Starting your journey as a bird owner
For the budding bird owner, there are three specific types of birds that I would recommend buying:
- parakeets
- cockatoos
- love birds
These species are ideal for newbies because they are relatively easy to care for and, if treated right, will provide you with love and affection for years to come. However, there are significant differences between these three species that one should be aware of before deciding on the perfect bird for them.
Keep in mind: That is not It is intended to be a comprehensive guide to caring for your new bird, but merely a decision-making aid. Before you buy your new feathered friend, be sure to do some research on caring for it.
Investigate, investigate, investigate!
You may never spend too much time researching a potential pet. They are a lifetime commitment, and the decision to buy them should be treated as such. Don’t be the type of person who buys an animal only to put it up for adoption a few months later.
1. parakeets
The most common recommendation for a new bird owner is parakeets. There are a number of good reasons why many people consider this the ideal first bird:
- Parakeets are very easy to care for, even for a beginner.
- If you are patient and loving, you can develop a bond with your bird very quickly.
- There is a very low barrier to entry for parakeets. They are extremely cheap to buy compared to other birds.
- The diet of a parakeet is quite simple and affordable.
- Parakeets are capable of imitating human speech, and are often quite adept at it compared to other birds of their size.
It is important to note that despite the ease of owning a budgie, they still require your care and attention and should never be neglected. Affection and interaction are a key component of caring for any bird. If you don’t have time every day to spend with your parakeet, you should consider purchasing at least two of them to ensure they are adequately socially stimulated.
2. cockatoos
Cockatiels are a few steps above parakeets in terms of the level of attention they require. You will need a larger cage to accommodate them, and they are usually much more expensive. Here are some things to know if you are considering buying a cockatiel:
- Cockatoos live longer than parakeets, usually more than 10 years. You should only consider buying one if you are ready to make this kind of long-term commitment.
- Cockatoos have a wide range of personalities. You might find a well-mannered cockatoo that will be the sweetest bird you’ll ever own, but you might also end up with a feisty cockatoo that likes to bite with very little provocation.
- Most cockatiels thrive on human interaction and require as much attention as you would give any other pet.
- Many cockatiels have an affinity for singing and will love hearing their human sing or whistle. Some are even capable of learning to whistle songs to you!
- Cockatiels are somewhat easier to socialize than parakeets, as long as you’re not afraid of being bitten.
As with parakeets (or any other pet), cockatiels make wonderful companions, but they are also a major commitment. Always do your own research before purchasing a new bird.
love birds
Lovebirds are not bought as commonly as parakeets or cockatiels, but they are just as adorable as the other birds I’ve described here. The most important difference to note is that they should always be kept in male-female pairs, as they bond very strongly and typically for life. Other than that, here are some other features that set them apart from parakeets and cockatiels:
- Lovebirds can be notoriously difficult to socialize with humans, but this doesn’t mean they’ll never bond with you. When a lovebird bonds with its owner, it is usually extremely affectionate.
- Lovebirds are very curious creatures compared to many other birds. They love to explore their environment and find new places to hide or new objects to experiment with.
- Lovebirds need a fair amount of space to fly as they are very active birds, so it is good practice to let them out of their cage regularly in a safe environment free from hazards.
Just to re-emphasize: having a mate for your lovebird is very important. Lovebirds will become lethargic and depressed if deprived of socialization with a partner, and this can lead to serious illness.
Summer on March 26, 2019:
Actually, lovebirds need not be kept in male-female pairs. If you have the time and patience, a single lovebird is great on its own.
Michael Arnott (author) from New England on September 19, 2017:
It sounds like you’re already on the right track! In my experience, the only thing you can do is make sure that your birds have a suitable environment for breeding, and from there you just have to hope that they take the initiative. You can try different nesting materials in the clay pot to see if your bird might prefer them, and you can also try to adjust the temperature in their room to make sure they are comfortable enough to breed. It also helps to make sure that they both have access to plenty of food and water to stay healthy throughout the process.
Good luck!
Kishan on September 19, 2017:
I have a pair of lovebirds the female used to lay egg at the bottomof cage they used to live it so i arranged claypot for their breeding even though they are laying at the bottom of cage not in claypot .so sir/madam i request u to suggest any opinionfor this