What Birds Do People Like to Keep as Pets?
Pet birds are becoming a common house pet, and for obvious reasons: birds are fun pets! Intelligent and loving, some people are beginning to enjoy having pet birds before dogs and cats.
Pet birds can be quite easy to handle and take care of compared to other household animals. As long as these pets have a birdcage to house themselves in (that’s always clean and nice), consistent food and water to keep healthy, and toys to play with and destroy, birds will be happy.
Of course, proper time and affection are needed to keep birds as happy as can be, as most pet birds long for socialization with their owner. In fact, don’t be surprised if a pet bird forms a deep bond with their owner, because it happens all the time!
But what are the most popular birds to have as pets? While their size, feathers, and personality vary from breed to breed, all of the birds listed here make great additions to any household or family. This list includes information on some of the most popular pet bird breeds.
Lovebird
Lovebirds are a smaller versions of the parrot species, and they’re absolutely adorable. Native to the continent of Africa, these birds are becoming quite the popular pet worldwide. Lovebirds need social interaction in their life (like most birds and pets) and love to chat with their owners and strangers alike.
Lovebirds are actually known to develop a deep bond with other Lovebirds, so owning a pair may be in one’s best interest. However, it should be noted that Lovebirds may ignore human interaction at times when they’re together, as they focus deeply on other Lovebirds and their own relationships!
This specific breed of bird is also quite restless; they always need something to do, whether that’s playing with toys or having something safe to chew up for fun. Quite curious little things, these birds are incredibly inquisitive and bold.
Canary
Canaries are little songbirds that make lovely additions to households and families! Native to the Canary Islands (hence the breed’s name), Canaries are skilled singers and can even learn specific songs through training and practice!
In fact, there are often Canary song competitions that are held, awarding the best Canary for song and appearance. Canaries are notoriously easy to care for compared to other pet birds, though they do still need some daily social activity. Quite sensitive in nature, Canaries make excellent additions to any family or household.
Macaw
When you think of parrots, you probably think of Macaws. With the appearance of a pirate’s right-hand man, these birds are continuing to be popular to have as pets. With quite a large vocalization at hand, these birds are huge in both size and voice, and attitude.
Their colorful feathers match their colorful personality! While some owners may be put off by their sometimes brash attitude, every Macaw owner knows that these birds are one of the most sensitive and friendliest in nature once you get to know them. Once they really trust you, they’ll show their real personality.
Macaws are incredibly playful and love to play with toys that they can destroy. These birds also really love to spook or scare people by leaping forward at them; this isn’t an aggressive personality, they just like to see people’s reaction, and they enjoy it!
Cockatiels
Cockatiels are considered to be the number one pet bird in America, as they’re very fun to have around. With their natural little fluff of hair constantly sticking up on the top of their head, these birds are quite adorable. Like most birds, Cockatiels love to have toys to play with and chew up, and especially love pieces of paper or cardboard to chew on.
Male Cockatiels have been known to love playing around with mirrors or reflective material, as they love to whistle to themselves. These whistling birds can also be taught to whistle back to you, though they aren’t the most trainable bird around.
Caique
A bird that is slowly becoming quite popular as a pet, Caiques are as lovely as they come. With a striking appearance, these birds are some of the funniest little birds around. Most people love to have these birds as pets simply because of their personality -- they’re little comedians!
However, while they are funny little active birds, they can be quite stubborn and are known for being aggressive with other birds. Therefore, they do best when they are the only bird in the house. That way you can smother them with love and affection. Caiques also really love to destroy toys, so make sure you always have a steady supply for them to play with.
Sun Conure
Sun Conures are as playful as they come, and are quite popular as pets. In fact, they are slowly becoming even more popular than the Cockatiel! These birds love to dangle from rope toys or lie on their back — anything to keep themselves active and amused. They are quite affectionate, and are incredibly gentle towards owners.
In fact, this breed is one of the only birds that won’t snap at a family member when annoyed (as some birds occasionally do), as long as those family members are kind to them. As long as you’re okay with a loud bird, Sun Conures may be the best addition to your family, but be warned, these birds can yell.
Birds are lovely creatures that need a proper and loving home. There’s a reason why people are continuing to add birds into their life as pets: they’re so much fun to have as companions! Whether it’s a Macaw that loves to play around and spook other people, or a Sun Conure that will cuddle with you and be incredibly affectionate, birds are great additions to any family or household.
As every pet bird owner knows, the bond that you’ll have with a pet bird is a bond that will last a lifetime.