Having a dog or a cat for a pet is exciting. But have you ever thought about keeping a pet bird? Most people who opt to become bird parents find they make such good pets, but it can also be challenging.
Like any other pet, you need to consider whether you have enough time and space to dedicate to your bird. Some birds can be too noisy or take too much of your time; therefore, it’s essential to get all the necessary information about pet birds before deciding.
If you are a beginner, here are some adorable, friendly pet birds you should know.
1. Cockatiels
As one of the most popular pet birds in the market, they are medium-sized birds originally from Australia. Coming in green, yellow, and white colors, they are known for their friendly personalities. They look like mini cockatoos due to the yellow crest on their head.
While they can’t talk, they are brilliant birds, and often you will find them whistling. They also learn to mimic some noises in your house, such as the telephone or doorbell. Their average life span is 10 to 15 years.
Cockatiels are very active breeds hence require large cages and toys for playtime. In a day, you should get them out of the cage for several hours. When feeding them, these adorable birds can survive on pellets, leafy greens, and carrots.
2. Parakeets
Parakeets are also commonly referred to as budgies. Also, originally from Australia, they are a popular breed globally and easy to find in pet stores. The Parakeet comes in other different species, includingthe monk parakeet, also known as the Quaker parrot, and the Australian budgerigar.
This colorful breed is popular with pet parents because of its small size. They are also less noisy, making them a perfect pet for your home. Parakeets are friendly, affectionate, and trainable. With constant training, they can pick up fun bird tricks and learn how to talk.
They feed on pellets mixed with seeds and vegetables. With proper care and exercise, your pet bird can live 10 to 15 years.
3. Canaries
From their name, these birds are from the Canary Islands. Known for their beautiful singing voices, canaries are also colorful and come in bright colors, yellow, bright orange, brown, and green. They don’t like lots of human handling and are perfect for beginners.
Atlantic canary and the yellow canary are the most popular species among the canary breed. In their birdcage, set up perches and water bowls for drinking water and bathing purposes. Occasionally, you can let out the pet out of the cage to fly and provide some toys for exercise.
4. Finches
Similar to canaries, finches don’t require much human interaction and can entertain themselves. However, they are social regarding fellow birds; therefore, you can buy them in pairs. If you put them in twos, build a big enough cage to handle both creatures to avoid fights.
Popular species among the finches include star finch, zebra finch, and java sparrow. Finches don’t talk but make a lot of noise among themselves.
5. Parrotlets
This small parrot is smaller than a parakeet, making it a popular choice for a pet. They are suitable for first-time pet bird owners because they are adorable and easy to maintain. However, parrotlets require serious human attention; therefore, they are not well-suited for individuals that are rarely home.
A lack of attention can trigger them to rip things apart in your house or pick at the cage. To avoid this, provide enough toys and interact with the pet a lot.
These birds are originally from Middle and South America, and they come in blue, green, and yellow colors.
6. Doves
Unlike most pet birds, doves are quiet. They are not a very common pet but an excellent option to consider when looking for a pet bird. Domesticated doves are easy to train and bond with their owners pretty quickly.
Doves enjoy human interaction, but it’s not necessary for them; they find a way to entertain themselves. These medium-sized birds come in blue, white, or grey colors. Ring-necked dove and the diamond dove are the most common dove species.
With proper care, they can survive for up to 10 years.
7. Hyacinth Macaws
Hyacinth Macaws are one of the largest giant birds you’ll ever come across. Originally from South, Noth, and Central America, these brightly colored parrots are recognizable due to their large hooked bills and long tails.
Their average size is about 3 feet long, making it hard for people to house it if they don’t have space. But if you have enough space, these birds are a good choice because they are friendly and pleasant. They tend to form a close bond with their owners pretty quickly.
8. Conures
These birds are a favorite pet choice for people who like parrots. Conures are brightly colored species, with the most common being the sun conure, green-cheeked, and the Jenday conure. If you get a conure for your home, you will enjoy their company because they have a friendly and playful personality.
Compared to other parrots, conures don’t learn to talk. However, their engaging personality is enough entertainment and makes them great companions.
When feeding them, you can blend a diet with pellets, vegetables, and fruits. Make sure the diets are reasonably small and don’t have high sugar content.
Final Thoughts
Birds have attractive qualities that make them a good pet choice for you and your family. Each species comes with its own set of characteristics, behaviors, and needs. Therefore, you need to choose a pet bird to keep depending on your capabilities, especially those that need a lot of human interaction.
Before bringing a pet bird home, consider its size, which is essential in getting a cage. Have toys available and perches for playtime. Furthermore, you can release the pet bird from the cage for a couple of hours to keep it active. You can never go wrong with pet birds; they make great companions.
Tickled Tails 