New Delhi, July 16 -- If you've ever wondered whether birds make good pets, the answer is a resounding yes. "Birds are smart, social, and often much easier to care for than dogs or cats," says Mumbai-based Dr Sayali Narvekar, a wildlife science veterinarian. "They don't need daily walks or a garden, and many adapt very well to smaller spaces like apartments. Their colours, songs, and even the ability of some species to mimic human words make them endlessly engaging."

For Indian pet parents, the first and most important step is to understand what species are legal to keep. "India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, strictly prohibits the keeping of native wild birds as pets," says Dr Narvekar. "This includes birds like Indian ringneck parake...