Bird watching is something of a national pastime. Ninety-six million Americans are birding these days, but 91 million of them are doing so from home, according to a 2022 U.S. Fish and Wildlife survey.

Bringing home a pet bird is exciting, heartwarming, and a little overwhelming. Those tiny chirps, curious head tilts and colourful feathers can instantly brighten up any room. But behind that adorable ...