There are a lot of benefits to owning birds as pets. They’re beautiful, they make great companions, and they can be a lot of fun. But birds aren’t just great pets, they’re also great educational tools for kids. Birds are hard work, and kids need to learn that. But, as with any other pet, pets (especially birds) need proper care and attention.
Birds can be great family pets. Most pet birds are easy to care for, and they make great companions for children too. Because of their small size, bird cages can sit on window sills, countertops, or in a child’s bedroom, and watching them can be fun for everyone.
Birds are a great option for families with small children. Not only do they typically need less care than the average pet, but they often make the perfect friendly companion for young kids. And with millions of birds in the world, you’re sure to find one that meets your family’s unique needs.
Birds are typically happy, gentle creatures. Although small, they can still create a lot of noise in a home. But they’re entertaining, lovable, and fun to watch. Their antics keep them on their toes, and many people find them comforting.
One important thing to remember, however, is that birds are not low-maintenance pets. It can take a lot of time and effort to keep them happy and healthy. (They also require patience, because they may not be as quick to learn a new trick, or eat from your hand as you’d like.)
Caring for a bird can be a fun family activity, but there are also some risks involved. A bird that’s left alone may cry and scream, and some birds can live up to 50 years. It’s important to learn how to look after a bird correctly and effectively, and how to spot any issues in the early stages so your bird can be quickly treated.
There are a variety of different kinds of birds to choose from, and the right one for your family depends on your lifestyle and budget.
Following is a guide to some of the most popular varieties of Birds and their associated costs and care requirements:
Parakeets (Budgie)
Parakeets are a type of small parrot that make wonderful family pets. They’re known for their bright colors, cheerful chirps, and playful personalities. Parakeets come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them an attractive choice for potential bird owners.
Parakeets are relatively easy to care for and can be kept in cages or aviaries. They need fresh food and water daily, as well as regular cage cleanings. Parakeets also need plenty of toys and perches to keep them entertained.
Parakeets are one of the most popular birds in the world today. They were originally native to South America, but now live throughout the world. Parakeets are a great addition to any family. They are not as intimidating as larger parrots and are easy to care for, which makes them a great option for families with kids.
Parakeets are generally very social animals, and it is very common for them to bond with one person in particular in your family, while still being friendly towards everyone else.
They can be trained to do tricks and to talk, and are just as capable of talking like other parrots, Macaws and African Greys.
Parakeets are extremely social birds, and like to be with people. They are often found living in pairs, or in groups of three or more. They are highly intelligent, and can learn tricks fairly quickly.
Parakeets are incredibly loyal companions. They enjoy spending time with their owners and will happily follow them around the house. Parakeets need lots of attention and interaction. If you don’t give them enough time, they will become bored and can become destructive. If you spend enough time with them, they will be some of the best pets you could ever hope for.
Parakeets are a popular choice for family pets, and it’s easy to see why. These small, colorful birds are full of personality and can provide hours of fun. If you’re considering adding a Parakeet to your home, this article will help you decide if they’re the right bird for you.
Parakeets are also relatively inexpensive, making them a great choice for families on a budget. They don’t need expensive veterinary care or grooming, and they don’t need a lot of space to live in.
When it comes to training your Parakeet, patience is key. They can be taught to talk and mimic sounds, but it takes time and dedication. With consistent training, your Parakeet will soon become an awesome member of your family.
Overall, Parakeets make wonderful family birds that are relatively easy to care for. They are social birds that love to interact with their owners and can be taught to talk and mimic sounds. With proper care and attention, Parakeets can bring years of joy to their family.
Lovebirds
Lovebirds are a type of parrot that make wonderful family pets. They are small, colorful birds with personalities that can range from playful and outgoing to shy and timid. Lovebirds are known for their strong bond with their owners and for being affectionate and loyal companions.
For potential Lovebird owners, it is important to understand what these birds need in order to be happy and healthy. Lovebirds are social birds and need a lot of attention from their owners. They thrive on interaction, so it is important to spend time with them every day. This can include talking to them, playing with them, and providing toys for them to play with. Lovebirds also need a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables as well as a variety of seeds and pellets.
Lovebirds are one of the most popular pets in the US, but many people don’t know much about them. If you’re considering getting a lovebird, here are some facts you should know. Lovebirds are small parrots that are native to Africa. There are over 30 species of Lovebirds, and about a dozen of them are kept as pets in the United States.
Lovebirds are very loyal and loving companions. They are also very smart and learn quickly. They are very obedient and will follow commands given to them. They are also very playful and enjoy having fun.
Lovebirds are social birds, and like to live in groups. Lovebirds are best kept in pairs, however, they can live happily in larger groups. They are extremely affectionate, and enjoy spending time with people. They are also very vocal birds, and will sing to each other when they are happy.
Lovebirds are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance. They can live in a wide range of temperatures. They also don’t need much food, and can survive on seeds, fruit, and insects.
Lovebirds are great birds for your family to own. They can make great pets for single people, but are also comfortable with a family. They’re beautiful to look at and have a pleasant chirping sound that is less annoying than some other birds. They aren’t hard to care for, partially because they are small. As great as these birds are, they’re not a suitable pet for young children.
Lovebirds are active birds and need plenty of exercise. This can include providing them with an outdoor aviary or allowing them to fly around the house. It is important to provide a safe environment for the bird to explore and play in.
When it comes to training, Lovebirds can be taught basic commands such as “step up” and “come here”. They can also be taught tricks such as rolling over and playing fetch. Training should be done in a positive manner with lots of patience and rewards.
Overall, Lovebirds make wonderful family pets. They are affectionate, loyal companions that need plenty of attention and care. With the right environment and training, Lovebirds can be a great addition to any home. If you’re looking for a bird that will bring lots of joy and love into your life, then a Lovebird may be the perfect choice for you.
Cockatiels
Cockatiels are a popular choice for family pets, and it’s easy to see why. These small, friendly birds make wonderful companions and can provide hours of entertainment. If you’re considering adding a Cockatiel to your family, here’s what you need to know.
Cockatiels are members of the parrot family, native to Australia.The Australian parrot that has become quite popular worldwide. They are fairly common in the U.S. and are often used as companion birds due to their cheerful personalities and docile nature.
They are small birds, usually between 12 and 14 inches in length. Cockatiels come in a variety of colors, including yellow, white, and gray.
Cockatiels are very social birds, and will enjoy interacting with people, especially those who feed them regularly. They are very vocal, and like to mimic human speech. Cockatiels are extremely intelligent, and will learn tricks quickly. They are also very playful, and will enjoy having toys to chew.
Cockatiels are very friendly towards humans, and will accept interaction from anyone. They are also very smart, and enjoy learning new tricks. They are also very loyal to their owners, and will stay close to them even when they leave the house.
Because they are so social, it’s important to choose a cockatiel that is used to living with other birds. If you live alone, consider getting a pair of cockatiels instead of just one.
Cockatiels are social creatures and thrive on interaction with their owners. They can learn to mimic sounds and even words, making them fun companions. They also love to play with toys and explore their environment.
Cockatiels are relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for first-time bird owners. They need a large cage with plenty of room to move around and explore. The cage should be lined with paper or other absorbent material to make cleaning easier. Cockatiels also need fresh food and water daily, as well as access to cuttlebone or mineral blocks for calcium and other nutrients.
Cockatiels are relatively low-maintenance pets, but they do need regular attention and interaction. They should be handled daily to help them bond with their owners, and they also need plenty of toys and activities to keep them entertained.
Overall, Cockatiels make wonderful family pets. They are social, interactive birds that can provide hours of entertainment and companionship . With proper care and attention, Cockatiels can live up to 20 years or more. If you’re looking for a pet bird that is easy to care for and will bring joy to your family, then a Cockatiel may be the perfect choice.
Doves
Doves are a type of bird that make wonderful family pets. They are small, gentle, and easy to care for, making them an ideal pet for those who are new to owning birds. Doves come in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can find one that fits your lifestyle and personality.
Doves have been kept as pets since ancient times. In fact, they were one of the first birds to be domesticated. They are known for their gentle nature and peaceful cooing, which makes them a great addition to any home.
Doves have a long history of being symbols of peace and love. During World War I and II, they were used as messengers in combat zones.
Doves are beautiful birds that have a variety of different colors. The most common color is white, but there are gray, tan and some brown ones as well. They are generally docile and gentle birds, and are a popular pet.
Doves are generally quiet birds who like to spend their days cooing and fluttering around. They are often kept as pets because of their gentle nature and ability to bond with humans.
Doves are very hardy birds and can live for up to 20 years with proper care. They are medium-sized birds, growing up to 6 inches long. They thrive in pairs or flocks in a very large enclosure. Given enough room, Doves will climb, play, and fly around their cages. They are often found in pairs, or flocks of three or four.
Doves are generally quiet birds, but they can become quite loud when frightened or angry. They are often kept as pets because of their gentle nature. They’re very social birds, and enjoy having friends around.
Doves also enjoy interacting with their owners. They can be taught to do simple tricks, like flying to a perch or following a finger. They also love to be petted and will often come up to their owners for attention.
Doves need a balanced diet of seeds, fruits, vegetables, and other small insects. They also need access to fresh water and a variety of toys and perches to keep them entertained.
Overall, Doves make great family pets. They’re gentle, easy to care for, and can give your family years of companionship and entertainment. If you are looking for a pet that is low maintenance and full of personality, then Doves may be the perfect choice for you.
Parrotlets
Parrotlets are small, colorful parrots that make wonderful family pets. They are known for their intelligence and playful personalities, making them a great choice for those looking for an interactive bird.
Parrotlets can be a variety of colors and sizes, ranging from the larger Pacific Parrotlet to the smaller Green-Cheeked Parrotlet. All of them have bright, vibrant colors and are known for their intelligence and ability to learn tricks.
Parrotlets are the smallest birds of the Parrot family. They were originally found in Mexico as well as Central and South America. They are a very active and curious bird that has a bold personality. Parrotlets are very friendly and loving birds. They enjoy interacting with people and will happily greet visitors who come to visit. They are also very smart and can learn tricks quickly.
Parrotlets are the perfect pet for your family if you are looking for a bird that is easy to care for, won’t destroy your home, and only needs the occasional play session to keep them happy. Parrotlets are sweet, affectionate, and love to play games, which makes them a wonderful companion pet for kids. Parrotlets are natural learners and are curious, which means they will enjoy new toys and games and will keep you entertained with their antics.
Parrotlets are the smallest parrots, and they’re also among the most affectionate. Known for their silly antics and their ability to learn, they are great birds for your family, especially if you’re looking for a pet that everyone can enjoy. As playful and people-oriented as they are, Parrotlets are wonderful pets for kids. They’re small enough that they can be handled by little ones, but they’re big enough that they’re not overwhelming.
While some Parrotlets can be trained to talk, this is not generally known to be a noisy bird. Feeding is pretty straightforward, their diets consisting mainly of pellets, fresh vegetables, fruits, and seeds.
Parrotlets are relatively easy to care for, but they do require regular vet visits to ensure that they stay healthy. It’s also important to give them plenty of toys and activities to keep them entertained.
Overall, Parrotlets make wonderful family birds. They’re intelligent, social birds that can give your family countless hours of fun and companionship. If you’re looking for a bird that is both interactive and low maintenance, then a Parrotlet may be the perfect choice for your family.
Finches
Finches are small, colorful birds that make wonderful family pets. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them an attractive addition to any home. Finches are social creatures and enjoy interacting with their owners. They can be taught to recognize their names and even respond to commands.
Finches are relatively easy to care for compared to other pet birds. They need a cage large enough for them to fly around in, and a variety of perches and toys to keep them entertained. Finches are omnivores, they eat both fruits and vegetables as well as seeds and insects.
Finches are very active birds, and they need plenty of space to fly around in their cage. They should also be given a variety of toys to keep them entertained. Finches can be trained to recognize their names and respond to commands, making them an ideal pet for those looking for an interactive pet.
Finches are tiny birds that live in tropical climates. They can be a variety of different colors including yellow, white, red, blue, green, and purple. They can be found throughout the world, although some species are more common than others. The majority of finches are native to Central America, and are often kept as pets.
Their bodies are long and slender, and they have a beautiful song. They are social birds, and enjoy interacting with each other. Finches are very adaptable and like to live in groups.
Finches are extremely social birds, and like to be able to interact with people. They enjoy having toys and perching places where they can watch what goes on around them. They also enjoy eating seeds and insects, and will happily chow down on anything that catches their eye.
Finches are also very intelligent, loyal and loving, and will bond closely with their human companions. They are very fast learners, and will pick up new skills very quickly. They are also very playful, and will enjoy playing with toys.
Finches are relatively quiet birds, so they won’t be a distraction in your home. They’re also quite hardy and can live up to 10 years with proper care. Finches make great pets for those who are new to owning birds, because they don’t need much care and attention.
Overall, Finches make wonderful family pets. They are relatively easy to care for, interactive, and quiet. With proper care and attention, Finches can provide years of companionship and entertainment to your family. If you’re looking for a pet that is both beautiful and low maintenance, then Finches may be the perfect bird for you.
Parrots
Parrots are a popular choice for family pets, and for good reason. These colorful birds have been kept as companions since ancient times, and they can make wonderful additions to any home.
Parrots can be many different colors and sizes, from the large Macaws to the tiny Budgerigars. They can be green, blue, yellow, red and more. Parrots are highly intelligent and can be taught to talk, sing, and even do tricks.
Parrots are among the most popular birds in America today. The Parrot family includes about 40 species of birds. Most people think of parrots when they hear the word “bird”, but there are more than 1,000 species of parrots worldwide.
Need some color in your life, and want a pet that’s not only smart, but long lived? A Parrot could be the pet you are looking for. Birds in general are great pets because they are largely self sufficient if you don’t have a lot of time. As long as you have others to keep them company they will be OK without you always available. If you do have an abundance of time you’ll find that they love being showered with attention. They are social and get along with most larger family pets.
Given enough time Parrots can figure most things out. Because Parrots are so smart, most owners will entertain themselves and their birds by giving them puzzle games. They love these games because it helps them use their amazing minds, and they’re usually rewarded with treats. The owners love these because it is a lot of fun to watch them try to figure things out to get the treat rewards.
Parrots require a large cage, one that should include perches and toys. They enjoy having access to fresh air, and will do best if they can fly out of their cages regularly. Parrots like to spend time outdoors, and will appreciate being able to go outside and explore their environment.
Many different types of Parrots can mimic human speech or phrases. You can have a lot of fun teaching them things and having conversations with them. They’ll quickly be able to tell you what they want, making your job as the pet owner much easier knowing that they want to play, or want a specific food.
They can be quite noisy, and if you live in an apartment or other shared living space, it’s important to consider how your neighbors might feel about the noise. They’re known to chew on furniture and other items in the home. It’s important to make sure they have plenty of toys and other items to keep them occupied.
Overall, Parrots can make wonderful family pets if you’re willing to put in the time and effort to give them the care they need. They are intelligent, entertaining birds that can bring a lot of joy into your home. If you think a Parrot is right for you, then do some research and find out more about these amazing birds before making your decision.
Cockatoos
Cockatoos are a type of parrot that make wonderful family pets. They are highly intelligent, social birds that can form strong bonds with their owners. Cockatoos come in a variety of colors and sizes, so there is sure to be one that fits your lifestyle and personality.
If you’re considering getting a Cockatoo as a pet, it’s important to understand what they need in order to thrive. Cockatoos are highly social birds and need a lot of attention from their owners. They need plenty of time out of their cage to interact with people and explore their environment. They also need a variety of toys, perches, and other items to keep them entertained.
A Cockatoo is an Australian parrot species that has become increasingly popular over the past few decades. They’re native to Australia and New Guinea, where they live in large flocks. They are often referred to as “cocky birds” by Australians because they come up with nicknames for everything.
Although Cockatoos are extremely social birds, they are still fairly independent and require some training before they can be fully integrated into a household.
Cockatoos are actually more similar to parrots than they are to parakeets, and they are much larger than either of those breeds.
Cockatoos can be quite loud, so it’s important to consider your living situation before getting one. They’re also quite messy, so you’ll need to be prepared to clean up after them on a regular basis.
Cockatoos are very smart and trainable. They enjoy learning new tricks and will quickly pick up commands such as ‘sit’, ‘come’, and ‘stay’. They are highly adaptable, and will happily learn to use toys and objects that are placed in their cages.
Cockatoos are very intelligent birds and can be taught to do a variety of tricks. They can also learn to talk, although they may not be as proficient at it as some other parrots. With patience and consistency, you can teach your Cockatoo to recognize words and even mimic some of your own speech.
Because of their intelligence, cockatoos are excellent conversationalists and can be taught to speak multiple languages. They are also very vocal, making it easier to teach them to talk. Their loud voices also help them communicate with each other, which makes them great companions for people who like to listen to music or watch television together.
Cockatoos make wonderful family pets, but it’s important to remember that they need a lot of care and attention. If you’re willing to make the commitment, a Cockatoo can be a wonderful addition to your family. With the right care and attention, they can bring years of joy and companionship.
Green Cheeked Conures
Are you considering getting a bird? If so, you may want to consider the Green-Cheeked Conure. These small parrots are becoming increasingly popular as family pets due to their playful personalities and vibrant colors.
Green-Cheeked Conures are native to South America and can be found in tropical forests from Venezuela to Bolivia. They have bright green feathers on their heads and backs, and yellow feathers on their bellies. They also have a bright red patch of feathers on their cheeks, which is where they get their name.
They’re a fairly large bird, growing between 7 and 10 inches tall, and weighing between 5 and 8 pounds.
Green-cheeked Conures are highly social birds, and they enjoy interacting with people. They are extremely vocal, and they often mimic human speech. They are very curious, and they will approach anyone who comes to their cage.
The green cheeked Conure is an excellent companion animal. It is playful and loves to interact with people. It is also very smart and learns quickly. They’re a social bird and enjoy interacting with other birds. They’re best kept in pairs or groups of three. If kept alone, they can become depressed and can develop behavior problems.
Green-cheeked Conurs are very loyal and loving companions. They are very playful, and they enjoy playing games with their owners. They are very smart, and they can learn to use toys and objects quickly. They are also very adaptable, and they can live happily in an apartment or house.
These birds need a lot of room to move around, and they should never be kept alone. If you choose to add a green-cheeked conure to your household, you will need to give them plenty of space to run around and explore.
Green-Cheeked Conures are known for being very social and playful birds. They love to interact with people and can be quite vocal when they want attention. They are also very intelligent and can learn tricks quickly. This makes them great pets for people who want an interactive bird.
Green-Cheeked Conures are also relatively low maintenance when it comes to diet. They can eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and seeds. It’s important to provide them with a balanced diet that includes all the essential vitamins and minerals they need for good health.
Overall, Green-Cheeked Conures make great family pets. They’re intelligent, social, and playful birds that can provide hours of entertainment for their owners. If you’re looking for a bird that is easy to care for, then the Green-Cheeked Conure may be the perfect choice for you.
Canaries
Canaries are a type of small, colorful songbird that have been kept as family pets for centuries. They are native to the Canary Islands and Madeira, but they can now be found in many parts of the world. Canaries come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them an attractive addition to any home.
Canaries make wonderful pets for those looking for an easy-to-care-for companion. They are relatively low maintenance and require minimal space, making them ideal for those who live in apartments or small homes. Canaries are also very social birds and enjoy interacting with their owners.
The Canary Islands are located off the coast of Africa, and were named after the birds that live there. Canaries are members of the Finch family, which is a very large family of birds.
While a wild Canary’s color is more greenish-yellow on its top feathers, domestic Canaries can be many bright colors including the familiar yellow. Some of the more common ones include white, black, blue, red, and orange. Their feathers are long and soft, making them an excellent choice for people who like to touch or interact with their pets.
Canaries are very social birds, and they enjoy interacting with humans. They are extremely loyal to their owners, and will often follow them around the house. They are very vocal, and will sing when they feel happy or sad. They are also very intelligent, and will learn tricks fairly quickly.
Canaries are relatively hardy birds and can live for up to 15 years with proper care. They make wonderful companions for those looking for an easy-to-care-for pet that will bring joy and beauty into their home. If you’re looking for a pet that will bring you years of companionship and entertainment, then a Canary might be the perfect choice for you.
Canaries are a great choice for first-time bird owners, because they’re relatively low maintenance and can entertain your family for hours with their singing. They’re very social birds, so if you have other pets in the house they may get along well with them.
Overall, Canaries are a great choice for anyone looking for a pet bird that is both beautiful and entertaining. They need regular care and attention, but the rewards of owning a Canary far outweigh the effort needed to keep them healthy and happy. With proper care, your Canary can give you years of joy and companionship.
Macaws
Macaws are a type of parrot that have become increasingly popular as family pets. With their vibrant colors, intelligence, and playful personalities, it’s no wonder why they have become so loved by bird owners.
If you’re considering getting a Macaw as a pet, there are some important things to consider before making your decision. First, Macaws require a lot of attention and care. They are very social birds and need to be around people in order to stay healthy and happy. If you’re not willing to spend a lot of time with your Macaw, then it may not be the right bird for you.
In addition to needing attention, Macaws also need a large cage or aviary in order to live comfortably. These birds can grow up to three feet long, and they’ll need plenty of room to move around and play. They also need a variety of toys and perches to keep them entertained.
Macaws are large and colorful birds, the largest of them can grow to over two feet tall and weigh up to three pounds. They are popular as pets in part because they are highly intelligent, able to mimic human speech with surprising skill.
Macaws are very social and can bond well with several members of the household. They are very playful and highly energetic, and they need plenty of room to move around and roomy cages. It’s important to give the right kind of toys to your Macaw, they can be very mischievous and will look for things to chew and destroy.
Macaws are the largest, most colorful member of the parrot family. The most recognized species are the Blue and Gold Macaw. These birds are known for their ability to mimic human speech. The quality of their bird’s voice is determined by their age, the way they’re handled and the amount of time spent talking to them.
Because of their size, they’re not a bird suitable for smaller children. They can become quite territorial when it comes to their own space, and should not be allowed to roam free.
Important to know that Macaws can be quite loud. They are known for their loud screeches and calls, and it’s important to make sure you have a place where they can make noise without disturbing your neighbors.
Overall, Macaws are an excellent choice for a family pet. With the right care and attention, they can give your family years of companionship and fun. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, then a Macaw could be the perfect bird for you.
| Bird | Length/weight | Characteristic | Cost | Lifespan |
| Budgie | 7 inches1 ounce | A small bird that’s intelligent. The bird loves whistling and singing but can also learn a few words. | $10 – $35 | 12 – 14 years |
| Lovebird | 5 – 6 inches2 ounces | Small, quiet, and requires little care. | $40 – $130 | 15 – 20 years |
| Cockatiel | 12- 13 inches3 ounces | The birds love being fed by hand and also quickly learn to mimic everyday household noises, e.g. doorbell rings. | $50 – $150 | 10 – 20 years |
| Dove | 11 – 13 inches5 – 8 ounces | Gentle birds that love attention but without being overly demanding. | $20 – $100 | 12 – 15 years |
| Parrotlet | 4 – 5 inches1 ounce | It can be noisy and aggressive in a home with dogs or cats. The birds are intelligent and very tiny. | $100 – $300 | 20 – 30 years |
| Finch | 4 inches0.5 ounces | Small birds that can live independently because most of them love living alone. | $10 – $100 | 10 – 11 years |
| Pionus Parrot | 11 inches8 – 9 ounces | Active birds that remain loyal to their caregivers. The birds love playing and require about 3 hours of exercise daily. | $200 – $400 | 25 – 40 years |
Cost of Keeping Pet Birds
The cost of keeping a bird annually is approximately $185. However when you factor in the cost of multiple birds the cost per bird quickly drops. The cost scales because once you already have 1 cage, unless you buy several more birds you are unlikely to need to buy another cage.
Here is a table to guide you on what you may need to buy and the cost of each item..
| Product | Cost |
| Cage | $70 |
| Food | $75 yearly |
| Veterinary charges | $85 yearly |
| Toys and treats | $25 |
| Swings and ladders | $3.99 – $22 |
| Nesting materials | $3 – $30 |
| Perches | $7 – $30 |
Ideal Habitat for a Bird
Cage
A bird requires enough space to jump around and spread its wings. We recommend that you give your bird a large cage so it can move around.
Most pet owners make the mistake of giving their birds narrow vertical cages. Birds don’t move in a straight line and don’t particularly enjoy these cages. When picking out a cage, it should be wider rather than taller. A good rule of thumb is that the width of the cage is at least twice as wide as your bird’s wings.
Powder-coated materials make the best bars for bird cages because some metals react poorly with certain bird species. Stainless steel cages are durable and very easy to find at pet stores.
A good cage is one where the floor is easy to clean. As messy as birds are you will need to change out the bottom of the cage fairly often to remove waste such as food droppings or poop. The easier it is to clean, the less hassle it will be on cleaning days. If you ever notice the floor of their cage is rusty or chipping, it is time to replace it.
Another thing to look into when buying a cage is the bar spacing. The spacing shouldn’t be too wide that your bird can easily escape. If you are finding cages with wide bar spacing it is likely that you are looking at a cage meant for a different animal.
Perches
Birds need perching surfaces for healthy feet. One cage should have about three perches made of different materials. Some perches are made of natural wood and can double up as a chewing post. You can also have rope perches because they are flexible. Concrete perches are also a good choice for your birds. You should be able to find a guide to tell you which type of perch different types of birds prefer.
As you buy the perches, check to make sure that they leave a ¾ inch gap between the front and rear nails on your bird. The gap gives your bird a strong grip to avoid falls and injuries.
Toys
Birds love to have to play with toys in their cages. Some of the best choices of bird toys include those that a bird can play with and find treats inside. Birds are very smart, and they enjoy games and toys that let them solve problems.
Swings and ladders are always popular for your bird to play with. Knotted toys make a great choice for bird toys. Anything that moves around or lets them do something physical are always good choices.
Make sure when you buy them toys that you avoid ones that can choke them or entangle their feet. If they get something caught around their feet it will cause them a lot of stress.
Movement
Being in a cage all the time isn’t fun, several times a week let your birds outside of their cage in the rest of the house. You can set up perches somewhere interesting for them like near a window so they can look outside. It is still a good idea to put something below where they are perched because you never know when they will need to use the toilet.
Before letting them out of their cage and into your home it is a good idea to trim their nails or they can get stuck in carpeting or on furniture.
Wing Clipping
Many families will clip their wings so that they are unable to fly and fly outside.
When trimming your bird’s feathers, only trim the flight feathers which let them fly. Without their primary feathers, your bird will not be able to gain the lift needed to fly. If you do this while they are young clipping their wings may not even be necessary when they are older. If they never learn to fly while they are young they may never learn to fly.
Food Preference for Pet Birds
Understanding the dietary needs of your birds is essential for maintaining healthy birds. Birds can eat right from their bowls but some birds love being fed by hand. Feeding them by hand helps build a bond and also caters for the companionship needed naturally by birds.
What to feed pet birds
Commercial Pellets and Seeds
Most pet owners tend to feed birds birdseed. According to experts, a birdseed diet does not give your birds all the nutrition they need to stay healthy. Commercial pellets are the best alternative to birdseed. Just like with seeds, a pellet only diet is not the best for your birds.
Many experts recommend a 70/30 split of pellets to seeds. There are commercial pellets mixed with seeds that you can feed your pet. As an alternative to pellets and seeds many families will feed their birds fresh fruits and vegetables to give them more variety.
Leftover fruits or vegetables should always be taken away from the cage after four hours to avoid stinking up the cage. It’s also worth noting that leftover fruits and vegetables can easily get contaminated.
Vegetables
About 20 percent of your bird’s diet should be vegetables. Birds especially enjoy eating green leafy vegetables. Here are some of the best vegetables for your birds.
- Cucumber
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Parsley
- Snow peas
- Carrots
Fruits
Fruits should make up about 5 percent of your bird’s diet. Fruits are juicy and also contain dietary fiber. Some of the fruits you can incorporate into your bird’s diet include:
- Pawpaws
- Melons
- Mangoes
- Bananas
- Apples
Make sure that you never feed them avocados or foods that are made from avocado such as guacamole. Avocado contains a toxin called persin which could kill your bird just like chocolate can kill dogs.
Fibrous foods
At most once a week, you should cook your bird some brown rice, pasta, barley, and oats. These foods contain high amounts of fiber necessary for bowel movement and digestion in birds.
Health Concerns for Bird Pets
As much as birds are good companions, from time to time they can become ill. As a pet owner, understanding signs of illness and taking measures to control them could save your bird from catching one of the listed illnesses.
Here are some of the most common bird pet diseases, their symptoms, and how to control them.
Parrot fever
The disease is highly infectious among birds in one cage. Usually, sick birds show signs of breathing difficulties and eye infections. Administering antibiotics to the birds is the best cure for Parrot Fever.
Candidiasis
Candidiasis, or Candida (and thrush), as it is more commonly known, is an illness that affects pet birds. A bird with thrush appears to have white lesions on the mouth and throat. Infected birds will vomit a lot which eventually leads to weight loss. Candida is treated with antifungal drugs, but having clean food and water dishes when feeding the birds is the best prevention.
Goiters
Goiter affects birds in a number of different ways. One symptom is that their throat swells. In extreme cases, birds vomit, their voices change, weight loss and even seizures.
The disease is usually a result of iodine deficiency in the diet, often from a diet of only seeds. To treat goiters, pet owners should adjust the bird’s diet to include reducing the amount of seeds and add pellets or vegetables in their place.
Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD)
This deadly disease mainly affects birds under two years, but birds of any age can contract the illness. Sick birds have abnormal feather growth, loss of feathers, and beak abnormalities. The disease has no cure, but veterinarians offer pain management for the infected birds.
Most bird diseases show similar signs and symptoms and it’s advisable to consult your vet for proper diagnosis. Birds are also able to manage pain without showing any signs of discomfort until the disease becomes obvious. You should take your bird to the vet whenever you feel as though they have a problem.
General Bird Care
Hygiene
Your bird’s cage should be spot cleaned daily to avoid food and water contamination with feces. As you clean, you should place plain newspapers on the bottom of their cage to act as fresh substrate everyday. The plain newspapers lets you see the consistency of your bird’s poop. You can see it each day while you clean their cage to see if they might be sick.
Bathing
Birds love taking baths. Some birds make use of water in bowls to clean their feet and feathers. Other birds enjoy showering in a large sink or tub with their owners helping them. Another alternative to bathing your bird is to use a spray bottle and mist them with it.
If your bird enjoys bathing from bowls, make sure the bowls are secured to the cage so they can’t tip over and suffocate your bird.
As you clean your bird, make sure that they don’t come into contact with any soap, shampoos, or detergents. It’s very important to thoroughly clean the bathtubs, sinks, and bowls before and after your bird uses them.
Body check-up
Examine your bird regularly to determine if there are any changes in their behavior or their body. Their eyes should be free from any sores or tears. Your bird’s feet are also prone to injuries from perching. Examine the legs for any sores or weak points.
You should also trim your bird’s toenails to protect it from injuries caused by overgrown toenails. Long nails tend to stick into plush toys, couches, or even on their perches.
Their feathers should appear shiny and healthy. Observe each feather to look for any abnormalities. If you see a bleeding feather, you should call your vet to see if you need to come in for a check up.
Are Birds Aggressive?
Aggression among birds to other birds and their owners can be a common occurrence. Aggressive birds often react out of fear or memories of a traumatizing past. Adult birds that didn’t have human handling experiences while young can also become aggressive to their owners.
Aggressive birds often bite the hands of caregivers. The good news is that birds are intelligent and with some patience, they can enjoy being handled.
To control aggressive behavior in your birds, try to create a routine to help them get used to handling. You could create time to teach your bird some fun tricks, feed them from your hand, or try stick training.
Stick training helps with birds that aren’t comfortable with human contact. With time, your birds may come to trust you and enjoy being handled. When stick training, you should open the cage and place a sturdy stick for your bird to perch on and then take them out of the cage on the stick.
Allow other family members to interact with your bird so that it gets comfortable with every family member. You can even allow your bird to join in while your family is eating. Then encourage everyone to feed the bird from their hands. Eventually, your bird will stop being aggressive and look for social interaction.
When you train your bird, avoid long training sessions because your bird might get stressed from longer training sessions. Experts recommend a maximum of about 15 minutes of training daily.
In a nutshell, birds are great pets because they all come in different sizes, colors, and unique character traits. If you plan on keeping a bird as a pet, we hope that this guide is a helpful starting point to owning a bird. Researching specific bird species is also a good starting point.
Maryna is an animal expert that has had dozens of animals in her life over the years. She has never found an animal that she didn't love immediately. It seems like every year she finds kittens that have been abandoned by their mom and she nurses them to health and finds homes for them. She contributes her vast knowledge about animals and family pets to our website and we're forever grateful to have her working with us. She's also an amazing graphics designer and has designed all of the social media images that we use across all platforms.