I have an animal : Birds
Birds 
Bird species such as parakeets (AKA budgies), canaries, cockatiels, and zebra finches can make delightful companion pets. These delicate creatures are smart and sensitive, and they can fit into many different types of families. Keep in mind, however, that different bird species have very distinct personalities, so it’s important to understand the needs of your particular bird. For instance, finches are social animals and need to be kept in pairs, but most canaries prefer to live alone in their own cage. Parakeets are most tolerant of handling and will often enjoy interaction with their human friends, but finches and canaries prefer to be admired from a distance. In terms of lifespan, cockatiels typically live between 12 to 15 years, while smaller species like zebra finches often live between 5 and 8 years, and parakeets have an average lifespan of a parakeet is approximately 8 years.
Diet
In addition to standard seed or pellet mixes, fresh fruits and veggies should be provided on a daily basis. Dark, leafy greens are packed with vitamins, and many birds enjoy carrots and broccoli as well. Apples, pears, kiwi, and melon are common fruit favorites. Birds should not be fed avocado, cherry pits, rhubarb or apple seeds. It is imperative that fresh water is available at all times. Be sure to change it at least once a day, preferably twice.
Health
The paper in the bottom of your bird’s cage should be changed daily, and thorough cleaning of the entire cage should take place weekly. Remove and wash the cage tray and perches, and wash the area around the cage. Make sure all toys are clean and free of loose or broken parts that could hurt your pet. In addition, you’ll need to clean the entire cage with a disinfectant solution once a month. Rinse well, and dry everything before returning your bird to her cage.
If you have a parakeet or cockatiel, you can begin to hand tame your bird after the first few weeks of getting acquainted. Begin by opening the cage door and inserting your hand; talk softly and reassuringly as you offer a little treat, such as a piece of air-popped popcorn or a sunflower seed. This may take a few sessions, so be patient! Once your bird trusts you enough to take food from your hand, you can pass a perch or thin stick into the cage and gently press it against your pet; with time, she should hop up onto the stick. After that, you can work to get your bird to step from the stick onto your finger.
If your cockatiel or budgie has been properly tamed and trained, she’ll need at least an hour of exercise out of the cage in a safe, enclosed room every day. She may just want to hang out on your shoulder, or enjoy the time to explore. Be sure to always secure the room first by shutting all windows and doors, and cover any windows or mirrors so your bird cannot accidentally fly into them.
Even though finches and canaries do not take to handling and do not need time out every day, they will appreciate a revolving selection of toys—as do cockatiels and budgies. Small birds may enjoy ladders, swings and mirrors with bells, and wooden chew toys are great for keeping beaks trimmed. Check out what’s available at the pet supply store, and just make sure that the toys you select are safe and appropriate for your bird’s size and species. They should be labeled accordingly, but don’t hesitate to ask if you are unsure.
You can help keep your pet’s plumage looking perfect with a bath as often as he likes it. Put a shallow dish at the bottom of the cage and see what happens. You’ll probably want to schedule bath time just before you plan to change the paper, so that you can remove any damp lining.
An annual visit to the veterinarian is recommended for all pet birds. Weight loss or gain is often an indicator of illness and will be checked. Monitor your bird for signs of illness between annual check-ups – a bird who is not feeling well may fluff her feathers out or sit quietly on the floor of his cage with her eyes closed. Other symptoms of illness include a change in the consistency, frequency or color of droppings, sneezing, coughing, blocked nostrils, labored breathing and a crusty beak or eyes.
Housing
In order to keep your feather friend(s) happy and healthy, always buy the largest cage you can afford. Regardless of the species, birds will need cages that are large enough for them to stretch their wings and fly short distances. Note that canaries and finches prefer a cage that’s wider than it is taller, while parakeets and cockatiels like tall cages with horizontal bars they can climb. In terms of perches, there should be several at varying heights with one level with the food dishes.
The bottom of the cage can be lined with plain paper, paper bags cut to size, or newspaper as long as it has been printed with non-toxic, soy-based inks. Paper should be changed daily if possible.
The cage should be placed in a bright, warm, central area of the house, but away from drafts and direct sunlight, and off of the floor. Avoid keeping your bird(s) in or near the kitchen at all costs. Birds are extremely sensitive to fumes, and those from self-cleaning ovens and Teflon-coated cookware, if overheated, can be fatal.
Fun Facts
• Birds have an area called the crop where they store food
• Canaries are named after the Canary Islands, where they originated
• Parakeets are actually small parrots
• Preening is your bird’s way of cleaning her feathers