
Birds can make a wonderful addition to a household. There are many different types of birds that can be gotten, and the kind of pet bird that will work for one person might not work for another.
Knowing some of differences between different types of birds can help you make a decision as to what kind would be good for you.
Parrots are probably one of the first kinds of birds to come to mind when most people think of pet birds. Parrots are exotic, and can be a lot of fun, but they do require a lot of time, even compared to other birds. The large breeds like the African Grey and Macaw are popular due to their attractiveness and ability to mimic. They can be wonderful birds and provide you with lots of entertainment, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Large parrots have long life-spans. When taken care of properly they have been known to live for 50 years or more! So parrots are a very long-term commitment, and you need to think about this before you buy. Another thing is that parrots can become aggressive if they are not handled enough and given enough attention. So if you don’t have time to spend at least a few hours with them a day, a parrot might not be the best option. Lastly, while their mimicry can be fun, they have a tendency to be a little difficult. You may try to teach them something for weeks, and they won’t get it (or they’ll pretend they don’t,) but the day you say something unkind about your mother-in-law, they’ll pick that right up. So you need to be patient with them when you’re trying to teach, and be careful what you say around them otherwise.
While Cockatoos are somewhat smaller than some other large parrots, they still require a lot of time and attention. Too many people make the mistake of thinking they are as laid-back as the cockatiel, and end up with an unhappy bird.
You really need to think about the space restrictions you have in your home before you pick what kind of pet bird you’re going to get. Large parrots need a large cage, and room to roam in your home. If you only have a tiny apartment, they might not be the best option for you. Smaller birds will take up less room, and often don’t need to get out to roam as much.
If you are looking for an entertaining bird that doesn’t take up a lot of room, you might want to look into something like a Budgie (Parakeet) or a Cockatiel. These birds are intelligent, but don’t take quite as much space or time as the really large birds. These birds can be taught to talk and sing.
If you are looking for a pet bird that only needs a little one-on-one time, but can sing nicely if taught, a canary can be a wonderful option. These birds are happy if allowed to roam outside their cage, and love riding on your shoulder, but they don’t need the large amounts of time that some others need.
If you are looking for a super low-maintenance bird, something like a finch could be a good match for you. While they need daily care just like any other bird, they don’t need hours of time. They are mainly for looking at and just for the enjoyment of having a feathered friend in the house.
Also keep in mind that a great way to keep your bird entertained when you can’t spend time with it is to provide it with a lot of toys. Things hung in its cage like bells and cuttlebones can give them hours of mental stimulation. This is a good thing for all pet birds, but is especially important for large birds such as parrots.
Spend a little time to do some research on pet birds, and when you find the one that is right for you, you’ll know.