How is it like to navigate pet ownership with an exotic bird in Mumbai

Owning a pet exotic bird in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai is a unique experience that blends the vibrancy of city life with the delicate needs of feathered friends. As more Mumbaikars embrace the idea of avian companionship beyond traditional pets including dogs and cats, the journey of caring for exotic birds brings both joy and challenges to the forefront.

As a pet parent of an exotic bird in Mumbai, it requires a commitment to providing an environment that caters to their unique needs. The city's tropical climate is well-suited for many bird species of the world, but maintaining a comfortable temperature indoors becomes crucial, especially during the scorching summer months. Bird owners invest in spacious cages, perches, and a variety of toys to stimulate their feathered friends mentally and physically.

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Naina Salian, a stock market trader and an animal rescuer from Mumbai owns two African grey parrots. Apart from birds that she has been parenting for over 10 years, she also has cats. "Keeping a bird as pet at home is completely different than other pets. Birds are more communicative and imitative and at the same time they are interactive and love to spend time with their owners, once tamed and attached. An exotic bird needs proper care and time hence one needs a proper commitment to have a bird as a pet. My birds are rarely caged and live in free space. They are also now comfortable in having my other pets around them."

She added, "As far as keeping a pet bird in Mumbai is concerned, it is extremely easier for residential societies to keep birds as pets as far as they are not loud species. I have never faced any issue related to keeping birds at my home."

She further said, "There are certain things that need to be kept in mind before getting an exotic bird at home. One should always have contact with a good avian vet for any given situation. The bird should be kept in a clean space and their water bowls and foods must be kept clean always."

One cannot overlook the social aspect of owning exotic birds in Mumbai. With their engaging personalities and ability to mimic human speech, birds like African Greys and Parakeets become not just pets but integral members of the household. Local bird enthusiast groups and social media communities have emerged as hubs for sharing experiences, and advice, and even arranging playdates for these sociable birds.

For owners of exotic birds, Mumbai's metropolitan landscape does provide some difficulties. Particularly in more populated locations, noise pollution can cause stress for birds that are easily startled by loud noises. Choosing the right species requires careful consideration in light of air quality issues.

The owner of Wajid Exotic Pets, Wajid Shaikh, a Jogeshwari-based trader who deals in a wide range of exotic birds told mid-day.com, "Most of the people in Mumbai who contact me opt for a tamed bird rather than going for a wild bird so that they can keep it uncaged at their homes. Some important things need to be kept in mind before you take an exotic bird at home. These are not Indian natives and hence require proper care and attention. Some exotic birds can live up to 50-80 years and hence it is also required a proper commitment towards it. At first, a person needs to select the right pet bird for you and your family. Some species of birds are extremely loud while some are quieter as compared to other birds. One should have a space to keep the bird moving freely since some birds could be territorial and would need their own space. Birds must be given lots of toys to play with them and also overcome their chewing tendencies."

Wajid added, "Before bringing home an exotic pet bird, one needs to have basic knowledge of the species and the environment to be given to it. Once you know about its basic details it becomes much easier to have a bonding with your bird and make it comfortable when you are around it."

Owning exotic birds in Mumbai comes with its share of legalities and regulations. The Wildlife Protection Act and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act are applicable, and potential bird owners must ensure compliance with these laws.

Sunish Subramanian Kunju, Founder & Representative OIPA, ACF & PAWS-Mumbai said, "Exotic birds are not Indian natives and hence need proper care. Once let out in the open they cannot survive. If one needs to keep exotic birds at home the person shall have a special care system in place and shall be able to take good care of the bird. The owner must also have proper documentation before keeping the exotic bird at home."