Best Pet Birds to Have

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Finches are charming, small birds that are both easy to care for and a delight to have as pets. Typically growing between 3 and 10 inches in length, finches are compact yet full of personality. One of the most appealing aspects of keeping finches is their low-maintenance nature. They don't require constant human attention, and you can keep a group of finches together in a spacious cage, where they’ll entertain each other with their lively interactions. This means you can enjoy watching their playful behavior from a distance while they socialize among themselves.

While finches may not be fans of being handled or held, they do enjoy having activity around them. Keeping their cage in a well-trafficked, busy room will keep them stimulated and content, as they naturally enjoy the sounds and movement of their surroundings. Their need for human interaction is minimal, but they thrive in environments where they can observe and listen to the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Feeding finches is simple and affordable. You can buy specially formulated finch food at any pet store, which typically consists of a mix of seeds and pellets. To keep things interesting and provide extra nutrients, you can supplement their diet with small amounts of fresh fruit, vegetables, or even insects. Their varied diet helps ensure they stay healthy and active.

As songbirds, finches bring a lovely melody to your home. They come in a wide range of beautiful colors, from the vibrant Gouldian finches to the distinctive, patterned Zebra finches. Their cheerful songs and lively behavior can brighten any room. With proper care, finches can live anywhere from 5 to 15 years, making them a long-lasting and joyful companion. Whether you're drawn to their song, their colors, or their low-maintenance lifestyle, finches make for delightful pets that will brighten your home for years to come.

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Canaries are delightful, colorful songbirds known for their cheerful personalities and lovely melodies. While many people associate canaries with the bright yellow of Tweety Bird, these birds actually come in a variety of stunning colors, including red, blue, orange, white, and green. Their vibrant plumage and lively songs add a burst of joy to any home. Males are the primary singers, serenading with soft, sweet tunes, though their songs are generally not too loud, making them a great choice for households with close neighbors or those seeking a more peaceful atmosphere.

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Parrotlets are tiny, vibrant parrots that pack a big personality into their small size. Growing to just 4.5 to 5.5 inches in length, these little birds can live for an impressive 20 to 30 years with proper care. Despite their small stature, parrotlets are full of energy and confidence, often displaying more bravado than their size suggests. They are highly social birds that crave human interaction and attention. If they don't receive enough engagement, they may become ornery or moody, but with regular play and bonding time, they can be incredibly loving and fun companions.

While parrotlets are perfectly content living alone, it’s important to note that they can sometimes become territorial, especially when it comes to food. If more than one parrotlet is housed together, they may squabble over resources, so it's often best to keep them individually or ensure there's enough space and food for everyone to avoid conflict.

When it comes to their behavior, parrotlets are known to be curious and mischievous. Their out-of-cage time should be closely supervised to ensure they don’t get into trouble or risk injury. Their small size makes them quick and agile, and without proper supervision, they can easily find places to explore where they shouldn’t be.

Although their chirping can be charming, parrotlets are relatively quiet birds compared to larger parrots. They can even be taught to mimic words, though their volume is low enough that they won’t disturb your neighbors. This makes them an excellent choice for people who enjoy the companionship of a parrot but prefer a quieter, smaller bird. Parrotlets offer a blend of playful energy, affection, and intelligence, making them a delightful addition to any home that can meet their social needs.

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Budgies, also known as parakeets, are among the most popular pet birds, loved for their playful personalities and vibrant colors. These small birds typically grow to be 7-8 inches in length, with two main types: Australian and English budgies. English budgies are generally a bit larger than their Australian counterparts, but both types share similar traits in terms of temperament and care needs.

Budgies can thrive both in the company of other budgies or as solo companions. They are social birds and enjoy the company of their own kind, though a single budgie can form a strong bond with its human caregivers and enjoy a happy, fulfilling life on its own. One of the most remarkable aspects of budgies is their ability to learn to talk. In fact, many budgies are excellent mimics, often learning to speak more clearly than some of the larger parrot species, though they are not excessively loud, making them a great option for people living in apartments or with close neighbors.

To keep your budgie healthy and thriving, it’s essential to provide a varied diet that includes high-quality pellets, seeds, fresh fruits, and vegetables. This diet ensures they get the proper nutrition and energy they need to remain active and happy. With the right care, budgies can live anywhere from 10 to 15 years, offering many years of companionship and joy. Their colorful feathers, charming personalities, and impressive vocal abilities make them a delightful and low-maintenance pet for bird lovers.

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Cockatiels are charming, handsome birds known for their distinctive tuft of feathers on their heads, which adds to their unique and appealing appearance. These birds are a fantastic choice for families, especially those with children, thanks to their easygoing nature and love of interaction. Cockatiels enjoy being handled and will happily bond with their human caregivers, making them great companions. While they thrive in the company of other cockatiels, they can form a strong bond with you if they are the only bird in the household.

However, it's important to give them plenty of attention, as cockatiels can become a bit aggressive or nippy if they feel neglected. If they aren’t receiving enough social interaction or stimulation, they may pick at or bite you to express their frustration. But when they are well cared for and engaged, cockatiels are loving, playful, and very affectionate birds.

Cockatiels are known for their entertaining vocalizations, and they’ll often sing to you or mimic sounds they frequently hear, such as household noises or even words. They are especially fond of mirrors, often gazing at their reflection, and they enjoy playing with a variety of toys.

Like all birds, cockatiels need space to spread their wings, so it’s essential to let them fly outside their cage for at least an hour each day. This time allows them to get exercise, mental stimulation, and the opportunity to explore their surroundings. Their diet consists of bird food from pet stores, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables to keep them healthy and vibrant.

Cockatiels typically grow to be 11-14 inches in length and can live up to 25 years with proper care, making them a long-term, loyal companion. Their friendly, playful nature, combined with their love for interaction and entertaining behaviors, makes them a wonderful addition to any home.

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When I was little, my brother took care of a Myna bird named Mike for a friend. The bird sat in a cage in his room and would often repeat “Hi Mike” over and over again. Mynas, especially the Hill Myna, make fantastic pets, but they might not be the best choice for apartment living due to their potential for loud vocalizations. These birds are known for their ability to mimic human speech, and their repetitive phrases, like “Hi Mike,” can be both amusing and entertaining.

Hill Mynas, the most common type kept as a pet, are active, social birds that love to be around people, though they generally don't enjoy being held. They thrive on interaction and will easily get used to a variety of people, including family, friends, and visitors. However, they are not fond of being around other birds and might prefer to be the only avian companion in the home.

Mynas enjoy a diet rich in insects, in addition to pellets, fruits, and vegetables, ensuring they get the proper nutrients. These birds can grow to be 12-18 inches in length and, with proper care, can live between 12 and 25 years.

A Myna’s cage should be spacious enough for it to fly around in and should include perches placed at various heights. Additionally, they should be allowed out of their cage for at least an hour each day to exercise and explore their surroundings. While they enjoy being social and interacting with their human family members, they require a bit of patience when it comes to adjusting to their environment and living space.

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In terms of diet, conures enjoy a varied menu of bird food, fruits, and vegetables, and you can supplement their meals with protein-rich treats like nuts, crickets, or mealworms. Their long lifespan—up to 35 years—means they’re a long-term commitment, but their lively and affectionate nature makes them an enjoyable companion for many years.

Other types of parakeets include the Lineolated Parakeet, often affectionately called "Linnies." Though conures are slightly larger and more active than some other parakeets, all these birds share a love for interaction and play.

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Macaws are one of the most impressive and majestic types of parrots, known for their large size and vibrant colors. There are several species of Macaws, many of which are endangered in the wild, making them even more special as pets. In some places, though, it is illegal to keep these birds as pets, so if you are thinking of rewcuing one, be sure to check if you are allowed to have pet Macaws. 

These birds are among the largest in the parrot family, with some species growing as long as 3.5 feet, like the striking Hyacinth Macaws. Their bright, eye-catching plumage and larger-than-life personalities make them unforgettable companions.

Macaws are also talented mimics and can learn to replicate human speech, adding another layer of fascination to their already dynamic presence. They bond deeply with their human families, forming strong attachments that can last a lifetime. However, this bond comes with a need for significant attention. If neglected, Macaws may become frustrated and destructive. They are equipped with powerful beaks capable of cracking open coconuts and other tough nuts, and if they aren’t properly supervised, these beaks can do serious damage to your furniture. It's important to provide them with proper chew toys and a safe environment to prevent destructive behaviors.

In terms of diet, Macaws are omnivorous and can eat small mammals and reptiles, though their primary food should consist of bird pellets, fruits, and vegetables. It's crucial to keep their cage very clean, as Macaws can get seriously ill if exposed to their own waste for too long. Regular cleaning and proper hygiene are key to their health and well-being.

Due to their intelligence, size, and long lifespan—Macaws can live up to 80 years—these birds are best suited for experienced bird owners who are ready to invest time and effort into their care. Their playful, affectionate nature, combined with the need for a committed, enriching environment, makes Macaws wonderful companions for those prepared for the challenge.

Overall, owning a Macaw is a rewarding experience for the right person, but it requires dedication, patience, and a lot of space.