Best 5 Birds for New Pet Owners: A Beginner's Guide

Excited! To have a pet bird in your house. 

These soft-feathered birdies bring an enchanting essence with them wherever they go. These bright and cheerful bundles of feathers add warmth to a home. They also provide loving companionship to people.

It’s important to know which birdies are easygoing before you bring them to your home. 

So, let's venture into this guide to learn the best five bird species for a new pet owner that suits their lifestyle well.

Guidelines to Choose the Perfect Feathered Friend for New Owners

Knowing the essential factors before owning a birdie is crucial. Owning a winged creature is not just about choosing a variety of colors including from the pet shop. It also means understanding what that flyer needs to stay healthy. 

The first thing to consider is their size. This is an important factor to look at before getting a bird. Smaller peeps like Parakeets are beginner-friendly and do not need spacious cages. Secondly, look for birds that are less whistler, as some birds are naturally boisterous while some are shy and reserved.

Thirdly, the lifespan of the bird you're about to own. Depending on the species some birds have a small life span of up to 10 years, while some have more, making them long-run companions for you.

You should keep a keen eye on the bird's social needs, as they may vary from bird to bird. Some pets need a lot of attention and interaction. Some birds are more independent and does not require that much attention.

 “Choosing the right pet bird species depends on your lifestyle. You should also consider how much time and effort you can commit to caring for it. Some birds are more low-maintenance than others." 

John Smith, a Bird Behavior Specialist

Therefore, knowing these guidelines ensures you have the best experience with your birdie.

Let's fly into the types of birds you can keep as a pet.

1. (Budgie) Budgerigar 

Budgies are the world's most beloved pet birds. They are small, lively, and extremely social. They are playful and can imitate sounds around them. This makes them a cheerful addition to any home.

Care Requirements: These breeds are easygoing. They nurture more in a spacious cage, with enough toys whereas they are the most socialized birds of them all. However, you can still keep them fit with healthy food pellets, seeds, fresh fruits, and vegetables. 

Great for beginners: First, budgies are easy, and pet friendly. 

This makes them the perfect pet for new owners.

Besides, they are relatively cheap and may last at least 10 years when properly cared for.

2. Cockatiel

Cockatiels are lovely birds with attitudes known for being affectionate and for their crest. These are slightly bigger than budgies; they can whistle and come close to their owners.

Social Needs and Care: Cockatiels need daily social interaction and enjoy being held. To remain stimulated, they need a huge cage with lots of perches and toys. Their diet should include pellets, seeds, and fresh greens.

Suitability for New Owners: Cockatiels are great beginner pets as they are friendly, will learn tricks, and can be interactive pets.

3. Lovebird

Small, affectionate birds and lovebirds do best with companionship. Their name indicates powerful pair bonds. They are excellent for families or anyone who can allot time for them.

Interaction Needs: Lovebirds entail communication with other lovebirds or their owners. They are playful and enjoy toys that help to work out their brain power.

Tips for Keeping Them Happy: Place them in a large cage that allows climbing and playing. A companion bird can also satisfy their social needs.

4. Parakeet

Miniature, colorful birds that are easy to care for and wonderful parakeets love attention and affection from their human friends. 

These pet birds are playful and social.

Ideal Living Conditions: These are kinds of Parakeets that require a spacious cage, toys available, and the same diet as the budgies. They also need regular interaction.

Training Tips for New Owners: Parakeets will learn things and even mimic sounds. With patience and consistency, they can be a source of entertainment and companionship.

5. Conure

Conures are notorious for being especially playful and curious. They are a little larger, have colorful plumes, and have loud vocals.

Socialization Needs: Conures are gregarious birds that do best in pairs and crave lots of outside playtime. They are amiable and willing to participate in family activities, and they get along with your children.

Best Practices for Care: Toys and perches, all for the large cage, are required. You can keep it healthy on a varied diet of pellets, fruit, seeds, and vegetables.

Conclusion

These birds can bring a lot of happiness and comfort in your life, if you pick the right one. For new pet owners wanting budgies, cockatiels, lovebirds, parakeets, or conures” they’re great.  Now you have to decide on a bird, choosing a bird is an important decision, so decide first. For one, what type of lifestyle do you have? How much time can you spend with your bird, and what kind of bird do you fancy?

FAQs

1. What is the most accessible bird to look after?

 The 'best birds for beginners' are often budgies. Friendly as well as easy to take care of.

2. How much do pet birds cost? 

Prices for pet birds depend on the species. Budgies and cockatiels often cost between $20 and $150 for budgies and more than $200 for conures and many of the larger species.

3. Are pet birds hard work? 

Most pet birds need to interact and socialize every day

4. How spacious of a cage should birds be kept in? 

A spacious cage is essential. Around 18x18x24 inches is a general rule of thumb for the cage base for small birds like budgies or cockatiels.

5. Can pet birds learn to talk? 

Budgies and cockatiels are famously great at mimicking human speech. Some pick it up early and others have a natural ability.