What Are the Best Breeds for First-Time Bird Owners?
If you’re interested in a new pet but don’t want too much commitment, a bird might be the perfect choice for you. Not only are pet birds intelligent and easy to train, but they also provide endless entertainment. Of course, some bird species are easier to take care of than others. Here are some of the best birds for beginners:
Amazon Parrots
If you’re looking for a friendly and affectionate feathered friend that’s easy to care for and enjoys human interaction, then you can’t go wrong with an Amazon parrot. Hailing from the Americas, these stunning green birds love to socialize — when they’re not learning to talk, you can find them strutting around to catch your attention. Their care needs include:
- A large amount of space
- High levels of social interaction
- An area where they can be noisy
Socialization is how Amazon parrots bond with their owners, so it’s important that you spend time with your beloved pet. You should also provide a large cage and expect to hear lots of chirping and singing. If you can meet these care requirements, then you’ll have a great new friend for the next 30+ years!
Pionus Parrots
If you’re interested in a parrot that doesn’t require too much social interaction, then a Pionus parrot is the perfect companion for you. These playful birds are equipped with beautiful blue and green feathers that immediately catch the eye. Other key characteristics include:
- Affectionate
- Intelligent
- Quiet
It’s worth noting that Pionus parrots are high-maintenance pets and should be supervised around children. They’re also medium-sized and thus require a large cage and space to fly. When taken care of, this bird species can live from anywhere between 20 years and 40 years.
Cockatiels
You can’t discuss good pet birds for beginners without mentioning cockatiels. These beautiful blue birds come in gray, white, and yellow varieties and are distinguished by their feathered crests and red cheeks. Native to Brazil, they enjoy a wide range of activities, including:
- Playing with toys
- Chewing wood
- Perching on swings
As relatively small birds, cockatiels don’t require too much space — however, they do like to keep busy, so be sure to supply them with plenty of toys. In exchange for taking care of them, cockatiels will serve as your loyal friend for 20+ years.
Green-Cheeked Conures
Coming from South America, this bird species is known for its intelligence, friendliness, and kindness. Less than a foot tall and under three ounces, these tiny creatures sport bright green goats, blue feathers, gray heads, and little dots of color. However, don’t let their size fool you — green-cheeked conures love to cause mischief. Other facts to remember about them include:
- Lifespan: 30+ years
- Noise level: Low
- Social needs: High
Green-checked conures love the company of their human owners. In addition to spending quality time with them, be sure to provide these pet birds with a solid supply of toys. Items with bells, wheels, and ropes are some of their favorites.
Get Your New Best Friend Today!
Now that you know the benefits of pet birds, it’s time to get one yourself! At Todd Marcus Birds Exotic, we offer a wide range of bird species geared toward beginner owners, all of which can be easily tamed and cared for. These include:
- Green-cheeked conures
- Cockatiels
- Amazons
- And more!
In addition to pets, we offer bird boarding services for busy owners.
Whether you’re an avian enthusiast or a total novice, our team is here to help you find your ideal feathered friend. Learn more by contacting us today!