If you have never owned a bird before, there are some options that are better than others.
It is important that you choose carefully so you don’t get in over your head.
The more you learn about these options, the easier it will be to make the right choice.
Best Pet Birds for Beginners
1. Budgies
Budgies make excellent birds for those who have never kept these animals before. Also known as parakeets, these birds have a reputation for being incredibly affectionate. They are fairly easy to train and can speak to a certain extent. Most of them are pretty small, so they don’t take up a lot of space.
2. Cockatiels
You will quickly find that cockatiels are also great birds to have as pets if you are a bird beginner. The females are known for being a lot gentler than males, so you’ll want to keep this in mind. These birds do require a lot of space, so you will need to get a big cage for yours. It is also important that you keep them occupied with lots of toys and daily interaction.
3. Canaries
You should also think about getting a canary. Canaries are known for their beautiful bright colors, which usually consist of orange, yellow and green. They are pretty small birds and have a fairly affectionate demeanor. The males sing while the females do not, so you should consider that before making a decision. These birds don’t typically like to be handled, but they do enjoy being in the company of people. You will want to admire them from a distance.
4. Lovebirds
Lovebirds in general make for great pets for those who have never had a bird before. Peace-faced lovebirds in particular are a good choice because of their beautiful coloration and their small size. As far as birds go, these ones are relatively low maintenance. They can live alone without any avian companions, but you do need to spend some time with them each day. These birds love to play, so you will need to provide yours with lots of toys in their cage.
5. Hyacinth Macaw
The Hyacinth macaw is a gorgeous bird that is also quite sociable and enjoys being around people. These birds always seem to be in a good mood and are very rarely cranky. This is not a temperamental bird at all, which is part of why it’s so good for beginners. They are pretty big though, so you’ll need to have a good amount of space at home. If you treat these macaws, right they will provide you with years of enjoyable companionship.
6. Finches
Finches are also very pretty birds that often have several colors, including red, orange, grey, white, black and brown. They love to fly around, so you will have to get yours a pretty big cage. These birds don’t particularly enjoy climbing, and they don’t do very well when it comes to being handled. This is a great pet for children, but they need to understand that these birds are best appreciated from a distance. If you are going to get a finch, you should buy two and keep them together in the same cage.
7. Pionus Parrots
The Pionus parrot is a very colorful and quiet bird, making it well-suited for apartment living. These birds have an incredibly affectionate nature, and they are fond of being handled. They are, however, quite big and need a large cage that can accommodate their wingspan. This is definitely one of the mellower birds you will be able to buy as a pet. They need quite a bit of one-on-one time with their owners though.
8. Quaker Parakeets
Quaker Parakeets have a beautiful green and silver coloration, and they can even say a handful of words. They are not allowed to be kept as pets in a few states, so you’ll want to check with the laws of wherever you live before buying one. This is an excellent bird to have if you are a beginner. It is okay with gentle handling and its mood tends to stay the same most of the time.
9. Pyrrhura Conures
The Pyrrhura conure is another very quiet and friendly bird that is ideal for beginners. It does well with being handled and is quite playful. There is a good chance that it will pick up some phrases that you say on a regular basis.
10. Amazon Parrot
The Amazon Parrot is known for its speech and intelligence. These birds are also very gentle and affectionate towards their owners. A white-fronted Amazon Parrot is a great choice if you have never owned any type of bird before. This particular bird is fairly low maintenance and not difficult to handle at all.
11. Parrotlets
A lot of people choose Parrotlets as their first bird because of just how adorable they are. These birds are fairly small, so you don’t need to have a lot of room at home. They can provide you with countless hours of entertainment as well. Keep in mind that you will have to spend a significant amount of time with yours each day.
Conclusion
- Budgies are great birds for beginners, as they are highly affectionate and can be trained easily.
- Male cockatiels in particular are good pets for those who have never owned a bird because of how gentle they are.
- Canaries are gorgeous birds that are also small, but they do not enjoy being handled.
- Lovebirds are also small birds that do not require a lot of maintenance, and they are incredibly playful.
- The Hyacinth Macaw is a stunningly beautiful bird that is fairly big and even-tempered, so it doesn’t get irritable or cranky very easily.
- Finches are colorful birds that are excellent for children, but they need to be admired from a distance.
- Pionus Parrots are quiet birds that are well-suited to apartments.
- The Quaker parakeet is a big talker and nice overall bird, but it is against the law to own in a few states.
- Pyrrhura Conures are great beginner birds, as they like to play and enjoy being handled.
- Amazon parrots are also gentle birds with an affectionate demeanor.
- Parrotlets need a lot of daily attention, but they make for excellent companions.
