1 THE VALUE OF PET BIRDS

Popularity

Birds have finally come to the forefront as truly desirable companion animals. It has taken a long time but more people now enjoy birds as pets than ever before. Their popularity has increased not only in the United States, but throughout the world.

In the U.S. approximately 15 million birds reside in homes as pets. The exact numbers are impossible to determine, but considering the numbers of birds raised in this country and the numbers imported year after year, the estimate of 15 million seems conservative. Some authorities claim twice that number are in homes.

Not just a recent fad, this growth has been slow but steady since 1960. The trend will continue as more and more people realize all the wonderful qualities of these spectacular animals.

Changing life styles-more women working, city living, mobile society, ease of care in a fast-paced world-have been suggested as reasons for the high popularity of birds as pets. These explanations are certainly valid, but by no means express the whole picture.

The reason birds are popular is simply because they can become excellent pets.

Friendship