For many people, having a pet bird can be a rewarding experience. Birds can be fun, loving companions that bring joy into their owners’ lives. When considering getting a pet bird, one of the most important factors is choosing a species that makes for a good companion. The best birds for companionship are those that bond strongly with their owners, are affectionate and social, enjoy human interaction, and are relatively easy to care for.
What Makes a Good Companion Bird?
There are several qualities that make for an ideal companion parrot:
Bonding Ability
Some bird species are much more likely to form strong bonds with their human caretakers than others. Birds such as cockatiels, conures, Amazon parrots, African greys, cockatoos, and macaws tend to become very attached to their owners if properly socialized from a young age. These birds crave closeness and interaction with their people.
Affection and Socialness
The most suitable companion birds enjoy receiving affection as much as giving it. They like to be pet, scratched, and cuddled. Companionable birds are also naturally social, interacting frequently with their owners as well as any other people or animals in the household.
Enjoy Human Interaction
Birds make for better companions when they actively seek out human attention and involvement. Species like parakeets, lovebirds, and lories tend to be very playful, energetic, and inquisitive. They thrive on activities, training, and spending time with their owners.
Manageable Care Requirements
While no bird is truly “low maintenance,” some species are relatively easier to care for than others when it comes to their housing, nutrition, grooming, health needs, etc. Laid back, resilient birds tend to adjust well to responsible pet owners. Budgies and cockatiels, for example, have basic needs that dedicated beginner owners can provide.
Best Companion Bird Species
Here are some of the top birds to consider for human companionship:
Cockatiels
Cockatiels are extremely popular companion parrots, and for good reason. These small Australian parrots bond strongly with their owners and prefer to be close by for cuddles and interaction. They are affectionate, lively, and entertaining to watch. Cockatiels are usually quiet with minimal mess, but do require daily time out of their cage.
African Grey Parrots
Despite their large size, African greys are known as “velcro birds” for their propensity to stick close to their favorite humans. They thrive on attention and mental stimulation. These extremely intelligent parrots can often learn to talk and do tricks. African greys require lots of space and enrichment.
Conures
The conure family contains several species that make excellent companions, such as sun conures, green-cheeked conures, and Jenday conures. These small, active parrots bond deeply and enjoy physical affection. Conures are noisy, high-energy, and have a long lifespan.
Parrotlets
At just 5-6 inches long, parrotlets are tiny parrots with huge personalities. They are bold, curious, and animated. Parrotlets adore being handled and cuddled by their owners. Their small size and quiet nature makes them an appealing option for apartment living.
Budgerigars (Parakeets)
Budgies are classic starter birds due to their playful nature, small stature, low cost, and basic care needs. These little Aussie parrots thrive when socialized and interacted with daily. Budgies are usually peaceful when kept in same-sex pairs or groups. Taming takes patience and persistence.
Cockatoos
Cockatoos are extremely affectionate, though high-maintenance, birds. They require immense amounts of time, care, and attention from their owners to thrive and avoid behavioral problems. Cockatoos bond strongly for life and can be cuddly, silly, and endearing companions. However, their loud voices and destructive chewing must be considered.
Lovebirds
As their name suggests, lovebirds are super affectionate, social little parrots. They form very close bonds with owners and other lovebirds. Lovebirds should be kept in pairs at minimum. These busy, cheerful birds enjoy playing and snuggling with their favorite people for hours. Lovebirds can be loud.
Traits to Avoid in Companion Birds
While certain parrot traits may be desirable in companions, other qualities should be avoided, such as:
Aggression Issues
Some parrot species tend to be more hostile, territorial, nippy, or unpredictable, especially if not well-socialized. Birds prone to aggression like macaws and amazons can still make good companions, but require an experienced owner.
Extreme Noise
Particularly loud birds like cockatoos, amazons, and macaws may not be suitable if you have close neighbors or need a quiet environment. Their screaming can be difficult to manage.
Severe Messiness
Bird species known for being very messy may overwhelm house proud owners. Birds that fling food, feathers, or droppings like cockatoos and eclectus can still thrive in the right habitat.
Extensive Demanding Care
High-needs birds with intense exercise, enrichment, training, and social needs may be too challenging for casual owners. Birds like large cockatoos and macaws essentially take over your lifestyle.
Medical Fragility
Some parrot species are predisposed to certain health conditions or are more sensitive to environmental factors. Birds with shorter lifespans or lots of vet bills may cause heartache.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Companion Bird
If you’re looking to add a feathered friend to your home, keep these key factors in mind:
Your Lifestyle and Schedule
Make sure you can provide adequate time for interacting with and caring for your pet bird daily. Work schedule, family, travel and activity level will affect what species suits you best. Birds are social and get lonely if neglected.
Noise Tolerance
Determine how much noise you can handle in your living space, as some bird species can be extremely loud and vocal. Even small parrots can be shrill at times. Birds should not be confined to stay quiet.
Allergy Management
Birds produce dander that can aggravate allergies or asthma in sensitive individuals, especially large feathered species. Proper air filtration and hygiene is necessary.
Costs and Commitment
Birds have relatively long lifespans. Be prepared for the financial and time commitment of responsibly caring for them into the future. Supplies, food, vet care and housing expenses add up.
Your Home Environment
Make sure your living space meets safety standards for pet birds in terms of hazards, ventilation, size, etc. Some landlord policies prohibit exotic pets too.
Special Needs
If you require a one person bird or have other special circumstances, choose a species well-suited to your unique situation. An experienced avian vet can provide guidance.
Bird Species | Companionship Traits | Potential Drawbacks |
---|---|---|
Cockatiels | Affectionate, bond strongly, enjoy handling | Need large cages, live 15-20 years |
African Greys | Extremely intelligent, bond closely, require lots of interaction | Demanding care needs, prone to plucking |
Conures | Cuddly, playful, acrobatic | Very loud, nippy, need lots of toys |
Budgerigars | Active, cheerful, low-maintenance care | Prone to tumors, delicate respiratory systems |
Cockatoos | Exceptionally affectionate and cuddly | Require immense amounts of attention, extremely loud |
Providing the Best Care for Companion Birds
To ensure a mutually fulfilling relationship with your feathered friend, provide the following:
Proper Housing
Each bird species has particular housing requirements. Provide an appropriately sized cage or aviary with perches, toys, and enrichment. Let birds spend ample supervised time out of enclosure daily.
Balanced Diet
Feed a variety of healthy foods tailored to your bird’s nutritional needs. Pellets, fresh produce, sprouted seeds, nuts and calcium sources are important. Limit junk food.
Regular Vet Checkups
Have an experienced avian vet examine your bird at least annually. They can spot signs of illness and advise you on providing medical care.
Positive Socialization
Gently handle and interact with your bird daily to build trust and bonding. Use positive reinforcement in training. Ensure guests also respect bird’s space.
Mental Stimulation
Prevent boredom by providing puzzle toys, foraging opportunities, training sessions, and introducing new experiences to pique your bird’s curiosity.
Companionship
Social birds thrive when paired with another compatible bird or given ample focused time with human family members. Loneliness takes a toll on their wellbeing.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal feathered companion is an important decision. While many parrot species have the potential to form close bonds and provide affection, cockatiels, African greys, conures, parrotlets, budgies, cockatoos, and lovebirds are often considered among the top contenders for human companionship. By evaluating your lifestyle, household environment, and commitment level, you can determine which bird would be the best fit. Providing excellent care tailored to your bird’s needs helps ensure a mutually satisfying relationship built on trust and enrichment. With the proper species match and responsible pet parenting, a bird can bring endless joy as your loyal animal friend.