Quoth Merriweather
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People also don't realize how long birds live. Parakeets generally about 10 years or so, cockatiels 15-20 with some well cared for 'tiels living into their early 30's. Larger birds you can expect at least 30 years. Other things people don't consider are diet and vet care. Traditional all-seed diets are VERY bad for birds since seeds are high in fat and low in nutrition. The birdy vet is also much more expensive than doggy/kitty vet. Aviary medicine is a specialty and birds are not as popular compared to dogs and cats. A couple years ago, I spent $500 between two vets within a couple months to figure out why my 'tiel's feathers were growing in weird. Routine visits usally run about $100 for the exam and gram stains. In comparison, I spent $150 for both of my dogs' annual exam and shots.
Not to mention a good cage will cost you several hundred dollars and most bird toys are meant to eventually be destroyed.
*Parrot family includes parakeets, cockatiels, conures, lovebirds, cockatoos, amazons, African Greys, Macaws, etc.
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