Five reasons birds make the best pets

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It's been a tough month for pets in politics

What about other options? If you're a prospective pet owner looking to think outside the box, consider a pet bird. Here are just some of the reasons we think birds are pretty cheepin' great.

They're really smart

Contrary to popular belief, a 'bird brain' isn't necessarily a bad thing. Most birds have proportionally large brains compared to the size of their body and head - in fact, they're of similar proportions to most primates' brains. While not all birds are super-intelligent, there are a number of breeds that are smarter than many realise. Parrots are among the most intelligent animals in the world.

They're more social than you think

With the right level of training and time spent around people, birds can be as social, affectionate and loving as even the cutest cat or dog.

They're low-maintenance

Compared to cats and dogs, pet birds are easy to care for. That doesn't mean you should leave them alone too often or skimp on cleaning their cage - any good pet owner is an attentive pet owner - but the fact that they don't need daily walks and require minimal grooming makes them fairly easy pets to look after.

They can manage in small living spaces

Some smaller bird species - like finches, budgies and canaries - can live happily in small apartments or other living situations with limited space. Bigger pets require more space (or a backyard) to play in but birds need much less.

They live long lives

Anyone who's lost a pet knows how difficult it can be, especially for young children. Many bird species live long, full lives (some even more than 100 years), which makes them a good pet for those looking for the long haul.