Birds are good pets too

Birds may not wag their tails or curl up in your lap, but they make for smart, social pets that are easy to manage

- Nameeta Nadkarni

If you've ever wondered whether birds make good pets, the answer is a resounding yes. "Birds are smart, social and often much easier to care for than dogs or cats," says Mumbai-based Dr Sayali Narvekar, a wildlife science veterinarian. "They don't need daily walks or a garden, and many adapt well to smaller spaces like apartments. Their colours, songs and even the ability of some species to mimic human words make them endlessly engaging."

For Indian pet parents, the first and most important step is to understand what species are legal to keep. "India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, strictly prohibits the keeping of native wild birds as pets," says Dr Narvekar. "This includes birds like Indian ringneck parakeets, Alexandrine parakeets, mynas and munias." Instead, pet parents could opt for birds of foreign origin, which are legally permitted and widely bred in India. Popular examples include budgerigars (budgies), cockatiels, lovebirds, African Grey parrots, macaws, canaries and certain finches.

Legality isn't enough; ethics matter too. Dr Narvekar suggests sourcing birds from reputable, registered breeders who can provide documentation proving the bird's foreign origin.