When considering getting a bird as a pet, there are many factors to take into account. Birds require specialized care, plenty of space, and lots of attention in order to thrive. Not all bird species make good pets for the average owner. It’s important to do thorough research before bringing a feathered friend home.
Bird Ownership Considerations
Before deciding on a specific bird, think about the following general factors regarding bird ownership:
- Cost – Birds and their supplies can be expensive. The cost of the bird itself varies dramatically based on species, as well as factors like age, health, training, etc. Supplies like a large cage, toys, perches, and premium food add up too.
- Space – Most birds need a very large cage, plus time out of the cage every day to fly and exercise. Make sure you have enough room for your bird friend.
- Noise – All birds make some vocalizations, which can be noisy for neighbors depending on your housing situation. Some species (like parrots) are very loud.
- Mess – Bird droppings, feathers, and food debris can make a mess around cages. Consider placement and cleanup time.
- Attention – Social birds thrive on interaction and bonding with their owners. Can you commit to spending quality time with your bird each day?
- Lifespan – Some birds live 15+ years. Are you ready for a long-term commitment to care for your pet?
- Vet care – Birds need specialized avian veterinarians. Factor in check-up costs and emergency vet fees.
- Training – Proper handling techniques and behavioral training are a must to build trust and prevent biting/aggression.
- Other pets/kids – Consider if current pets or young kids in your home will stress out or harm your new bird.
Best Bird Species for Beginners
For first-time bird owners, certain species tend to be better pets than others. The below birds are often recommended for beginner owners:
Budgies
Budgies, also known as parakeets, are one of the most popular pet bird species. Here’s some info about their care:
- Size – Budgies reach 6-8 inches tall.
- Lifespan – Generally 5-10 years.
- Diet – Specialized pellets, fresh veggies, limited seeds/nuts.
- Noise level – Budgies can be noisy, but not as loud as some other parrot species. Their noise level is moderate.
- Personality – Budgies are very social and active. They require lots of toys and interaction.
- Other – Best kept in pairs. Need a cage at least 18 inches wide.
Canaries
Canaries are popular songbirds kept as pets. Here are some canary care tips:
- Size – They reach 5-6 inches in length.
- Lifespan – 10+ years is common.
- Diet – Fortified seeds and pellets, greens, veggies, occasional fruits.
- Noise level – Male canaries sing loudly and frequently. Females are quieter.
- Personality – Curious and active. Male singing can be annoying to some owners.
- Other – Need large cages, around 20 inches wide, to accommodate their constant movement.
Cockatiels
Cockatiels are small parrot species that make good pets for new owners. Here are some care guidelines:
- Size – Reach 12-14 inches tall.
- Lifespan – Generally 15-20 years.
- Diet – Fortified cockatiel seed mixes, pellets, veggie/fruit chop.
- Noise level – Male cockatiels can be loud. Females are quieter. Moderate noise level overall.
- Personality – Cockatiels bond very strongly with their owners.
- Other – Need a cage at least 20 inches wide. Social birds best kept in pairs.
Finches
Finch species like zebra finches and society finches are good options too. Here’s finch care info:
- Size – Most finches reach 3-6 inches long.
- Lifespan – 2-5 years is common.
- Diet – Fortified finch seed mixes. Occasional veggies or greens.
- Noise level – Medium noise level. Males sing songs and calls loudly.
- Personality – Active, social birds that travel in flocks.
- Other – Best kept in groups of 3 or more. Need flight cages around 18 inches wide.
Intermediate Bird Species
The below birds need experienced owners who can properly care for them:
Parrotlets
Parrotlets are tiny parrots with big personalities. Consider these facts if getting a parrotlet:
- Size – Just 5-6 inches tall.
- Lifespan – Generally 10-15 years.
- Diet – Specialized pellets, fortified seeds, veggies, limited fruits.
- Noise level – Very loud shrill calls, especially when flock calling.
- Personality – Feisty and bold. Require frequent handling to prevent aggression.
- Other – Need cages over 18 inches wide. Social birds best kept in pairs.
Conures
Conures are popular small parrots, but require experienced owners. Here are conure care tips:
- Size – Ranges 10-17 inches depending on species.
- Lifespan – 20-30 years.
- Diet – Pellets, greens, veggies, limited fruits/nuts.
- Noise level – Very loud and frequent shrieks.
- Personality – Intelligent and social. Can be nippy.
- Other – Require large cages and lots of toys/exercise. Messy eaters.
Quaker Parrots
Quaker parrots make engaging pets for the right owner. See care facts below:
- Size – Reach 11-13 inches tall.
- Lifespan – 15-20 years.
- Diet – Fortified pellets, limited seeds, veggies and fruits.
- Noise level – Very loud chatter and mimicry skills.
- Personality – Extremely social and interactive.
- Other – Require large cages with variety of perches. Prone to plucking feathers if bored/lonely.
Lovebirds
Lovebirds are feisty small parrots. They need an experienced bird owner. Here’s lovebird care info:
- Size – 5-7 inches tall depending on species.
- Lifespan – 10-15 years.
- Diet – Fortified lovebird seed mix, pellets, fresh foods.
- Noise level – Loud, frequent chirps and vocalizations.
- Personality – Bond strongly to mates/owners. Very active.
- Other – Need cages over 20 inches wide. Social birds best kept in pairs.
Birds That Don’t Make Good Pets
The below birds generally don’t make good pets, especially for first-time owners:
Large Parrots
Large parrot species like macaws, cockatoos, and amazons require extensive specialty care and are very noisy. They need huge aviaries and don’t adapt well to confinement in cages. Handling them can be dangerous without training. Rescue organizations are filled with surrendered large parrots, showing that most average owners cannot properly care for them.
Finches
Sparrows, owls, and most wild finch species are protected by law. It’s illegal to keep them as pets. Their specialized diets and environments are impossible to properly replicate in captivity.
Chickens
Backyard chickens have soared in popularity. However, most city/suburban areas prohibit chicken keeping. They require specialized outdoor coops, space to roam, and careful monitoring against predators/disease. The average household cannot provide proper chicken care.
Ducks
Duck care is very involved. These messy waterfowl need access to ponds or small pools to thrive. Their waste ruins backyard landscaping and they are noisy. Neighbor noise complaints are common with pet ducks. They are also prone to disease without meticulous care.
Pigeons
Pigeons are challenging pets that require free flight time outdoors. Their maintenance is demanding and pigeon waste can damage patios/balconies. Due to pest concerns, many cities prohibit pigeon keeping. They are easily stressed and don’t handle confinement well at all.
Conclusion
When choosing a pet bird, be sure you can properly accommodate the specific needs of that species. Opt for a beginner bird like a budgie, canary, cockatiel, or finch for the best success as a new bird owner. Avoid larger parrots that require advanced specialty care. Proper research and preparation makes for happier birds and owners!