Pet Birds - how to save money on your pet bird

 

Having a pet bird can be a lot of fun , especially if you teach them to talk!  However the set up for birds can be expensive, for example, don't expect to be able to buy a Macaw parrot for under $3000 US.  Listed below are 13 tips to help you reduce the costs of owning a bird.

 

Tip 1:  Know your pet birds' life expectancy:  Some parrots, such as Macaws can live for sixty years!  It is definitely worth factoring this into the budget when you are choosing a bird.

 

Tip 2:  Buy your pet bird wholesale:  Retail birds are particularly over-priced.  It is definitely worth your time shopping around for wholesale dealers.

 

Tip 3:  Check out the local paper:  You may very well find some local breeders who will sell you the same species of bird for less than half the price of retail.

 

Tip 4:  Birds for free:  From time to time you will see birds for free in the local paper all on Craigs List.  If you aren't to fussed about the timing then keep your eyes open for a bird species you are after.

 

Tip 5:  Buy your bird’s cage second hand:  As with equipment for aquariums, second hand (as long as it won't break) will definitely be more than adequate.

 

Tip 6:  Consider smaller birds:  The larger the bird, the more it will cost you in equipment and food.  If you are on a budget then it may be worth consider a smaller bird.

 

Tip 7:  Buy bird food wholesale:  There are a variety of wholesale animal product suppliers out there.  Buy from these and you can save around thirty percent on costs.

 

Tip 8:  Switch to homemade bird toys:  Birds chew through toys quickly so the cost of items can add up.  Check out the Internet for ideas on how to make your own toys.

 

Tip 9: Use house hold cleaning products:  You don't have to go out and buy special cage cleaning equipment.  A sponge, some detergent and some vinegar should be all that you need.

 

Tip 10:  Clip your bird yourself:  Have your vet teach you how to clip your birds wings, then keep doing it yourself.

 

Tip 11:  Grow some of your own bird food:  Thistles and several species of grass are great for birds.  Research the best type of grasses for your bird and then start growing them.  Your bird, and your wallet, will love you for it.

 

Tip 12:  Plant a bird seed garden:  Buy a bag of bird seed that your bird loves and plant in your garden bed.  Over time, the bird seed will germinate and you will have free food.  For your bird!  Collect some of the seed and restart the process.

 

Tip 13:  Buy higher quality bird seed:  The better the bird seed the less filler it will have in it, and the less bird feed your bird will need.  It will be better for their health and better for your budget as well.

 

So if you have a pet bird, you can now enjoy it on a budget.  As an added tip you can even try to make your own bird feeder!