Are you thinking of getting a bird and not sure what is the best choice for you? Do you know how much time and money is needed for a bird?
When it comes to birds, too many people get in over their heads, choosing a pet who’s too large, too loud, too expensive — and ultimately, too much to handle. If your list of potential birds includes only the largest and most colorful parrots, expand your horizons and consider some other birds before you buy.
Always deal with a reputable breeder or bird store when shopping for a pet. Some pet retailers see birds as products to be sold as quickly and efficiently as possible. Rapid stock turnover may be good for profits, but not for pets. Deal with people who sell healthy, well-socialized birds and you can count on the best start to your relationship with your new pet.
Different things make a bird good for the first-time owner. For example, some are good because they don’t need — or want — to be handled, and some for the opposite reason, because they are feathered love sponges. The list below includes birds that are reasonably priced, reasonably sized, and just plain reasonable to live with. And while some other birds, such as the blue-and-gold macaw and the cockatoo, can also be excellent first birds, they are more expensive to buy and maintain, and often more challenging to live with.
CANARIES
The canary — among the most popular and varied pet birds in the world — is well known for his vocal talents and vibrant color. Canaries are actually finches, and they can be green or yellow bright orange or even brown. Still, when folks think of them today, they most often conjure up a brilliantly colored yellow bird, thanks to the Sylvester-outsmarting Tweety Bird.
If you want a singer, make sure your new bird is a male — female canaries don’t sing.
This bird is perfect for beginners who aren’t sure they want as much interaction as some other species require. The canary is happy to hang out in a cage and entertain you with beauty and song. In fact, they’d rather not be handled. Because they don’t desire to handle, the canary is a good children’s pet, providing song and beauty and allowing youngsters to observe the wonder of birds close up.
FINCHES
The finch is another hands-off bird, a little charmer who embodies the word “vivacious.” Finches are flashy, fast-moving, and fun to watch, with a lively, constant twittering that’s considerably below the decibel level parrots are capable of attaining.
Finches do better in a social situation, so plan on buying two or more and giving them a cage with plenty of space to exercise their wings — these birds get around by flying and they don’t climb for exercise. Also remember that when they’re too crowded, territorial cage battles between cage mates will erupt.
Because they’re perfectly content to live without handling, finches make good caged birds for an older child’s room.
BUDGIES (PARAKEETS)
Because of their small price tag and easy availability, budgerigars (or parakeets) are often treated as a throwaway bird — easily purchased, easily disposed of, easily replaced. This deplorable attitude keeps people from valuing these birds for their affectionate personality — some budgies even become very good talkers, albeit with tiny little voices.
Colors now reach far beyond the green or blue you remember from the pet department at the dime store. They’re usually timid, at first, but budgies can be tamed by gentle, patient handling and can bond closely to their human companions. For a very gentle child, budgies are ideal pets.
Choosing a good pet store is important when buying any pet, but especially important for buying budgies. Mass-produced birds are harder to tame because they haven’t been socialized, and they’re more prone to life-threatening diseases.
COCKATIELS
Cockatiels are an exceptionally popular bird, and justifiably so. These small parrots are flat-out loving, and they live to snuggle and be petted. If you only recognize the gray bird with orange patches, you may be surprised at how many colors are available, thanks to the work of some energetic breeders.
Some cockatiels learn to talk, but many are better at whistling. This bird is another who’s a good choice for children as long as they understand the need for careful handling.
QUAKER PARAKEETS
Green and silvery Quakers are active and upbeat, and they like to vocalize. Some learn to talk, while others love to whistle. They can all be loving if they’re socialized when young and given consistent, respectful handling.
Note that these birds are illegal in a handful of states because they are considered a threat to native agriculture. (For information on restrictions where you live, check with your nearest Department of Agriculture or fish and game authorities.) Still, the Quaker is well worth considering if you live in places where they are legal.
POICEPHALUS PARROTS AND PARROTLETS
The small African parrots are known collectively as poicephalus are an easy-going bunch. Senegals are probably the most common, a handsome little bird with a gray head, green back and wings, and yellow-orange underside. Other species in the group include the Meyer’s, Jardine, cape, red belly, and brown head — all known for their small size (a little bigger than a cockatiel) and affectionate personalities. They aren’t the best talkers here, but their noise level is pretty low.
After they decide you’re trustworthy, these birds are especially fond of having their heads and necks scratched — in fact, they beg for it, tipping their heads and leaning over to expose their necks for a good scratch.
Don’t let the small size of the Parrotlet fool you; these 5-inch dynamos are all parrot — active, inquisitive, loving, and demanding. Apple-green or blue in hue, parrotlets are quieter than some of their larger relatives, but some do develop the gift of gab.
PIONUS PARROTS
Pionus are sometimes overlooked because they’re not as flashy as other parrots. But what they lack in bright colors they make up for with winning personalities. These are slightly larger than the poicephalus, but still small enough to be easy to keep and handle. Their personalities are more sedate, and they’re not excessively loud. (Nor are they considered fantastic talkers, although they’re certainly capable of learning a few phrases.) The word most connected with the pionus is “sweet,” and it fits. And when you’re in love with one, you can appreciate the subtle beauty of these birds — the plumage of a healthy pionus has an almost iridescent quality about it.
PYRRHURA CONURES
As pets, you’ve got about a dozen varieties of conures to choose from. The best bet for new owners is the green-cheeked or maroon-bellied conures, which are both much, much quieter than the more popular sun conure (but then, so are some rock bands). They are affectionate and playful. Some may even grace you with a few acquired phrases.
AMAZON PARROTS
The Amazons are a little bigger and more expensive than many of the other birds on this list, but they’re just too darn appealing to leave off it. Amazons are among the best talkers around, especially the yellow-naped species. They are also beautiful, brilliant, and love to clown around. They love to be in the limelight, and they seem to feed off the attention they attract.
Some Amazon species are easier to live with than others. For beginners, the lilac-crowns, blue-fronted, red-lored, and white-fronted are good choices. These are less demanding, quieter, and all around are easy to handle.
The problem for beginners: Amazons can be too smart. As with any parrot, you need to be sure you’re giving your bird lots of structured socialization, a fair share of toys, and plenty of exercise.
PEACH-FACED LOVEBIRDS
Peach-faced lovebirds are beautiful, active, and playful. A well-socialized peach-faced can be your best pal for years, if you don’t leave him to waste away alone in a cage. When hand-raised and socialized with humans, these little guys love to be handled, carried around in your shirt pocket or on your collar. They’re very affectionate, not overly loud, and capable of picking up a few phrases.
Check out this fun Buzzfeed test- What Kind of a Bird are You?
Do you have questions or comments about choosing a bird? What is your experience?
**adapted from dummies.com**
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