Best Pet Birds for Beginners

Birds are some of the most beautiful animals on the planet, and they can also make great pets for those who are dedicated and passionate about them. However, some bird species are easier for beginners than others.

Some of the most common pet birds are also the easiest to own. For example, Parakeets, Canaries, and Finches can all make wonderful pets for novice bird owners. There are a few more bird species that can make a good fit for beginners as well, though.

In this article, we will be listing our top picks for the best species of pet birds for beginner bird owners. We will also be providing you with some helpful things to consider about owning a pet bird as well. Alright, let’s get into it.

Parakeets

Also commonly called Budgies, Parakeets make for an excellent starter bird. For one thing, Parakeets are fairly small and are pretty easy for a novice owner to properly care for. They are also less noisy than some of the other pet bird species out there.

That being said, Parakeets are very social birds. This means that you will need to designate an least an hour out of your daily schedule to spend time with them. This could be in multiple minutes-long segments, or all at once. You may also need to consider getting a second Parakeet so they can socialize when you’re not there.

Parakeets also love being active and need toys to remain entertained. You could set up tv for them to watch, or keep their cage near a window they can see outside of. They are a bit on the messy side as well, so if you do not like cleaning they may not be the bird for you.

Canaries

Canaries are great pet birds for beginners because they can be kept either alone or in pairs, so you do not necessarily need to commit to buying two. These colorful birds love to sing, which can be a bonus or a drawback depending on the person. However, this singing is not loud or unpleasant. The main drawbacks to canaries is that they require a larger cage and can be messy. However, almost all pets can get messy from time to time!

Finches

Finches can be another great option for beginners. Finches are not very loud, and they are also small birds that are pretty easy for novice owners to take care of. Keep in mind though, you will need to have more than one Finch for them to remain happy. However, they require a bit less interaction from their owner than many of the other birds on our list. This can also mean that your finch may never become as social as some of the other listed birds could be, so if you’re looking for a very attention-heavy bird, Finches may not be the best.

Finches come in many beautiful colors, and they can be a joy to observe. Like many other birds, they can be a bit messy, though.

Doves

Doves can be a great option for beginners that do not like loud squawking or chirping noises. This is because doves emit a soft cooing sound instead. They are also calm birds that are not prone to nipping as long as properly tamed and socialized.

The main drawback to owning Doves is that they absolutely need to be housed in pairs due to their social nature. They also need regular social interactions with their owner, and they are a bird that does not like to be physically handled too much. This pet bird for beginners is best suited for someone who’d like to spend time with their bird, without physically handling them too much.

Parrotlets

Parrotlets can be a good option for those who are interested in Parrot species of bird. This is because Parrotlets tend to be much easier for novice owners to care for and own. Parrotlets tend to be fairly quiet, and they are known to be friendly and playful pets that love human interaction.

They do need a lot of attention to stay happy though, so be sure you have plenty of time on your hands. Parrotlets can also become easily bored, and they need a lot of toys and mental enrichment.

Things to Consider Before Getting a Pet Bird

Like with owning any type of pet, there are some considerations that you should make before getting a pet bird as a beginner. After all, birds can live a very long time, so owning a pet bird should be seen as a long-term commitment. Here are some things to consider before getting a pet bird.

Make Sure You Can Properly Care for the Bird

Properly taking care of birds can sometimes be expensive and time consuming. Make sure that you can afford to take care of your pet bird and have enough time to spend time with them each day.

Additionally, make sure that you are aware of all aspects of pet bird care. This includes keeping your pet bird warm year round, as the ideal room temperature for many birds is between 70°F and 80°F. Another aspect of this is maintaining a healthy diet for your pet bird, including not only food pellets, but fruits and vegetables as well.

Make Sure You Know Your Species’ Care Requirements

Every species of bird is different when it comes to its care requirements. Doing your research on the specific bird species that you are interested in having as a pet will help you prepare and take care of your bird properly. It’s best to do this before the bird enters your home. An exotic veterinarian can discuss the specific kind of care your bird may require with you ahead of time, so that you know what you’re getting in to.

Birds Can be Loud

Just like dogs bark and cats meow, birds squawk, chirp, coo, and yes, sometimes they scream. Just be aware that your house will likely get pretty noisy with a pet bird in it. Don’t get a pet bird if you do not like their nature to call and whistle when they see fit.

Birds Can be Messy and Destructive

Birds are notoriously messy and destructive creatures. They love tearing things up with their beaks and filing things onto the floor. While this is not a problem when a bird is tearing up their toys, it can become bothersome when they destroy other objects. You will need to be ok with cleaning up messes fairly often as well.

Consider Other People and Pets in Your Home

You will need to consider other people and pets in your home before bringing a new bird into the mix. Some people may not appreciate the noise and mess that birds tend to make. Similarly, pets like cats and dogs could potentially harm a pet bird. These are all things to consider before choosing to have a bird as a pet.

You Might Need to Change Your Lifestyle a Bit

Birds are similar to cats and dogs in that they need lots of attention. Birds are social creatures, and they want to have you around. As a result, you may need to change your lifestyle a bit when having pet birds. You may also need to consider getting your pet bird a friend as well. That is, a second bird they can interact with. Consider if you can care for more than one bird in terms of time, expense, and space.

Conclusion

There are a number of best pet birds for beginners that come with their own pros and cons. When you are deciding on which pet bird may be right for you and your family, think about the time you have in a day to interact with your bird, the cost of keeping a bird, the length of the bird’s life, and the space you are able to offer a pet bird. Birds can be wonderful and unique pets for someone who loves them and is able to keep them healthy, happy, and safe!

If you are a beginner considering a pet bird near Broomfield, CO, contact Broomfield Veterinary Hospital. We are experts at exotic bird care, and even offer exotic bird boarding for bird owners in the Broomfield, CO area. Call us today at 303-466-1764, or Request an Appointment Online!