#redbelly

Many of us aspire to own a pet; something to love and care for. Pets make the best companions and give an enormous amount of unconditional love for a lifetime. Birds are among the most popular pets and for good reason. They are easy to care for, they are intelligent, and they do not need a lot of space. Becoming a bird owner can be a rewarding experience, particularly for animal lovers who do not like large pets. Despite their popularity as pets, birds can be hard to come by, especially with so many different species, colors, and personalities to choose from. In this article, we will look at the 5 best pet birds and how to choose the right bird for you.  

Why do birds make the best pets?

Pets can be great companions, giving their owners someone to talk, cuddle, and spend time with. For someone considering being a pet parent for the first time, a bird may not be the first thought, but there are many benefits of having a pet bird. Here is a list of a few reasons why birds make the best pets.  

Low maintenance pets

Need small living spaces

Birds are extremely smart and social  

Fairly easy to take care of

Birds can be easily trained

Birds are long-lived companions

Which are the top 5 pet birds?

Budgies - Because of their vibrant colours, low noises, and easy-going nature, budgies are the most favorite of bird lovers. They belong to the Parakeets family and are very active and affectionate pets. They are social and tend to imitate human voices when trained. Budgies can be accommodated in a medium-size cage and also require very little maintenance. They feed on mixed seeds and fresh veggies like carrots and broccoli and when looked after properly, they can survive up to 10 to 15 years.  

Hyacinth Macaws - Hyacinth Macaws are quite larger and are commonly known as gentle giants. The birds are well known for their social behavior and interactions with their owner. If you are looking for a pet that is bubbly and cheerful and gives you good company then Macaws are the best option. The only concern is that they are a bit larger in size and need a lot of space when compared to the other birds. But, once accommodated properly, they are the most affectionate and best bird pets. Their diet includes seeds and nuts and as they have strong beaks, they prefer eating hard nuts. When treated properly they can live up to 30 years and more!

Canaries - The canaries are tiny birds known for their bright colors and vocal talent. The birds are available in yellow, blue, orange, and green colors. They do not require too much handling and are the best pet option for apartment living. They are cheerful and do not like to be typically handled. You can simply place their cage in your living room or apartment balcony and watch them being happy while you are around. They feed on pellets, fruits, and fresh vegetables. Avoid feeding too sugary and fried items and provide fresh water daily. When taken care of well, they can live up to 15 years and longer sometimes!

Parrotlets - Parrotlets, commonly known as ‘pocket parrots’, are endearing and miniature-size parrot pets. Get a spacious cage for your parrotlet, this allows them to stretch their wings and relax. They need regular attention and interaction. If you are looking for a great companion, parrotlets are the best option. Keep your parrotlet busy with different toys like foraging puzzles, perches, and squeakers. Place a bowl of water once a week, so that your parrotlet can take bath. They feed on vegetables, seed heads, fruits, and berries and when taken care of properly they can live up to 20 years.  

Cockatiels - Cockatiels are one of the best and most popular pet birds. If cared for properly, a cockatiel can live up to 15 years. Because of their not-so-heavy maintenance and good affection, Cockatiels are the best option for a beginner pet owner. They require a spacious cage with toys and perches. They are very talkative and can be trained to mimic sounds and sing, whistle, and make noises. They feed on seeds and fresh fruits and vegetables. If handled properly and trained, you can expect kisses and whistles from them!

How to choose the right bird for you?

Choosing the right bird for you is an important step. Birds can live a long time. So it is important to choose the right one for you. There are a lot of options. So choosing the right one for your lifestyle can be overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right bird.

Your space of living and lifestyle

Your level of experience as a pet parent

Budget considerations  

The life span of a bird

Kids and other pets in your home

Allergies and special conditions of your family members