Photo by Werlley Meira
Having fur friends is great – but feathered buddies are a good addition to the family as well.
Choosing the best pet birds for kids can be quite challenging, as much as choosing the best pet dogs or cats. Additionally, birds are wonderful companions for children, a testament to the fact that humans and animals can live in harmony. These flying creatures teach them about responsibility and kindness while providing endless entertainment. This guide lets you explore the best pet birds for kids, ensuring you find the perfect feathered friend for your family.
Pro Tip!
Before we get down to the list of the best pet birds for kids, here are a few things you need to know:
- Birds are still a potential source of allergens from their feather and droppings. Don’t get one if your kids are allergic to certain bird species.
- Birds can live for many years, with some up to 20 years or more. Make sure that your family is ready for the long haul.
- Some birds need more space, so you should match them with a proper cage and play area.
Other than the basics, everyone in the family should understand what they’re getting into because birds are still living creatures. There are different guides out there that perfectly explain what you need to know before getting a bird. With enough preparation, you can have a feathered companion that can bring equal love and joy.
Moving on, here are the 10 best pet birds for kids:
3. Budgerigar (Budgie)
Budgerigars, commonly known as budgies, are small, colorful birds that make excellent pets for kids. Their friendly nature and ability to mimic human speech make them a delightful companion.
Why They’re Great:
- Easy to care for
- Social and interactive
- Low cost and readily available
In addition to being small and low-maintenance, budgies can live up to 20 years and are well-accustomed to being trained to do bird tricks.
4. Cockatiel
Cockatiels are another wonderful choice for kids. They are known for their affectionate and playful personalities, making them the best pet birds for kids. Moreover, they can form strong bonds with their human caretakers.
Why They’re Great:
- Gentle and affectionate
- Can learn to whistle tunes
- Relatively easy to care for
The captivating cockatiel is also another intelligent species. The crests on their heads reflect their exact emotions. Children raised in a positive environment can adapt well to the family. However, cockatiels should be kept in pairs, as they don’t like being alone.
5. Parrotlet
Parrotlets are tiny parrots with prominent personalities, which makes them one of the best pet birds for kids. They are energetic, curious, and mostly friendly.
Why They’re Great:
- Small size, but big on personality
- Intelligent and trainable
- Requires a bit more attention, great for slightly older kids
These spunky-winged creatures need plenty of playtime and socialization. With daily human interaction, Parrotlets can form strong bonds with their owners.
6. Canary
Canaries are perfect for kids who enjoy listening to birds sing. While they’re not as sociable as other bird species, their beautiful songs can bring joy to any household.
Why They’re Great:
- Beautiful singing
- Low maintenance
- Ideal for kids who prefer observing
Their cheerful and intelligent natures make them perfect companions for kids. Moreover, they don’t mind heavy handling as long as there’s gentle stroking and ample attention.
7. Dove
Doves are gentle and easy to handle, making them great pets for kids. Their peaceful cooing can be very soothing.
Why They’re Great:
- Gentle nature
- Easy to handle
- Soothing cooing sounds
In addition to being gentle, doves are low-maintenance compared to other birds. They can bond well with their owners and become tamed by regular handling and socialization.
8. Lovebird
Lovebirds are small parrots known for their affectionate nature. However, they’re challenging to care for, so they’re better off with older children.
Why They’re Great:
- A strong bond with their owners
- Playful and interactive
- Requires more care and attention
With their colorful personalities, pocket parrots can be quite a challenge. If they’re not tamed early on, they can develop negative behaviors like jealousy and aggression. Moreover, keeping a pair of lovebirds is highly advised, as they can get uneasy without one.
7. Pionus Parrot
Pionus Parrots are calm and gentle birds, making them one of the best pet birds for kids who want a quieter companion.
Why They’re Great:
- Gentle and calm demeanor
- Long lifespan
- Quiet compared to other parrots
Ready for the ultimate commitment? The Pionus can live up to 40 years and are highly sociable, making them perfect for a household with multiple kids.
8. African Grey Parrot
African Grey Parrots are most suited for older children due to their high intelligence and need for mental stimulation. They’re one of the best pet birds for kids ready for a long-term commitment.
Why They’re Great:
- Extremely intelligent
- Can develop a large vocabulary
- A strong bond with their owners
When getting this bird, keep in mind that it can’t be ignored for too long; otherwise, it will get noisy and self-mutilate. It’s also not beginner-friendly, requiring experienced bird owners.
9. Quaker Parrot
Quaker parrots, known as Monk Parakeets, are intelligent and social birds. They can learn to talk and perform tricks, making them fun companions for kids.
Why They’re Great:
- Highly intelligent
- Can learn to talk
- Social and playful
Aside from their intelligence and sociability, Quaker Parrots are perfect for small living spaces like apartments. Plus, with proper care, they can live up to 30 years.
10. Special Mention: Ducks
Photo by Anna Bondarenko
Indeed, ducks are good pets for kids. While most birds mentioned above can fly, ducks can only float above water and walk on land. However, they’re still perfect family pets for a bunch of reasons.
They’re generally friendly and social animals and can form strong bonds with their human family. Like in the book ‘Bing,’ a story about an injured baby duck, these flightless birds can also be loving family pets. Especially when they’re taken care of really well and are shown kindness.
Wrapping It Up
This is a strong reminder to every parent who was asked by their children to get a pet bird. You still need to exercise extra caution when handling those types of animals. After all, they’re still wild animals and are not accustomed to domestication. We hope that this guide can lead you to the right feathered companion.
And while you’re at it, grab a copy of Sarah Gourd’s “Bing,” a perfect book for your kids to learn about kindness for animals.
