So, you’re looking into getting a pet bird but just don’t know where to start? Who could blame you, there are so many awesome breeds of birds that it may be quite hard to wrap your head around.
These creatures are said to descend from dinosaurs, more specifically theropods, and even though their ability to adapt to different climates and habitats have led them to become smaller and exchange their teeth for a beak, they are still pretty interesting.
Some even retained their teeth, like geese and ducks for example! Although those aren’t legal to own in some places. However, there are plenty of other acceptable bird breeds to choose from.
Whether you are looking for a low maintenance pet bird, or you simply want a different pet, we have a few recommendations when it comes to the type of breed you should pick!
The best pet birds suitable for beginners:
1. Parakeets or budgies
Parakeets, or more commonly referred to as budgies, are the number one on the list since they are the most popular and one of the best pet birds in the U.S currently. That is mostly because they are generally low maintenance.
These adorable birds come in a lot of different shades and colors ranging from blue, green, white and even yellow with speckles of black on their head, wings and back. Given the proper care, they can be really affectionate and cuddly as well. They are really intelligent and can also be taught tricks and even how to talk!
This is the type of bird that truly benefits from spending quality time with their owner, not simply left to be observed. You can even pick out a companion budgie for them to live with. You don’t need to worry about it around children, they get along great. Even if you get nipped at if they’re being messed with, their bites do not hurt as much as a larger bird’s might, and this is why they are some of the best bird pets that are out there.
They can be content with living in a cage; however, they do need exercise. It is recommended to let it out once a day so it can fly around the house for an hour or so. Before you do that though, make sure that all of the windows are closed and your budgie is properly trained to not try to fly away. It is also better if the room doesn’t have any other animals in it so that they can fly around in peace without being pestered.
Their lifespan usually goes up to 10 years, they are small in size and don’t make a lot of noise. However, they do require quite a bit of socialization.
2. Cockatiels
Cockatiels, similar to the parakeets, are quite the popular pick when it comes to pet birds, and are actually considered to be the number 1 pick in America. Cockatiels are small affectionate birds that generally have similar colorations across the board, being usually gray, white and yellow.
They are most notable for the feathered crests on their heads and the red colored marks on their cheeks. It will be easy to train them and they adore interacting with people, making friends with as many as possible even, instead of attaching themselves to one person only.
They get along great with families with children, and that makes them also one of the best pet birds around. Even though they are slightly higher maintenance than the budgie, since they require more training and a bigger cage, they are still pretty good for beginners.
Like the parakeets, you should let your cockatiel out of their cage once a day for a few hours, making sure that they have a nice open area to fly around in to get their exercise needs met.
Their lifespan is usually up to 20 years, they are small in size and don’t make a lot of noise. They need for socialization is pretty moderate.
3. Parrotlets
This bird is one tiny ball of spunk and energy! Parrotlets are naturally curious, sassy and quick – witted creatures, that can come in many shades of yellow, green and blue. So, if a brightly colored, small but sassy bird fits your pet criteria then look no further.
Parrotlets are a lot less likely to bond with their owners if you don’t make the effort, compared to the other breeds, so it is recommended that you spend a lot of time with them. Whether it be spent hand – feeding them, playing with them or just teaching them some tricks, your parrotlet will be grateful.
They are very easily bored, so always be well equipped with fun toys! Otherwise, they may become distracted if not stimulated enough. If you decide to give your parrotlet a companion, they will form a strong bond and probably care less for the humans around them. Everything depends on what you are looking for in a relationship with your pet.
Letting your parrotlet out of their cage is a must, they need the exercise. Just make sure that they are properly trained before doing any of that. A few hours a day should meet their physical requirements.
Their lifespan is also up to 20 years, they are smaller compared to the species mentioned above, and they make a moderate amount of noise. If they have a companion they wouldn’t need a lot of socialization, but if they are flying solo, they would require a moderate amount.
4. Lovebirds
Lovebirds are one of the most colorful options that you can image, and they also resemble a rainbow colored sorbet or shaved ice in a way. They are extremely chatty, full of energy, a lot like the parrotlet in fact, they are full of spunk. This means that they will need a lot of attention and training so that they do not end up being aggressive and territorial.
However, this cannot stop their occasional jealousy. With constant care and training they will form a strong bond with you and actually become quite the cuddler. They love to play and chew on things so do keep their cage stocked with zinc and lead free toys.
Even though it is a myth that lovebirds need a mate, they do like the company of belonging to a flock. Give them plenty of space by setting up a medium sized cage for them.
They require a lot of exercise so do let them out of the cage for a few hours every day.
Their lifespan is up to 20 years, they are small in size and don’t make a lot of noise. Like the parrotlet, they require a small amount of socialization when they have a companion, and a moderate amount when they are without one.
5. Canaries
There might be a slight chance that you already know a bit about canaries before reading this article, and with how passionate the canary owning community is, it wouldn’t come as a surprise! They have such dedicated fans unlike any other birds.
They have been talked about in poetry, novels and songs with the main point being their delicate appearance and beautiful singing voice. And that’s exactly what makes them one of the best pet birds.
Canaries are very intelligent and cheerful, people pleasing birds that love to show off their voice by chatting and singing to anyone passing by.
They can come in various different colors such as yellow, orange red and white and are trainable, so let them out of their cage to exercise. They are extremely low maintenance, as they are a purely observational bird, and their dislike of constant touch. Canaries are content by living alone in their cage.
You wouldn’t be making a mistake if you were to put them in a group, just make sure not to put two males together as they will fight for dominance. It is recommended to get a male bird if you specifically want one with a pretty singing voice.
They need an hour or two of exercise a day so make sure to let them fly around outside their cage.
Their lifespan is up to 10 years, they are small in size and are pretty noisy, but in this case it’s not the annoying type of noise. They do not need a lot of socialization.
6. Pionus Parrots
What makes the pionus parrot one of the best pet birds ? Well, this is a quiet and easy-going bird that makes a great pet for any family. The love affection, but on their own terms and are known to be fairly sociable creatures. They have a blue and green iridescent coloring, truly a sight to behold.
However due to their size, their bites can be quite painful, so make sure that they are properly under supervision when there are children around. The pionus parrot is one of the quietest Amazonian parrots to exist, so do not worry much about noise complaints from the neighbors.
Regardless, this bird does require more maintenance than average, due to their health issues needing proper upkeep and annual visits to the vet. That being said they have a long life and a pretty high price tag.
Like all birds they require a time and space to fly around and exercise.
Their lifespan ranges from 25 up to 40 years, they are a medium – sized bird and they can be pretty noisy at times. They have moderate social needs.
7. Amazon Parrots
Last but certainly not least we have the Amazon parrots. These birds are known to have personalities as big as they are, and that’s what puts them on the list of the best pet birds. They are green in color and have an outstanding ability to talk. They love singing and thoroughly enjoy socializing and bonding with people.
The Amazon parrot is generally very expressive about their wants and needs, which makes them easy to take care of. Amazon parrots that have not been listen to or spent time with may end up biting.
This means they are not the best fit if you are a busy person that is rarely home. Getting a large cage is a must if you want to own this breed as it will give your parrot room to move around. They are a large, active winged friend that will bond with you quickly.
Like all of the other birds mentioned in this list, this guy needs its fair share of daily exercise too. A couple hours of flying around outside the cage and exploring will do the trick surely.
They have a pretty long lifespan, often extending past 30 years of age, they are medium sized and are pretty loud, so not suitable for an apartment complex with thin walls and cranky neighbors. They have a pretty high need for social interaction so make sure to meet those requirements before the parrot turns to destructive tendencies.
