;).

Just a few things to take into consideration...but a couple of little
finches are very entertaining, cheerful, not too noisy in the way that
hookbills can be, and responsive - and they come in various colors as well.
Their songs vary but they can be pretty darned cheerful to have around.  In
the hookbill family, cockatiels are fun and very responsive, if acquired
from a good source and handled and trained - but they are dusty and can have
a VERY shrill whistle.  A budgie is really fun as well...unless at this
stage in her life she's looking to get into a learning curve, some parrot
species can be more challenging to handle, and have different needs.  Too
many to discuss here, but knowing a little more about what your mom might be
looking for in a companion bird will help narrow it down and enable us to
give more specific suggestions :).

Just a few thoughts...

Sherry