Why Should You Get Your Parrot Supplies from a Local Shop in Australia?

By now you are probably aware of the innate affinity that we, Australians, have for animal companions. You will be hard-pressed to find a nation, in this part of the world, that loves pets as much as we do. No less than 73% of Aussie households own at least one pet, and the ownership of animal companions, in our country, has steadily risen, from 61% of households in 2019, to the present value, which transforms us into one of the most pet-friendly places in the world.

But not all of us are able or willing to take care of the conventional needs of a traditional pet, such as a dog or a cat. I, for instance, was always a huge cat lover, but my girlfriend is allergic to them, while a dog is out of the question at the moment, as we both have a hectic work schedule that makes it impossible to properly take care of the social requirements of a canine. So, we decided to compromise, and like other 4.4 million Australians before us, we decided to buy a parrot.

Was this a good move? Personally, I think so. Some parrots have a comparable intelligence to five-year-old children, and are able to form strong bonds with their handlers and articulate their needs and wants in a way that’s easily decipherable. Plus, they are funny, loyal, compassionate, and they are relatively clean compared to other types of animal companions. For our small apartment, parrot ownership fit like a glove, and we only needed to invest in some parrot supplies like a cage and some miscellaneous items that were available in the catalogue of our local pet shop.

Is a Parrot the Right Choice for You?

That, in essence, is a question that you and only you can answer. In my case, I had experience with bird care, as my parents owned (and still do, actually) a Cockatoo named Max, who, if I’m not mistaken, must be around 40 years old at this point.

Birds are not for everyone, but in the right set of circumstances and for a certain type of owner, they can be ideal companions that are likely to remain in your family for many years to come. Why did I choose to get a parrot? Three main reasons actually.

Space

• Australian dwellings are largely considered the largest in the world, but my small CBD-placed apartment is anything but that. I wanted a pet for companionship, but I didn’t have the space and time needed for a more involved pet ownership process.

Lifespan

• Before I bought Pablo Escobird, I previously owned a small Munchkin called Goliath, who was genuinely my best friend. He lived for fifteen years, which is a respectable age for any cat, but it was not enough and I never want to go through the heartbreak of losing a pet anytime soon. Parrots can live for decades in captivity, and some species are even likely to outlive us.

They’re Fun

• Your parrot will never learn to play fetch and will not have the same cuddly personality as a small kitten. But he could learn how to mimic human sounds, accept gentle scratches, whistle or even learn simple commands. Birds are fun to be around, and are more entertaining than one might think at first glance.

What Parrot Supplies in Australia Do You Need to Invest In?

According to a report from Animal Medicines Australia, the average dog owner in our country spends around AUD $2,520 per year on their pet. For cats, that sum is slightly lower, at AUD $1,656 per year. But it’s still a lot, right? Bird ownership is, for the most part, significantly cheaper than the costs we typically associate with other types of pets. But it’s not free, though.

Do you want to keep your feathered friend happy and active both mentally and physically? In that case, you will need to invest in specific parrot supplies, such as toys, cage liners, or high-quality perches. You can get these accessories either online or from your local pet shop in Australia. But you can’t skip them.

Why Search for Parrot Toys?

Put yourself in the proverbial shoes of your feathered buddy. Wouldn’t you get bored sitting in a cage for the rest of your life? Toys can prevent boredom, are a way to reduce or eliminate feather plucking, and they also encourage exercise, which, as you can imagine, is essential in order to keep your bird’s muscles strong and its immune system healthy.

Why Cage Liners or Perches?

Cage liners can improve hygiene by catching droppings. At the same time, perches, just like toys, can encourage exercise, provide support for foot health, and also create a comfortable place in which your bird can relax, wind down, and observe its surroundings.

Now, are these the only parrot supplies you should consider? No. Your bird will also require, as you can imagine, a spacious cage, high-quality pellets, food and water bowls, and occasional cleaning/grooming accessories.

Why Choose a Local Pet Shop for Your Parrot Supplies?

For me, there are two main reasons:

Expert Advice

• The last time I went to my local pet shop, the employees there talked with me for fifteen minutes about the pellets best suited for my parrot at different points in his physical development. That mattered a lot, and this personal connection is something that cannot be substituted by the convenience of online shopping.

The Stock Availability

• I am the first to admit that I love the ease of making my purchases from the comfort of my own bed, with a hot coffee in my other hand, and the TV playing in the background. But sometimes I just don’t want to wait for delivery.

• At the shop, I can see the products I purchase in person; I can get everything I need immediately, without waiting days for delivery to arrive, and, perhaps most importantly, I can support a local business, which is something that’s sorely needed in this day and age.