Exotic birds are among the most popular pets to keep. Not only are they absolutely beautiful, with their brilliantly colored feathers, many pet owners find them easier to take care of than, say, a fuzzy cat or a rowdy dog. However, choosing among the best exotic pet birds is rather confusing because there are several species to choose from. Here are some of the most popular exotic pet:
Sun Conures ? these birds are popular among the medium-sized variety. They grow to about 12 inches in length, requiring less living space than large parrots. The feathers of Sun Conures are tinted with brilliant hues of orange, yellow, red, green, and blue. Like parrots, Sun Conures can learn how to speak, however they can become quite vocal and noisy. They scream and screech and may not be ideal for those living in apartments buildings. Sun Conures usually live to around 20 to 35 years.
African Grays ? these birds are considered to be among the most loquacious among exotic birds, they can acquire a vocabulary of up to 2,000 words. These birds are also rather intelligent, but they can get demanding and easily bored. However, African Greys can also be quite affectionate - perfect for owners who want sensible companions. They may live from 50 to 70 years.
Budgerigars ? these are the most common among the pet birds and serve as good introduction to owning feathered pets. Budgies can be good pets for children and are quite attractive with a great variety of colors. They also require a relatively small space, while being quite easy to maintain. Though they can typically learn only few words, they are intelligent enough to be able to sing and whistle tunes. Budgerigars may live from 12 to 14 years.
Parrotlets ? these are among the smallest varieties of parrots. While parrotlets may be feisty they are quite intelligent just like their giant cousins. Parrotlets are also rather quiet compared to other exotic birds and thus they are ideal for owners who live in apartments or duplexes. The average parrotlet grows only to about 5 inches and lives to about 20 years.
Cockatiels ? many find the medium-sized cockatiel as delightful pets. They also belong to the parrot family, and are known to be intelligent. Cockatiels usually just whistle or mimic random sounds, but they can also learn how to talk. They come in different combinations of color and can be quite attractive members of a home. Cockatiels usually live from 15 to 20 years.
There are many more exotic pet birds and it is best to consult with a breeder to find the best one for you.
Choosing An Exotic Pet
You may not realize it, but if you own a pet that is anything other than a dog or a cat, you are the owner of an exotic animal. Birds, lizards, pigs, rodents and even fish are all classified as exotic animals. All have health issues that are particular to their species and breed and often require extra care by a specially trained veterinarian.
Birds are typically very delicate pets, and most often encounter health issues as the result of an accident or injury. Lizards and reptiles have a very long life expectancy, and over the years can develop feeding and nutrition problems. Pigs, which have gained popularity as pets in recent years, are prone to respiratory and digestive issues, while rodents often run into trouble with their ever growing teeth. Finally, saltwater fish can be very expensive to purchase, and the smallest change in their habitat can cause severe problems.
Deciding what needs your pet may encounter is important in deciding the type of insurance to purchase for your pet. Most companies that offer pet insurance will also cover your exotic pet. When choosing coverage you may want to consider things such as the life expectancy of your pet and their current age. How much did you pay for your pet? Although it is difficult to think about your pet in financial terms, this may have a direct effect on the type of policy you choose to purchase. Do you need coverage for routine check- ups and vaccinations, or do you want coverage for emergencies only? Once you have considered all of these factors and decided what type of coverage is best for you and your exotic pet, you can then begin to compare companies and coverage.
Most exotic pet coverage is written for one year. It is possible to purchase a lifetime policy, however it is not as easy on the budget as the yearly coverage. Some policies require a copay, while others require none. It is even possible to purchase additions to your policy that would cover the theft of your pet, or the death of your pet should it occur in a house fire, accident or natural disaster.
In a time of ever rising health care costs, purchasing insurance for your exotic pet may prove to be a sound financial decision. Best of all it will provide you with peace of mind and allow you to focus on the best care for your exotic pet.
Both Sarah Miller & Nicholas Hunt are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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