Cheep Talk

Tip of the Week
Snails aren’t just for eating algae! Freshwater snails make wonderful pets as additions to many aquariums. But remember, most snails do not thrive on algae and will need their diet supplemented with other goodies! More info to come when the new Snail Care page is up!

Tip of the Week Archives

Cheep Talk by Paisley

Two isn’t always better than one!

“Paisley, how come I’ve seen pictures of people with lots of birds in cages instead of just one in each cage like us?”

“Yeah! I’ve wondered that too!”

“Well, Posey and Ruby, I’ve heard Mom talking about that to other people before and there are a couple of reasons why we are kept by ourselves. Apparently it’s for our own good.”

“But I used to live with a bunch of other birds in my home before I moved here.”

“That’s because your first few owners wanted you to be a breeder, Posey. Mom got you so you wouldn’t have to be a breeder and could have a pet bird’s life. There are all sorts of bird owners out there, girls. Some who breed their birds and some who just want companion birds. When birds are used for breeders they are put into homes with lots of other birds so that they will have chicks. Some people will even get a couple of birds at the same time as pets but they don’t usually end up being as tame as we are.”

“Why is that?”

“Think about it Ruby. If you had another bird in your own cage to sit with all day, would you be willing to interact with your owners as much as you do now?”

“No, I suppose not. If I had a cage mate, I wouldn’t need any one else to interact with.”

“Exactly. This ends up being a bad situation when these birds start breeding too, and the owner isn’t ready for it.”

“Oh, you mean like if the bird parents needed help raising the eggs and the owners didn’t really know how? Or if the birds had problems passing the baby eggs?”

“That’s right, Posey.”

“So what else is wrong with having more birds in a cage?”

“Well, there is also the issue of when one becomes ill. Mom checks our droppings every single day to be sure we are healthy. If there are more birds in a cage – “

“How would they know which one it came from?”

“That was the point I was making, Ruby. There are plenty of people out there…. Mom calls them “experts” who do know what they are doing with breeding birds and housing birds together. But for people who want a good, bonded pet bird, I’ve heard it’s wise to stick with just one.”

”When I lived at the other place, I heard people saying that we are happier with a buddy but I know that I am perfectly happy in my own cage house as long as Mom and Dad play with me every day…which they do and it’s so much fun!! In fact, now that I am on my own, I would rather there not ever be another bird added to my cage.”

"Me too, Posey!”

"Me too, girls.”

“I hope that lots of other people can learn about birds and make their pet birds happy. I’d hate to hear about someone not liking their birds because they got two and now they aren’t tame.”

“It does happen, Ruby. But with your big mouth, hopefully you can scream it across the states and let other birds know. Dad and Mom try to tell as many people as they can too!”

“Is that an invitation to start screaming? You know I’m always ready for that!! Here I go….”

Visit Paisley's Cheep Talk Archives:

Beware of Household Dangers!

Can't Beat Variety!

Research Before Buying!

Some special points of interest this month include:

	Got an algae problem in your betta tank and are thinking of getting a snail? Better visit The Think Tank before getting the little guy.
	Think your bird needs a pal or mate in her cage? This isn't always the best thing for all pet birds. Paisley will fill you in on Cheep Talk!
	Cats come in all shapes, sizes, colors, breed and prices! Just because a pure bred cat costs more doesn't mean that a cheaper cat, one from a shelter, might not make a good pet as well. The boys discuss it on The Scratching Post.