What are the best birds to have as pets?
My bird of choice would be the African Grey Parrot-one of the most intelligent birds, that also adapts easily to its surroundings. They are very people oriented, particularly when raised from young. Another popular breed would be the engaging and entertaining Cockatoo, but they are demanding of your attention and can be destructive: cell phones and remote controls don’t stand a chance! Birds can carry and transmit psittacosis (Chlamydia psittaci) which can cause severe pneumonia in some people. Bacterial gastroenteritis (from salmonella) is a possibility with exposure to pet birds, regardless of size. The larger the bird, the more powerful the mandibles (jaws). Couple that with the razor sharp beaks and one can sustain serious wounds. Caution and education about handling large birds is imperative for household safety. • Will that baby squirrel you raised by hand ever really love you? Squirrels raised by hand will eventually grow up to be adults, and by nature, prefer your backyard tree
