Unusual pets

By Pruthvi Nukala
Reporter

Most pet-owners come home following work or school days to their comforting dog or cat to help them relax. However, others come home to screeching birds and crying Cockatoos. These individuals find a particular interest in the abnormal, opening their welcoming arms to unusual pets in their home .

According to Chemistry teacher Jeffery Brentson, his routine after he opens the door could not be any more different. He walks into a house of birds, each screeching, in competition for his undivided attention. Mr. Brentson has seven unusual pets: Three Cockatoos, Two Cockatiels and Two Parrots. Mr. Brentson’s unusual pet ownership started with his son. “It started because my son wanted to get a bird. Initially he thought he wanted pheasants,” Mr. Brentson said.

After a fateful discovery, Mr. Brentson and his son realized pheasants were not ideal pets. “If you don’t lock the cage outside at night then racoons will get in the cage because they are smart enough to open the cage so they get eaten by racoons,” Mr.Brentson said. After realizing that pheasants were not the best choice they got a Cockatoo, and the amount of pets only started growing from there. Mr. Brentson will have a lifelong connection to his birds since they will live as long, if not longer than humans.

Most pets are similar in their need for attention, however some pets need attention more than your average pet. “The birds can be very time consuming. They are similar to a dog and they want lots of attention from you and unlike a dog who will be off on their own they will usually scream their head off to try to get your attention,” Mr. Brentson said.

While they may not be such great pets in a relationship, sophomore Elizabeth Smock also has unique pets, Chickens. “They’re not as affectionate as other pets, but they are very friendly,” Elizabeth said.

Caring for unusual pets is a difficult task and people who choose to own unusual pets should be prepared to meet their unique needs. “Unusual pets aren’t for those who aren’t willing to take responsibility and put time and effort into caring for the pet,” Mr. Brenston said.