BIRDS AND ALLERGIES

When a person has an allergy, it means that his or her body is reacting to something in the environment. The reactions can include itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, or itchy skin. Serious allergic reactions may cause
breathing problems and can send a person to the hospital for treatment. Some people are allergic to the dust that is produced by bird feathers. If someone in your house is allergic to the dust or fur and skin of certain pets—like cats or dogs—it is possible that feather dust will also produce an allergic reaction. Before bringing a pet bird into your life, you should make sure that no one in your family will be allergic to it. The safest way to find out if you are allergic to birds and feathers is to talk to your family doctor who may perform certain tests.

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Zebra Finches

These little birds can live to be about eight to ten years old and enjoy living with other zebra finches. Most zebra finch owners enjoy watching their birds fly around their cage and interact with each other. This type of small bird is usually not kept as pet that you can play with or hold. Finches are perfect for someone who has the time to take care of a bird, but does not
necessarily want to spend time handling it.

    If you decide to get finches, be sure to buy more than one. Zebra finches are very active and need a lot of space. Make sure you buy a cage that is big enough for the finches to fly around. Because they are so small
and fly so quickly, they should not be allowed to fly free. With enough space in their cage and a few perches to rest on, your finches will be happy to live with each other.

    Zebra finches get their name because the black and white striped coloring at the neck is like a zebra’s sripes. However, there are many color possibilities in zebra finches, and some may have splashes of yellow on
their cheeks and bright red beaks. Zebra finches are among the most playful small birds, which makes them fun to watch.

Canaries

Canaries grow to be about five inches long and can live for up to twelve years. Many people think of all canaries as only being bright yellow, but canaries can come in different colors, from orange-red to blue and white. A canary usually prefers to have the whole cage to itself, so it is best not to keep more than one canary in a cage.

       Like finches, canaries are not usually kept as birds that can be held and handled. Most people keep the birds because of their beautiful colors and their ability to sing. Both male and female canaries can sing, but the males are the ones known for their beautiful songs. In fact, some canary owners enter their pets in canary singing competitions!

Budgerigars

Budgerigars—also called budgies or parakeets—are actually a small type of parrot. Because of their size, colors, and personalities, they are very popular pets. Budgies can be green, blue, yellor, or white. They grow to be about seven inches in length and live to be around five to eight years old. Budgies are very social birds, and enjoy the company of other birds of their species, and also humans. One reason budgies are popular pets is because some are able to mimic certain sounds. When gently handled from a young age, many budgies are happy to perch on their owner’s hands, arms, or shoulders. Budgies need cages that have enough space to climb along the walls and perches. Most  budgies also like to have special bird toys in their cage.