Hey guys,
I've desperately wanted a companion bird for many, many years now, but I just have never been in a position to offer the time to them that they would need. I keep revisiting the idea, but can't ever justify it.
With that in mind, there will be a time in the future that I'm able to get a bird, and want to be prepared. I am perfectly comfortable around birds, but don't always understand their body language, and think that being around them more often is the best way to learn more. I also just want to be around them because they make me happy.
Does anyone have any recommendations for how to accomplish this? I live in Northern Virginia, right outside D.C., and the only thing I can find are pet bird stores. There's one about 20 minutes from my house, and it's fine, but most of the interaction happens through cage bars. I also feel a little uncomfortable hanging out in a store with their birds all day when I won't be buying anything.
I can't find any other options, but don't necessarily know what to look for. There aren't any rescues nearby. Any help would be great!