I’ve seen how excited a kid was when his parents were getting him a parakeet. His excitement was reaching the sky. I realized introducing a pet bird into your child’s life can be a delightful experience. Do you know? Birds, with their colorful plumage and cheerful chirps, can bring all the joy and teach your kids about responsibility and empathy.

But remember, not all birds are suitable for your children. Each species comes with its own set of care requirements. It is the parents responsibility to understand their nature. So, I’ve done a little research, and I’m going to provide you with a parent’s guide to choosing the best birds for kids. Not only that, I also provide how to care for them and tips for ensuring a happy avian-human relationship.

Why Choose a Bird as a Pet for Kids?

There are many reasons that birds make an excellent choice for kids. In my opinion, the first reason can be low-maintenance costs compared to dogs and cats. Not only that, they can be affectionate, social, and their playful minds can make them a great companion for your kids. Plus, they can be kept in a small space, making them suitable for apartment living. Their varying levels of interaction and care needs can also be a great way to teach children about responsibility.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bird for Your Child

Before I delve into the best bird species for kids, let me introduce you to a few factors to consider when choosing a bird for your child:

• Size and Lifespan: I’d suggest you go for the smaller birds because they require less space and have shorter lifespan. Also, they can be more suitable for your child’s first pet.
• Noise Level: Some birds are more vocal and noisy than others. If you or your kids are noise sensitive or living in an apartment, this can be a real issue.
• Care Requirements: If you are looking for medium-sized or large birds, then you have to spend some extra time and effort on their maintenance.
• Temperament: Always go for a bird with a sweet, gentle and friendly temperament bird for your children.

Top Bird Species for Kids

Here are my top choices based on my opinion, but preferences can vary based on individual experiences:

1. Budgerigars (Budgies)

Maybe they are my first birds that’s why I always keep them on my top list. But these small, colorful, and highly sociable birds can easily steal your heart. They are known for their playful nature and can be trained to perform tricks and talk, which makes them perfect birds for your kids.

Budgies are one of those birds who relatively need low-maintenance. They require a balanced diet of seeds, fruits, and vegetables which is not costly at all. The only downside of budgies, I would say, is the noise level. Yes! They are very noisy and could be a problem if you are living in an apartment.

2. Cockatiels

My mom’s favorite bird. Although they are slightly larger than budgies, they require the same low maintenance as budgies. They have charming crests and orange cheek patches which makes them even more beautiful. Just like budgies, they are gentle, affectionate, and can learn to mimic sounds (just simple words). They thrive on attention and enjoy spending time out of their cage. The best part of cocktails is, they are not as noisy as budgies and can be a good choice for your kids.

3. Canaries

4. Finches

Just like canaries, finches are small, active birds that are best kept in pairs or small groups. They come in a variety of beautiful patterns and colors. Due to their smaller size, they do not need much space to live and are very easy to maintain. Their minimal interaction requirements and easy going temperament make them a perfect choice for kids. Remember, they can’t live alone, they need a partner to be happy and active.

5. Lovebirds

6. Parrotlets

They look very similar to lovebirds. People say they are tiny birds with big personalities, just like me! These little buddies are very intelligent and can learn tricks and mimic sounds. They are very playful, curious, and can be quite affectionate with their owners. Although they are low-maintenance, they require regular interaction and mental stimulation. This bird can be a great pet for your children, in my opinion.

7. Pionus Parrots

Pionus parrots aren’t popular among the parrot world. They are medium-sized birds known for their gentle and quiet nature. The best part about them is, they are less demanding than other parrot species and can make a strong bond with families and kids. 

They required low-maintenance and could be a good choice for kids of any age.

8. Quaker Parrots

Caring for Your Child’s Pet Bird

So, now you know a little bit about these birds and can choose which one is the best for your child. Once you’ve chosen the right bird, it’s essential to understand its care requirements. Here are some general tips for birds care:

1. Cage Setup: Go for the bigger cage so that the bird can move around comfortably. Add some perches, toys, and feeding dishes. Also, clean the cage regularly to maintain hygiene.
2. Diet: Ensure a balanced diet for their ultimate health that includes seeds, pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables.  Don’t forget about the freshwater being available at all times.
3. Social Interaction: As social creatures, they need daily interaction. You should encourage your child to spend time talking, playing, and bonding with their feathered friends.
4. Exercise: Sometimes get your bird some out of the cage for exercise and mental stimulation. Don’t forget about removing any potential hazards to ensure their safe environment.
5. Veterinary Care: Regular check-ups with an avian veterinarian are important. Keep monitoring your bird’s health and prevent illnesses.

Teaching Kids Responsibility Through Pet Ownership

If you want to teach your kids responsibility and empathy, owning a bid can be a great way. For example, encourage your child to participate in feeding, cage cleaning, and socializing with the bird. You also can create a daily routine to instill a sense of responsibility. Teaching your child about the bird’s species, behavior, and understanding their pet’s requirements will help them provide better care. Also, praise your child for their efforts and care. Positive reinforcement will motivate them to continue the responsibilities.

Common Challenges and Solutions

If your birds are not tamed, then they might bite you if they feel threatened or scared. Teach your child to handle them gently and recognize signs of discomfort. Of course, they can suffer from various health problems. Keeping in touch with the vet is crucial for their ultimate health. 

We all know birds are wonderful pets, but there are few challenges you might face once you have them. The first challenge on my list is noise. Some birds can be very noisy, especially during early mornings and evenings. I wrote an article about how to deal with noise; you can check that in detail there. If noise bothers you, consider species known for being quieter, like finches and pionus parrots. To be honest, they are very messy, scattering seeds and feathers all around the place. So regular cage cleaning and placing a mat under the cage can help manage the mess.

Embrace the Joy of Avian Companionship

By selecting the appropriate bird for your children, you can turn it into a fulfilling, fun, and educational experience that will keep smiles on everyone’s face. They add color and life to your home, as well as an element of responsibility and empathy. Whether you choose the melodious canary, the willful budgie, or the cuddly cockatiel, the right bird can become a cherished member of your family. So, take the plunge, embrace the joy of avian companionship, and watch your child’s face light up with delight as they form a special bond with their feathered friends.