So, You Want to Be Owned By a Cockatiel?

After reading my blog and looking at the beautiful pictures, you probably cannot imagine living your life without a cockatiel in it. If you already have the privilege to be owned by a cockatiel, congratulations! If not, I am certain you have only one question on your mind: How do I become a member of this elite group of humans?

That, however, is the wrong question, at least for the moment. You need to ask yourself: Am I worthy of this honor? You see, my former humans were smitten by my good looks and beautiful voice, but they did not know how to properly take care of me, and they did not care enough to learn. I don't think it was an accident that both the cage door and the house door were open at the same time. I shudder to think what would have happen to me, had it not been for the Cool One to rescue me and give me a good home with the Tall One.

Maybe you are the right person for a cockatiel. Maybe you even have a calling to be one of the select few who rescue many birds. But it is also possible that you are more suitable for a different type of bird or even a different kind of pet. Some people are not good with animals, even though they may have other talents. Taking in a pet does not make a person a good human; making the right decision does.

So, you need to ask yourself: How much time and space do you have, not only at this moment, but over a span of years or even decades? What kind of environment are you willing and able to provide? Do you have enough money for supplies and vet care? Who will take your place if you have to be gone for a while? Do you have any health conditions that will keep you from serving a certain type of pet, for example allergies? Once you have answered these questions, you will be able to decide if you would be suitable for fish, a hamster, a cat, a dog, a bird, or even the most wonderful of all: a cockatiel.

The Humane Society has a good article about deciding whether you are worthy of opening your home to a companion animal, and if yes, which kind. These are the humans who know; they try to place homeless animals every day. If you are at all considering this rewarding responsibility, please make sure you read the article carefully. Also, if you have links to other good web sites on this topic, please post them under "Comments".

Merci!