The Chinese and Birds

I have been searching for information on why the Chinese have traditionally had birds for pets. I have not yet found an explanation. Of course, I don't know why American culture is one of "a boy and his dog" or "a house, two kids, a car, and a dog."

But birds being taken outside into the park is very much part of the culture, as is the bird market where you talk with friends while hanging your bird cage up, find food for you bird--from live grasshoppers to seed, and look for a new bird :)

I our neighborhood, the bird market is next to the flower market.