Guide to Choosing and Caring for Small Pet Birds

An Overview of Popular Small Pet Bird Species

Small pet birds can make delightful animal companions thanks to their colorful plumage, playful personalities, and abilities to bond closely with owners. Unlike dogs or cats, pet birds offer a unique experience with different care needs, level of interactions and lifespan considerations.

Best Small Pet Bird Species for Beginners

When selecting your first small pet bird, opting for an easy-to-care-for breed is key. The following types tend to adjust readily when hand tamed and are more forgiving of novice bird owner mistakes:

Finches

Finches like zebra, society and Gouldian finches have lively, gregarious personalities and get along well housed together in pairs or groups. Their basic seed diet and roomy cage preferences make finches great starter birds.

Canaries

Known for their wide repertoire of cheerful chirps and songs, canaries thrive alone or with other passive breeds. Their hardy health, minimal noise level and basic care check boxes for beginner bird owners.

Parrotlets

The smallest parrot species, parrotlets bond intensely with their human families while needing less space and stimulation than larger parrots. Their cuddly, affectionate nature wins over novice pet bird lovers.

Intermediate Small Pet Birds Requiring More Skill

Once gaining some bird care experience, owners can consider species with additional needs around grooming, training, veterinary care and environmental enrichment. Popular intermediate birds include:

Cockatiels

Cockatiels dazzle with their head crests and powder puff appearances resembling mini cockatoos. While generally tamer than true parrots, they still need lots of supervised time out of their cage plus specialty nutrition and veterinarian care.

Parakeets

Budgies rank among the most popular pet birds for their diminutive size and spectrum of color morphs. But their higher activity level, tendency to bite and higher care standards challenge novice owners. Parakeets live longer too, up to 15 years.

Lovebirds

Despite their affectionate name, lovebirds need an experienced hand to warm up and socialize them when young. Paired lovebirds cannot be caged alone either. Their louder decibel levels and intensive care protocols make them better second birds.

Advanced Small Pet Birds Requiring Extensive Commitment

For the dedicated bird enthusiast with ample time and resources, more complex species like conures, Pionus parrots and fig parrots can prosper. But be prepared for intensive interactions, training, veterinary responsibilities and financial investment.

Green Cheek Conures

Among the most popular mini parrots, Green Cheeks win fans with their playfulness, loyalty and talking ability. Yet their extreme social needs, louder squawks, vet bills and potential 30-year lifespan gives paused to reflect seriously about owning one.

Pionus Parrots

A mid-sized parrot, Pionus like White-capped and Bronze-winged parrots require abundant mental stimulation and free flight time. While calmer and gentler than similar sized parrots, they still mandate knowing specialized avian veterinarian care.

Fig Parrots

Rare but rising in popularity, fig parrots (or double-eyed figs) represent active, mischievous companions needing customized enclosure enrichment and training not for first-timers. Their shorter lifespan and smaller size for a parrot keeps care slightly less demanding.

Key Considerations When Deciding on Small Pet Birds

Commit fully to understanding a prospective bird species unique needs and temperament ahead of acquiring one. Reflect honestly on your lifestyle and expectations to determine an suitable feathered match.

Expected Lifespan

While most finches and canaries only live 3-5 years, parrots and conures could still be with you at age 50. Know what pace you want to maintain care over decades before embarking on a long-term bird relationship.

Time Investment

Highly social birds require substantial daily direct interaction and supervised time out their enclosure to thrive. Can you dedicate an hour or more consistently? Lower maintenance species may better suit busier households.

Handling Preferences

If desiring a cuddly companion perched on your shoulder, choose breeds bred specifically for docility and bonding like parrotlets or Pionus parrots. More independent types like finches do fine with limited handling.

Noise Tolerance

Loud vocalizing species like lovebirds or Green Cheek conures dont suit apartments or mixed bird-dog homes. Mellow singers like canaries or quieter breeds work better blending with existing pets and children.

Allergies

While hypoallergenic birds dont exist, certain species emanate less feather dust or dander triggering allergies. Canaries and finches rank lower on the allergen scale and often fare better with sensitive owners.

Special Needs

Some breeds prone to obesity, hepatic issues or self-mutilation require vigilant monitoring, specialized diets and extra stimulation. Hairless breeds like Skinny pigs also need warmth, humidity and sunscreen for their delicate skin.

Preparing Your Home for a Small Pet Bird

Owning birds mandates dedicating sectioned areas protecting both your pet when unsupervised and safeguarding household items. Follow best practices establishing bird-friendly spaces.

Designate Bird Rooms

Allow free flight time in designated bird proof rooms with ceiling fans off and doors/windows guarded. Remove poisonous plants, chemical cleaners, clutter, wires and fragile items or secure behind closed doors.

Proper Enclosures

Select an adequately sized cage for when unattended with horizontal bars for climbing. Include multiple feeders/waterers, grooming/sleeping perches, hiding huts, foraging/bathing opportunities based on species instincts.

Protection from Other Pets

Dogs, cats and hungry pocket pets pose dangers to unattended birds. Ensure living areas remain separated using closed doors and install cage locks to protect against curious paws.

Socialization & Training

Gently socialize young birds through hand-feeding, positive reinforcement, clicker target training and acclimating them to handling/transport. Set boundaries not encouraging biting, aggression or obsessive bonding.

Providing Optimal Care for Pet Bird Health & Happiness

From proper diet, grooming and veterinary care to stress reduction and enrichment, birds need extensive upkeep replicated daily to flourish as family members for potentially decades.

Species-Appropriate Nutrition

Research and feed optimal diets with seeds, pellets, sprouted grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables. Avoid sugar, salt and unhealthy fats while ensuring complete amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals intake.

Preventative Healthcare

Schedule annual wellness exams with an experienced avian veterinarian. Conduct home health checks noting signs of illness and establish relationships with emergency exotic vet hospitals nearby for crises.

Enrich Their Environment

Rotate new toys, introduce foraging puzzles, play music/videos for them, offer baths and arrange play dates with guest birds to prevent boredom-based issues like screaming or self-mutilation.

Watch For Stress

Over-bonded birds can become distressed when owners travel but mild anxiety is normal adjusting to changes. Counteract with enrichment redirection, music and consistent care from trusted sitters when away.

When cared for properly, small pet birds bring their remarkable plumage, playfulness and loyalty into households for years. Determine compatibility between your lifestyle and abilities before taking the plunge into bird ownership long-term.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.