We Australians are among the biggest pet lovers in this part of the world. Maybe it’s related to our relative isolation on this far-removed continent, or perhaps it’s something to do with our constant presence in the companionship of one of the largest concentrations of wildlife on earth. But there is no question about it: We Aussies love animals and for this reason, we have one of the highest densities of pet ownership on planet Earth.

73% of Australian households own at least one pet, and, out of these 7.7 million homes, no less than 78.5% of them take care of either a cat or a dog. It’s easy to see why, right? Dogs and cats are the most popular types of pets on our planet; they are ubiquitous with the modern living of present-day Aussies, they are available in a huge variety of sizes and breeds, and, most importantly, they are affectionate creatures that can form genuine bonds with their handlers. That said, not everybody can afford keeping cats or dogs as pets.

A Matter of Long-Term Costs

The average Australian spends around $3,200 per year on their dog, while cat ownership costs an average of $1,700 (https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/pet-ownership/how-many-pets-are-there-in-australia). It’s a lot, and it’s not a sum that’s readily available to everyone. Plus, a lot of Australians live in housing conditions that prohibit the ownership of conventional pets.

I was in the same situation a couple of years ago. I desperately wanted to keep a pet for companionship reasons, but because I was renting, the condition laid out by the apartment owner was that I didn’t keep a dog or a cat around. So, I had to get creative and get a pet bird.

Was it worth it? I think so. That little cockatoo I got became one of my closest friends, and even though he doesn’t speak much and he has a tendency to wake me up at 3 AM, I really do love him to bits and he became one of the foundational elements of my household. In fact, he is on my shoulder right now as I’m writing these words. Say hello to the readers, Nugget.

Why Not Give Birds a Try?

Bird ownership, in Australia, is not as popular as with other, more conventional types of pets. Only 9.5% of Australian households own a pet bird (https://piaa.org.au/latest-industry-stats-behind-australias-33-billion-pet-industry/), and in my honest opinion, this is a great shame. Pet birds, especially parrots, can be incredibly rewarding to own, as they are one of the most intelligent animal companions one can have. Nugget, for me, is the wittiest and most affectionate pet I think I’ve ever encountered. And you need to understand that my parents had a Border Collie when I was a child.

Nugget, for instance, understands direct commands, can whistle when I tell him to, he can mimic human words, and he likes to fall asleep while being held. Some birds match the problem-solving skills of young children, and they are capable of forming genuine bonds with their owners that can last a lifetime. They live a long time; I didn’t have to invest a fortune in his nutritional needs, and whatever I need, like bird perches or toys, I can find in the catalogue of a local store that sells pet supplies near me.

In fact, this is the main reason why I wanted a bird in the first place. Of course, initially I wanted to get a dog or a cat, but this was unfortunately not possible due to my housing situation. So, a bird was the next best thing. Pet birds are cheap to own; they only require some bird perches, toys, constant water and quality nutrition in order to be happy, and whatever I needed for him was always available in the catalogue of my local store that sells pet supplies near me.

Why Invest in Accessories Such as Bird Perches?

Birds are some of the most affordable pets you can get in Australia. The products required for their cognitive and physical development are available in pretty much any reputable shop that sells pet supplies near me (https://www.petshopdirect.com.au/), and the total costs associated with their required accessories are far less substantial than what you can expect to pay for a cat or a dog. Why go for bird perches exactly? A couple of reasons:

• Bird perches can replicate the branches that your feathered friend will use in the wild for reconnaissance purposes.
• They can provide your bird with constant exercise, as bird perches are a good way to strengthen your pet’s coordination and foot musculature
• They encourage natural behaviour such as climbing, and therefore they are a good way to provide your bird with mental stimulation
• They are cheap to purchase and easy to install

How to Choose the Perches?

First, you should browse the catalogue of products available from your local shop that sells pet supplies near me. Perches are simple accessories that should be relatively straightforward to select. However, what is appropriate for your feathered friend will depend on his size and how much you are willing to spend

• As a general rule, you should look for natural wood perches as often as possible. Natural perches mimic the branches that birds use in their natural environment, and therefore, they have the right texture and shape to keep your bird relaxed in his cage.

• You should also ensure that the perches have the right diameter for the size of your pet bird. A good option would be to choose one on which the bird’s toes wrap about the-thirds of the perches’ circumference. Plus, you should avoid placing the perches directly over the water bowl or the food dish, as they will probably get covered in droppings.

Perches are great purchases, but they are not the only thing you should purchase from your local store that sells pet supplies near me. You should also invest in foraging toys, stainless steel food bowls, climbing accessories, a bird bath, a high-quality cage liner, and of course, a sturdy cage, suitable for the dimensions of your pet bird.

It can be quite an investment at first, but the good news is that most of these purchases will last you a while, and when it’s all set and done, you should realise that owning a bird is much more affordable than taking care of other types of pets.