Profile: Anika Rajbhandary

By Zoe Scogna

If you’re looking for a small, cute pet, that happens to be talking fluff ball, a bird is the way to go. “Birds are somewhat exotic pets, they are unique and easy to fall in love with,” Anika Rajbhandary says. With two parakeets named Tarro and Blue, she has become a bird lover herself.

“I like how colorful the birds can be and how soft their feathers are,” Rajbhandary comments. They have big black eyes, tiny pink feet, and little yellow beaks. Tarrow, is all white and has little grey spots on her wings and on her chin. If she’s cold or if you scratch her head she gets fluffy and puffs herself out.

“Birds are unique and each have their own personalities,” says Rajbhandary. “Tarro and blue each are very different. Blue tends to be more nervous and skittish, while Tarro is more calm and playful.” Anika says she likes to take them out to fly and when Tarro wants to play he likes to fly over and land on her head.

Rajbhandary says having a bird is hard work.

“It's more work then you would think,” She cautions. “You have to feed them their seeds and green veggies everyday, water them, and clean their cage.”  Parakeets also can live up to 10-20 years, so getting a young one would be a commitment. Anika only got Tarro two years ago from Petco, and adopted Blue from the Oregon Humane Society 1 year ago.  

“Birds, which many people overlook and misunderstand, are actually very fascinating and lovable creatures,” Rajbhandary states. “They are not easy to take care of, and are a big time commitment. But if you decide to get one, have the time and resources. It just might be one of the best decisions you could have made.”