National Pet Bird Day is a time for bird lovers across the United States and beyond to celebrate the joys and benefits of owning a pet bird. Now in its seventh year, the Bird Enjoyment & Advantage Koalition (BEAK) is eager to invite all bird owners and lovers to join in celebrating the unique joys and benefits of having an avian companion.
The Origin of Pet Bird Day
Established in 2019 by BEAK – a group of bird product manufacturers, retailers and associations formed to address the need for responsible bird ownership and growth – this special day honors the many ways in which pet birds enrich their owners’ lives, while also educating the public about the responsibilities and commitments that come with having a companion bird.
“Through National Pet Bird Day, BEAK and MyBird are helping more people understand the rewards of bird ownership while ensuring that they have the knowledge to care for their pets responsibly,” said Vic Mason, president of the World Pet Association (WPA). “We’re proud to see this celebration grow each year as more bird lovers connect and share their passion.”
National Pet Bird Day Festivities
Along with its consumer-facing campaign, MyBird, BEAK encourages bird lovers to participate in the National Pet Bird Day festivities in a variety of ways. For instance, one of the highlights each year is the “My Beautiful Pet Bird” contest, which invites bird owners to submit photos or short videos showcasing what makes their pets so special. The top 10 entries as determined by popular vote will be reviewed by a committee of judges, with the top three earning cash prizes of up to $500. The contest winners will be announced on National Pet Bird Day.
In addition to the contest, many BEAK member retailers and manufacturers offer special promotions, which are shared through MyBird’s social media channels and email newsletters. At MyBird.org, visitors will find a variety of adorable, National Pet Bird Day-themed social media posts and graphics available for free download. Bird enthusiasts are encouraged to join in the fun by sharing these posts, as well as stories, photos and videos of their pets, on social media using the hashtag #NationalPetBirdDay.
Fostering Interest and Education
With approximately 5 percent (6.1 million homes) of U.S. households now owning pet birds, BEAK and MyBird are committed to fostering interest in these remarkable creatures and providing education to enable bird owners to care for their pets responsibly. At MyBird.org, which receives over 500,000 visitors each year, current and prospective bird owners will find a wealth of resources, including an interactive quiz that helps match users with types of birds that may be right for their lifestyle based on factors such as time, financial commitments, living arrangements and more.
Approximately two million people have taken this quiz. The site also includes fact sheets about popular types of pet birds and locator tools for finding birds available for adoption or purchase, avian veterinarians, bird clubs and avian boarding facilities.
Pet birds’ personalities are as diverse as their colorings, and they each have their own needs and care requirements. Therefore, if you’re thinking of bringing a bird into your home, it’s important to choose one that will fit into your lifestyle. With various questions designed to help you narrow down the types of birds that may be right for you, our interactive pet bird quiz is the perfect place to start! Take the quiz, and then share your results on social media (be sure to tag @MyBird on Facebook and @MyRightBird on Instagram)!
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Photo Credit: Daria_vg / Shutterstock.com