Birds are one of the best domestic pets you can consider keeping. Furthermore, research shows that humans have a long history of keeping birds, which goes back more than 5000 years. The best thing about birds is that they are good pets and easy to keep. These incredible animals will fit right into your home with the right care. Here is a recommendation of the best pet birds to keep based on our research and experience.
Cockatiel
We’ve learned from experience that the cockatiel is best for beginner bird keepers. These birds have an incredibly sweet personality and are very beautiful. They rock a mohawk and have orange cheek spots.
One thing to note is that cockatiels come in different patterns, including yellow, white and grey. These birds have an affectionate and friendly temperament. Thus, their affectionate temperament makes them popular pet birds among kids. They also love head scratches and cuddling, making them one of the best companions.
A cockatiel is an easy-to-keep bird. The best area to place their cage is in a room where everyone gathers. As a bonus, cockatiels shine as whistlers. They can learn to whistle tunes, where the males are highly likely to pick up the melody faster than the females, and they can also learn how to talk.
Our experience keeping the cockatiel further revealed that it is easy to tame and prefers taking a nap on their owner’s shoulders.
Size: 12 inches long
Ideal Owner: Anyone
Lifespan: 25 years
Budgerigar/Parakeet
Aslam Jawaid on Pexels
Parakeets, also known as budgerigars, are one of the most popular pet birds in the bird-keeping world. If you train them well and offer them optimal care, they can be extremely friendly and affectionate. Furthermore, these birds require low maintenance, especially the young ones. The best thing is that anyone can keep parakeets, even kids, since they are simple to train and bond easily with their owners.
Our research found that parakeets are active, joyful, engaging and playful birds. In addition, our study of the parakeet revealed that these birds can talk. You can teach them to mimic some phrases, which can be delightful. In addition, parakeets are one of the few birds exempted from the “no pets” rule in rentals.
Size: 7 inches long
Weight: 1 ounce
Lifespan: 10 to 20 years
Ideal owner: Anyone, even kids
Dove
Garfield Besa on Pexels
We’ve learned from experience that a dove is extremely gentle, sweet and easy going. They are not very demanding, making them perfect for anyone with a busy schedule or for those who are not always at home. In addition, a dove is low maintenance, meaning they’re perfect for anyone.
Through our experience, we found that the dove produces a soothing, cooing sound, making them ideal for people who live in apartments. They are also easy to train and can bond quickly with other doves.
One vital thing we noted while keeping doves is that they love to fly from perch to perch and cannot climb up and down the cage bars. Thus, when purchasing an enclosure for them, it is best to always go for huge cages.
Size: 7.5 inches to 12 inches long
Ideal owner: Anyone, though it is best for those with a busy schedule
Lifespan: 10 to 25 years
Weight: 5 to 8 ounces
Parrotlet
Elisa from Pixabay
Parrotlets are tiny birds with big personalities. Their size ensures that they are easy to handle. In addition, these birds are intelligent, fearless and energetic. However, they have high requirements for training and attention.
This bird’s need for attention facilitates the name “pocket parrot.” Our experience with these birds shows that they will try to hide in your hood, scarf or shirt pocket. In addition, parrotlets can be aggressive if you keep another bird in your home.
Size: 5 inches long
Ideal owner: An advanced pet owner who has the energy to keep a large parrot in a small size
Life Span: 15 to 20 years
African Grey
Ralph from Pixabay
Our research has found that an African grey is one of the smartest birds in the world. It is so smart to the extent that it can learn some vocabulary. In addition, our research on the African grey revealed the intelligence of these birds ensures that they require daily stimulation to prevent them from falling into depression or getting bored.
The best thing is that this bird is easy to train and will need you to employ operant conditioning and positive reinforcement as a significant part of their training. One vital thing to note is that the African grey is ideal for experienced bird owners and individuals looking for a long-term companion. They require more attention and can be incredibly in tune with the owner’s emotions. These birds also love to play, which ensures you can teach them many tricks.
Lifespan: 40 to 60 years
Size: 15 inches long
Ideal owners: Advanced bird keepers
Lovebird
Jonah Pettrich on Unsplash
The lovebird is a curious, playful, sweet, small bird with a significant love for exploration. Their sweet nature makes the bird ideal for beginner bird keepers. They love exploring shirtsleeves and pockets.
This bird also loves playing with toys and requires human attention. Our experience with the lovebird shows that they will try to get your attention and catch your eye as much as possible.
Size: 6 inches long
Lifespan: 10 to 20 years
Ideal owner: Anyone who can dedicate time to playing and training
Pionus Parrots
Pionus parrots are one of the best birds as pets, as they are affectionate and can preserve their own independence. Our research on pionus parrots revealed that even though this bird can be happy to socialize with you, they will still be okay to spend long hours on their own as long as you provide them with toys.
In addition, pionus parrots require three hours or more daily time outside their cage for exercise. They make great first birds and have a laid-back personality.
Size: 11 inches long
Lifespan: 30 years
Weight: 8 to 9 ounces
Ideal owner: Anyone
In Conclusion
Birds can make excellent pet companions. As you can see from above, birds such as the pionus parrot, lovebird, African grey, and parrotlet, have a very long lifespan of more than ten years. This means that keeping these birds and providing them with the best care can ensure you have a long-term companion.
