is a bird easy to take care of

What are the best birds for beginners?

The Fifteen Best Pet Birds For Beginner

• Bourke’s Parakeet. These relatively quiet little birds aren’t big talkers, but they are very loving and affectionate. ...
• The canaries. ...
• Peach-faced Lovebirds. ...
• Budgerigar/ Parakeet. ...
• Quaker Parrot. ...
• Green-cheeked Conure. ...
• Cockatiel. ...
• Senegal Parrot. ...
• Blue-winged Parrotlet. ...
• Finches. ...

More items...

What kind of bird is easiest to care for?

Top 10 Best Bird Pets for Beginners

1. Budgies. You might have already heard of parakeets that are also alternatively known as budgies. ...
2. Cockatiels. Cockatiels are one of the most popular pets in the market. ...
3. Peach Faced Lovebirds. ...
4. Parrotlets. ...
5. Hyacinth Macaws. ...
6. Canaries. ...
7. Finches. ...
8. Quaker Parakeets. ...
9. Pionus Parrots. ...
10. Amazon Parrots. ...

Which Bird(s) is easiest to tame?

• At this stage, do not attempt to touch your bird when you have your hand in his cage.
• Practically speaking, you will need to place your hand inside your bird’s cage each morning when you change his food and water. ...
• It may take your bird anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to feel comfortable with your hand inside his cage.

More items...

What is the best bird to have as a pet?

Best Birds for Pets Cockatiel. Cockatiels are amongst the best birds for pets if you enjoy social interaction with your pet. Charming and outgoing, the cockatiel is a hands-on bird that enjoys playtime, both with its owner and alone.

What is the easiest bird to care for?

Parakeets, or budgies as they're also known, are number one on our list because they're the most popular bird pet in the US and because they're the most low-maintenance!

Is a bird a low-maintenance pet?

While there's no such thing as a no-maintenance bird, some pet bird species are easier to care for than others. These birds are on the smaller side, which means they typically make less of a mess than large birds do.

Do birds make good pets?

Birds make great first pets because they can be easily integrated into households with children and will teach children the responsibility of owning an animal. 6) Birds live longer than many other pets when cared for and fed properly. While it depends on their species, some birds can live upwards of 50 years!

What birds are easiest to raise?

Top Low-maintenance Birds You Can Easily Raise at HomeBudgies. These small, green, and blue parrots come from Australia but have been domesticated by humans. ... Canary. The canaries are the smallest bird on this list, but they're also one of the most popular. ... Cockatiel. ... Lovebird. ... Parakeet. ... Quaker Parrot.

Is a bird a good first pet?

Good Beginner Species to Consider If you have a bit more time and have an interest in parrots, then you could consider parakeets (budgies) or cockatiels, which are smaller members of the parrot family and are friendly, relatively quiet, and easy to tame if you get a young bird.

How hard is it to own a bird?

Unlike domesticated animals such as cats and dogs, birds are essentially wild and need to be handled and socialized with every day to remain tame. If you are thinking of owning a bird, you should assess your daily schedule and routine to see if you have the time that your feathered friend will require.

How much does a bird cost?

Birds like canaries and finches will likely cost $20-50 while birds like macaws can cost upwards of $5000....$20–5000+Parakeets$15-40Cockatiels$50-150Conures$150-500+African Grey Parrots$500-2000+Macaws$500-5000+1 more row•Apr 20, 2022

Are birds a dirty pet?

Bird owners should be aware that although their pets might be highly intelligent and fun companions, they can sometimes carry germs that can make people sick. Although rare, germs from birds can cause a variety of illnesses in people, ranging from minor skin infections to serious illnesses.

What is the easiest pet to care for?

The Top 7 Best Low Maintenance PetsBirds.Snakes. ... Sea Monkeys. ... Guinea pigs. ... Goldfish. Ahh, the goldfish. ... Cats. If you claim that you are not a “cat person”, have you ever tried owning a cat? ... Hamsters. Taking care of a hamster is easy once they have the proper cage. ...

Can birds be alone?

Birds are social flock animals, and many pet bird species need near-constant companionship from their caretakers. But some species are slightly more independent or are happy with the company of other birds, allowing their caretaker to spend more time away.

Do pet birds poop everywhere?

Do pet birds poop everywhere? Yes, birds do tend to poop wherever they are when the urge hits them. You will have to clean your bird's cage regularly and be ready for the occasional accident here and there. It can be challenging to potty train your bird, but it is possible to do.

How much does it cost to have a bird as a pet?

According to Kiplinger, these are the average costs you should budget for if you're considering a parakeet or other non-exotic small bird: First-year cost: $295. Annual cost: $185 (plus unforeseen vet costs) Total lifetime cost (average lifespan of parakeet: 15 to 18 years): $2,885 to $3,440.

What do canaries need?

In general, these birds need a healthy diet, a cage in which they can fly, and some toys to remain healthy.

How much play time do cockatiels need?

Sarah Salmela/E+/Getty Images. Like budgies, cockatiels require at least a few hours of out-of-cage playtime each day. But they are nowhere near as demanding as some larger parrot species. As long as they have a roomy enclosure with toys, they can entertain themselves for several hours.

What is a lineolated parakeet?

Sometimes mistaken for a budgie, the lineolated parakeet is one of the calmest members of the parrot family. They are quite social and need several hours of interaction with their caretakers each day, especially if they don’t have any other bird friends. But as small birds, they don’t take up much space or make a huge mess.

What is a dove?

Doves are gentle birds that enjoy interacting with their caretakers but are also content to spend much of the day entertaining themselves. Because they're only medium-sized birds, cleaning up after them is fairly easy.

Do budgies like to be occupied?

Like most parrots, budgies bond strongly with their caretakers and appreciate attention. But they tend to be easier to keep occupied than many larger species. A budgie in a spacious cage stocked with plenty of toys can thrive, as long as the bird's caretaker can socialize with it for at least a few hours per day. These birds also don't make much of a mess, especially compared to larger parrots.

Can you keep love birds in pairs?

Lovebirds are another species that packs the charm of a large parrot into a smaller, lower-maintenance package. A common misconception is you must keep lovebirds in pairs, but single lovebirds can do fine with at least a few hours a day of interaction with their caretakers.

Who is Alyson from Birds?

Alyson is a freelance writer with more than 10 years of experience working professionally with birds, and over 3 years as a veterinary technician . While there's no such thing as a no-maintenance bird, some pet bird species are easier to care for than others. These birds are on the smaller side, which means they typically make less ...

What to feed a bird to keep it healthy?

Give your bird fresh fruits and vegetables every day or 2. This adds greens and variety to their diet. A mixture or variety of foods is both healthy and fun for birds. Cut up and serve your bird a variety of fruits and veggies, including oranges, berries, spinach, and celery.

How to make a bird's eating experience more enjoyable?

Make feeding interesting for the bird. You can make the eating experience more enjoyable for your bird by making eating time an interactive time too. For example, encourage your bird to eat a piece of food at a time, straight from your hand. Or, encourage your talking bird to sing and talk for its food.

How to get a bird to drink water?

Change water daily to ensure that it is always fresh. Place the water dish at the opposite end of the bird's cage from the food dish. This will force them to move around and be active to eat and drink.

What are the requirements for a bird to be a pet?

If you're considering bird ownership, the care requirements include providing good housing, nutritious food, and keeping an eye on the bird's health .

What temperature should a pet bird be?

Generally speaking, most pet bird breeds prefer a slightly cool indoor temperature of about 70 °F (21 °C). The things to watch for include: An overheated bird: The feet will feel hot to touch, the bird may be panting (a rapid breathing rate), fluttering from the throat, red nares (nasal openings) and hot breath.

Can a bird hang in a cage?

Birds in hanging cages can often be transported outdoors to hang under a porch or similar place for daytime fresh air. Always remember to bring the bird back in before cool evening breezes and night air arrive. The location of the bird's cage will also be affected by the bird's personality.

Is a circle cage bad for birds?

Circle cages are bad for the bird. There is hardly any space for the bird, and no corners to feel safe in. Moreover, the circle tends to cause the bird to twist its head; the bird can develop behavioral problems from the constant turning and turning.

Why is it important to keep birds outside of cages?

It’s important for potential bird owners to remember that birds are intelligent and social creatures and need human interaction and things to do in addition to staying physically healthy. They also don't want to be caged all the time, so having free time outside the cage is essential to proper socialization and health.

How to make the most out of your relationship with your pet bird?

Just like any pet, however, adequate time, money and knowledge are required for you to make the most out of your relationship with your pet bird. The first step requires looking before you leap, said bird veterinarian Dr. Patricia Latas, who has known birds who’ve suffered the consequences of being passed around to as many as 15 homes.

Can birds eat gravel?

Pet owners must also avoid giving their bird access to grit, gravel sandpaper or cement perches, as a bird will eat them to excess when it is not feeling well or if there is a nutritional deficiency, leading to serious health consequences, Latas said.

Do birds need to be outside of cages?

For birds that are caged, time spent outside of the cage and interacting with humans is also key. “If they have to be housed in cages, there should be ample play time outside of the cage,” Latas said. “This may include climbing stands/trees, play gyms, obstacle courses and human interaction.”.

Do birds eat seeds?

Although a bird’s diet depends on the species, life history and how they’re housed, Latas recommends steering clear of seeds, which are high in fat but low in almost every nutrient (they can be used for a treat but use caution, as once a bird has seeds, it may protest its proper diet).

What is the best way to pet a bird?

Pet Bird Cages and Environment. In general, the larger the bird cage the better . Pet birds need room to exercise their wings and climb. A variety of bird toys that provide enrichment activities give these intelligent animals plenty of things to do.

Why is it important to understand bird behavior?

Understanding bird behavior in the wild is very important to understanding their behavior as companions. For instance, parrots are social animals in the wild. They roost, fly, and forage in flocks. Your family is the flock for a pet bird, and it wants to be part of family activities. If your family is in one room and the bird is in its cage in another, the bird may scream to get the flock's attention. Similarly, many species of parrots mate for life. So, when a parrot bonds with one person and is showing offensive behavior toward others, it is simply protecting its “mate.”

Why do parrots scream?

If your family is in one room and the bird is in its cage in another, the bird may scream to get the flock's attention. Similarly, many species of parrots mate for life. So, when a parrot bonds with one person and is showing offensive behavior toward others, it is simply protecting its “mate.”.

What birds mimic sound?

Some pet birds (macaws, African Greys, amazons, and others) can mimic speech and sounds they hear. Some species are better at mimicking than others but remember that each individual bird is different. Some soft-billed birds, such as the mynah, are good at mimicry, too.

Do finches like to fly?

Finches and canaries enjoy flying throughout a cage, so a flight cage is always preferred, especially with multiple birds. A parrot requires toys for chewing, while a finch or canary enjoys a bell or swing.

Is it hard to keep a pet bird healthy?

Pet birds are different than cats and dogs, but they are not any more difficult to keep healthy. The right pet bird diet, a clean cage, fresh bird food and water, safe bird toys, exercise, and lots of attention are the basics.

What do birds need to stay healthy?

Malnutrition accounts for more than 90 percent of the health problems of companion birds. Birds need the proper combination of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to stay healthy.

How to keep birds from flying?

Let your birds fly free for long periods of time every day—spending as much time out of the cage as possible. Convert your balcony or porch into an aviary or build a good-weather aviary in your back yard if possible. Or provide a bird-proof room or rooms, with no ceiling fans or other bird hazards. Include a bird “gym” or nonpoisonous tree branches (such as dogwood, apple, or elm) for exercise. Large “flight cages” can allow your birds to exercise when you can’t be there to supervise them.

What plants are poisonous to birds?

Make sure that your plants are not poisonous to birds. Common plants that are toxic if birds eat them include English ivy, philodendron, azaleas, and holly. A good avian veterinarian can provide you with an extensive list. Birds have very fragile respiratory systems.

Why do people keep birds as pets?

Many people admire birds for their brilliant colors, intelligence, ability to communicate, and graceful aerial skills. Unfortunately, because of this, people end up keeping birds as “pets” in lonely, boring cages. Deprived of many of the things that are natural and important to them, such as flying with their flockmates, exploring, and choosing a mate, many caged birds become depressed or neurotic, pulling out feathers and mutilating themselves—sometimes severely, irreversibly, even to the point of death. Other birds are abandoned after their guardians discover that bird behaviors, such as flock-calling, biting, chewing, and throwing food don’t fit in well with a human home environment.

How to keep birds' feathers in line?

Your birds might spend hours every day combing their feathers with their beaks. This helps keep their feathers in line and waterproof. To encourage preening, provide shallow containers or a birdbath filled with water. Some birds like to be misted with water from a spray bottle set to a fine mist.

What to do with a bird cage?

Large “flight cages” can allow your birds to exercise when you can’t be there to supervise them. Provide numerous bird-safe toys (available from companion-animal supply companies) for chewing, playing, and intellectual stimulation including clean, nonpoisonous wood.

How long do birds get along?

Watch to see how the birds get along for at least one week. If they seem friendly to each other, allow the birds to visit— supervised —using separate playstands. Once you are confident that the birds pose no threat to one another, open the door of the small cage.

What birds can you get for beginners?

You can choose from birds like lilac-crowns, white-fronted parrots, and blue-fronted as well as red-lored parrots. These species would not demand much from you and are also way quieter than the other options.

How small can a male bird be?

You can have a male bird as your first pet. These birds are as small as 5 to 6 inches and they can simply fit into your pocket if you wish to take them out for fun. Playtime and tricks are the favorite activities of these birds.

What is a parakeet called?

You might have already heard of parakeets that are also alternatively known as budgies. They are very friendly and affectionate pets when you take care of them properly. They are really small and cute, and you can also train them to perform several tricks. Moreover, budgies can literally learn to talk which makes them incredible pets that are not only adorable but also entertaining.

What is a gentle giant parrot?

They are always up for playing and cuddling with their owner. If you are someone who would love to have a pet that is bubbly and cheerful and gives you good company then hyacinth macaws are a great option. It should be noted that these birds are very big in size due to which it becomes difficult to accommodate them. Once you take care of the housing, these pets can be really adorable and would make for affectionate pets.

What are some good pets for kids?

So, if you are looking for a pet for your child then canaries are a good option. You can simply observe these wonderful pets close up and listen to them sing. 7. Finches. If you want a pet that you do not have to tend to too much, then finches are a great option. They are fast moving and lively as well as fun to watch.

What are canaries known for?

Canaries are known for their vibrant colors as well as vocal talent. They are found in colors such as yellow, brown, green, and bright orange. Moreover, male canaries can also sing! Isn’t that amazing? This is one of the best birds for beginners as they are usually not sure if they are ready for a conversation. The canary would indeed be very happy by simply hanging out in a cage and singing for you, making them perfect pets. They do not like to be handled much. So, if you are looking for a pet for your child then canaries are a good option. You can simply observe these wonderful pets close up and listen to them sing.

What is the best pet for a pet?

Parrotlets. Parrotlets are very popular among people as the ideal pets. They are tiny, cute and very easy to maintain. Also, these small birds have a great personality and can be highly entertaining (see parrot cage guide ). If you are looking for a great companion in a pet, then parrotlets can be a good option.