Sparrows are small songbirds that are very common in many parts of the world. While they may seem like cute little birds that would make great pets, there are some important considerations to keep in mind before deciding to keep a sparrow as a pet.
Is it legal to keep a sparrow as a pet?
In most parts of the world, it is illegal to keep native wild sparrows as pets. This is because sparrows are protected under laws that aim to conserve wild bird populations. Removing sparrows from the wild to keep as pets can negatively impact local sparrow populations.
However, there are some exceptions. Non-native species like the Java Sparrow and Society Finch are legal to own as pets in some areas. It’s important to check your local and national laws before capturing or purchasing a sparrow to keep as a pet.
What are the housing requirements for pet sparrows?
Sparrows are active birds that need plenty of space to fly around in. The minimum recommended enclosure size for sparrows is:
- Length: 2 ft
- Width: 2 ft
- Height: 2 ft
The bigger the enclosure, the better. Sparrows should be able to flap their wings fully without touching the sides of the cage.
The enclosure should have several perches of different sizes for the sparrows to perch on. Natural branch perches are best. Sparrows like to hop between perches of different heights.
Sparrows kept as pets should be housed indoors to protect them from predators, extreme weather, and disease. Place the enclosure in a room away from drafts and direct sunlight.
What’s the ideal diet for a pet sparrow?
Sparrows are omnivores and need a varied diet to stay healthy. A good sparrow diet consists of:
- High quality sparrow seed mix
- Sprouted seeds
- Chopped fruits and veggies like apples, berries, leafy greens
- Live mealworms and other insects
- Granite grit to help digest food
- Clean drinking water
Avoid feeding them avocado, chocolate, caffeine or alcohol as these can be toxic to sparrows.
Creating a sparrow-friendly environment
In addition to a large enclosure, pet sparrows need an environment that meets their natural needs. Here are some tips for creating a sparrow-friendly habitat:
- Place perches at different heights so they can hop and fly between them
- Provide nesting materials like dried grasses and fibers
- Make sure they have access to a bird bath for bathing
- Add bird-safe branches and logs for climbing
- Provide toys like bells, ladders and mirrors to keep them stimulated
Keeping a pair or small flock of sparrows together allows them to engage in natural social behaviors. A solitary sparrow may get stressed or anxious.
Common health problems in pet sparrows
Some common health issues seen in pet sparrows include:
- Overgrown beak and nails: Regular trimming is needed
- Respiratory infections: Caused by cold, stress or unclean living conditions
- Obesity: From an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise
- Feather picking: Occurs when they are stressed or bored
- Diarrhea: Often caused by an improper diet
Look for an avian vet before getting a sparrow as a pet. Annual checkups and prompt treatment can prevent many health issues.
Training pet sparrows
Sparrows are intelligent birds that can be trained to do some simple behaviors through positive reinforcement:
- Step up: Teach them to perch on your finger on command
- Target training: Peck at a stick or pen tip held out to them
- Retrieve small objects: Reward them with treats when they bring back a toy
Start training early and keep sessions short and frequent. Use treats like millet spray and mealworms to reward desired behaviors.
Avoid punishments like yelling or handling them roughly. This will break trust and can cause stress.
Can sparrows be caged with other birds?
Sparrows can be kept with other docile bird species of a similar size like budgies, cockatiels and finches. Some tips for housing sparrows with other birds:
- Choose non-aggressive species as cage mates
- Introduce new birds slowly and watch their interactions
- Make sure the enclosure is big enough to accommodate all birds
- Provide duplicate food bowls, perches and toys to prevent conflicts
- Never house sparrows with predators like hawks or cats
Monitor all the birds closely for any aggressive behavior or bullying. Be ready to separate them if needed.
Lifespan of pet sparrows
The average lifespan of pet sparrows is:
- House sparrows: 4-10 years
- Java sparrows: 5-8 years
- Society finches: 5-10 years
With proper care, diet, housing and regular vet checks, pet sparrows can live for many years in captivity.
The key is protecting them from predation, accidents, disease and stress. Hand-raised sparrows imprinted on their owners tend to be healthier and live longer.
Pros of keeping sparrows as pets
Here are some of the positives of keeping sparrows as pets:
- Active and energetic – fun to watch as they hop and fly around
- Intelligent and social – they bond closely and interact with their owners
- Can be trained to do tricks and behaviors
- Hardy birds suitable for beginner pet bird owners
- Inexpensive to purchase and care for
- Small size allows them to be housed comfortably indoors
Cons of keeping sparrows as pets
Here are some of the downsides of pet sparrows:
- Need constant access to an avian vet
- Can transmit diseases to humans like psittacosis
- Prone to obesity if fed unhealthy diets
- Need very large enclosures to meet their space needs
- Can be noisy with constant chirping
- May exhibit aggressive behaviors like biting during mating season
- Can be destructive and chew on household items
- Illegal to own as pets in some areas
- Lifespan under 10 years means frequent loss of pets
Conclusion
Sparrows can make interesting and lively pets for bird enthusiasts who are ready to meet their specialized care needs. From large habitats to specialized diets and vet care, keeping pet sparrows is a big commitment.
They are social, intelligent birds that bond strongly with their owners when hand-raised. With proper care and training, sparrows can be friendly companions.
However, their legal status needs to be considered carefully depending on where you live. Additionally, their tendency to be noisy and destructive may not suit all owners.
Sparrows are challenging birds that require experienced owners. For beginners, there may be easier pet bird species to start with. But for someone ready to take on the responsibility of meeting their needs, sparrows can be rewarding pets.