Image Source: Pixabay.com

Birds are fascinating with their vibrant colors, melodious songs, and playful personalities. While you can only admire most in the wild, there are some pet bird breeds you can bring home. However, before you do, you need to understand that different birds have varied personalities and care needs. For this reason, you should choose a bird that is right for your lifestyle. Read on to learn the best pet birds.

Are birds good pets?

Birds are good pets. However, not every bird makes a good pet. For instance, you cannot keep birds of prey like eagles, owls, hawks, and goshawks as pets. However, they are not the only ones. Not every feathered friend is the right pet for you.

When choosing pet birds, you need to keep several factors in mind. You should consider your lifestyle, experience with birds, and the bird's characteristics. While some birds are okay even if left alone the entire day, some will get bored or depressed if you don't interact with them for more than four hours. Others love to be caressed, while others are shy or aggressive when held. Before bringing a bird to your home, weigh the pros and cons.

Pros of owning a bird

·      They are low maintenance compared to other pets like dogs and cats

·      They don't require much space

·      Birds are intelligent and social. Some species can learn to talk, do tricks, and solve puzzles.

·      They are great for long-term companionship, as some breeds can live for several decades.

Cons of owning a bird

·      Birds are noisy

·      They are messy as they often scatter food and feathers around their cage

What birds make good pets?

Among the types of birds that are pets, some make better pets than others due to their temperament, ease of care, and ability to adapt to domestic life. Here are some of the best pet birds, according to the pet experts at Pets and Animals Tips:

Budgerigars (Parakeet)

Parakeets are small pet birds. They are colorful, playful, and among the best bird pets for beginners. They are easy to care for and will learn to mimic words, so don't be surprised when they imitate the words you often use. Parakeets can live for up to 20 years.

Canaries

Canaries are known for their beautiful singing. However, there are over 200 breeds that differ in temperament and appearance. These small, bright birds are relatively low maintenance and make excellent pets for those who enjoy their melodic tunes. They prefer spacious cages to fly around and don't like to be held. Canaries can live for 9-10 years.

Lovebirds

Lovebirds are highly social and affectionate. Like their name, they form strong bonds with their owners and require a lot of interaction. This means you must create time to interact with them every day. It would help to keep them in pairs, especially if you are away from home throughout the day. They live for 10-20 years.

Cockatiels

Cockatiels are friendly, affectionate, intelligent, and love interacting with humans. In fact, they can communicate how they feel by the crest on their head. For instance, when the crest is vertical, it indicates the bird is happy or stunned. They whistle to indicate they like something and also mimic sounds. A cockatiel can live up to 30 years.

Parrotlets

Parrotlets are smaller than most parrots but are full of personalities. They are curious, playful, quite vocal, and mischievous. Parrotlets require daily interactions and will get aggressive if you have other birds. A parrotlet can live for up to 20 years.

What are common pet birds?

While the above list covers the most popular birds for pets, many other species also make excellent companions. Some other common pet birds include:

·      Conures

·      African Gray Parrots

·      Doves

·      Double Yellow Head Amazon

·      Green-Cheeked Conures

·      Finches

·      Hyacinth macaw

·      Hawk-Headed Parrots

·      Pionus Parrots

·      Eclectus Parrots

·      Bourke's Parakeets

·      Indian Ringneck Parrot

Conclusion

Birds make great pets whether you are looking for one that can imitate you or just a little beauty to keep you company. However, ensure you choose a bird that fits your lifestyle, as some require mental and physical stimulation. If you are unsure which bird is best for you, talk to the pet experts.