All About Pet Birds

Abstract

In the nineteenth century, many species of tropical birds began arriving in Europe in large numbers as a result of the growth of shipping lines and the related increase in overseas commerce. Also the growth of periodicals late in the last century became a medium that encouraged communication among interested bird lovers and breeders, which in turn contributed to the growth of this hobby. The increasing number of people interested in this hobby encouraged trade in birds, which could then be sold at lower prices. Even those with more modest means could devote themselves to bird keeping, something that had previously been the privilege of the affluent. The canary was the bird of choice for the less affluent. Bird associations began to appear at the end of the nineteenth century. Such associations arose as special interest sections of poultry associations, but later became independent. Public shows, which were held several times a year in many European countries, made the hobby increasingly popular. Air cargo has made the importation of large numbers of exotic birds possible.