You want your days to be full of cheerful chirping and your home to be brightened with colorful feathers. The thought of owning a pet bird has crossed your mind, but you don't know where to start. Should you bring home a bubbly parakeet, a charming cockatiel, or a playful conure? Or maybe a different bird altogether?
There are so many choices! How do you decide which is the best bird for you? You don't have much experience with birds, and you don't want to make a mistake. All Things Birds is here to guide you through the process of choosing your first bird.
Introduction to Birds
Birds are commonly touted as "low maintenance", but this couldn't be further from the truth. If you're new to owning a pet bird, what you need to know is that they're intelligent, social creatures that require a lot of care and attention. They can live for many years (depending on the species) and form strong bonds with their owners, which means they need a lot of interaction and stimulation. They also require a specialized diet, routine grooming, and regular vet check-ups to ensure their health and happiness.
But don't let this scare you! Birds may not be low maintenance, but you don't need to be an expert to successfully care for one. You just need to do your homework, be patient and committed, and choose the right bird for you. On that topic, what are the best pet birds for beginners? Let's find out!
Parakeets: The Social Butterfly
Also known as budgies, parakeets are a popular choice for beginner bird owners. Parakeets are "Old World" parrots, meaning they originate from countries such as Australia, Asia, and Africa. They're small in size, typically measuring between 7 to 9 inches long, and come in various colors.
Behavior and Temperament
Parakeets are highly social birds and thrive with human interaction. They require daily handling and playtime to keep them happy and stimulated.
They're also known for their mimicry skills, meaning they can learn to talk and even sing! Parakeets may not have the large vocabulary of larger parrots, but they can still surprise you with their ability to imitate sounds and words.
Care Requirements
Parakeets do well in pairs or small groups, so you should get at least two. This is especially the case if you don't have a lot of time to spend with your bird, as a companion bird can help prevent loneliness and boredom. They require a spacious cage with plenty of toys to keep them entertained, as well as fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and pellets for a balanced diet. In terms of grooming, they need regular nail trims and baths to keep their feathers clean and healthy.
Other Things to Consider
There are a few other things to keep in mind when considering a parakeet as a pet. These include:
- Noise level: Parakeets are quiet compared to most other parrot species, but they can still make noise. They may chirp and chatter throughout the day, which can be a source of joy for some people and a nuisance for others.
- Lifespan: Parakeets can live into their late teens or early twenties, so prepare for a long-term commitment.
- Handling: While parakeets are social and friendly birds, they may not enjoy being handled as much as other species. They tend to be skittish. Some may even become nippy if they feel uncomfortable or threatened.
Cockatiels: The Sweet Songster
Native to Australia, cockatiels are another popular choice for first-time bird owners. They're slightly larger than parakeets, measuring between 12 to 14 inches long. Their most characteristic feature is their beautiful crest of feathers on top of their heads that they can raise and lower. Cockatiels come in various colors, but the most common is gray with yellow accents.
Behavior and Temperament
Cockatiels have a gentle and sweet nature. They’re great pets for families. They enjoy being around people and can learn to mimic words and sounds. However, they may not be as social or interactive as parakeets, so they may not be the best choice if you're seeking a bird that constantly craves attention.
Care Requirements
Like parakeets, cockatiels also do well in pairs or small groups. They need a spacious cage with plenty of toys and perches for exercise and mental stimulation. They should be given access to clean water and their diet should consist of pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables. Grooming requirements are similar to parakeets, with occasional nail trimming and routine bathing.
Other Things to Consider
Here are a few other things you should consider before bringing home a cockatiel:
- Noise level: Cockatiels can be vocal birds, especially in the mornings and evenings. People often describe their songs as musical, but some may find their chirping and whistling too loud.
- Lifespan: Cockatiels can live up to 20 years or more with proper care. The oldest recorded cockatiel lived to be 32 years old!
- Dusty feathers: Unlike parakeets, cockatiels produce a fine powder on their feathers that helps keep them clean. This powder can cause allergies in some people, so if you have respiratory issues, this is something to consider. Regular baths and cage cleaning can help reduce the amount of dust.
Conures: The Colorful Clown
Conures are another popular choice for beginner bird owners. They're medium-sized parrots that originate from Central and South America. They come in a variety of colors, with the most common being green, red, and yellow.
Behavior and Temperament
Conures are highly social and thrive on interaction with their owners. They can be talkative, but they're not known for their mimicry skills like parakeets or cockatiels. They do, however, have a wide range of vocalizations and can be quite loud at times. They're also very active birds and require plenty of attention and stimulation.
Care Requirements
Conures need a spacious cage with plenty of toys and perches for exercise and mental stimulation. They also require a varied diet consisting of pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables, and occasional treats. Grooming requirements are similar to other birds on this list—regular nail trims, wing clipping, and routine baths.
Other Things to Consider
Before deciding on a conure as your first pet bird, here are some other factors you should keep in mind:
- Noise level: Conures can be loud, especially when they're excited or seeking attention. They may not be the best choice for apartment living or if you have neighbors.
- Lifespan: Depending on the species, conures can live up to 30 years with proper care and nutrition.
- Bonding: Conures form strong bonds with their owners and may become aggressive towards other people or pets if they feel threatened. Early socialization can help prevent this behavior.
There are other species of birds, but these three are some of the best for beginners due to their relatively easy care requirements and friendly personalities. If one of these species piques your interest, head to a local shop or rescue to meet potential birds and see which one clicks with you. If you live near Santa Clarita in Southern California, All Things Birds would be more than happy to help you find your perfect feathered friend!
We hand-raise parakeets, cockatiels, conures, and more. We give them the love, care, and attention they deserve while they wait for their forever homes. We also sell bird supplies, including perches, toys, and food, so you can get everything you need in one convenient place. Visit us today and start your journey to becoming a proud bird owner!