Children are very fond of keeping pet birds. They love interacting and spending time with them. There are a couple of birds which can be kept as pets out of which some are apt for small children while others are good for older children. The list includes Finches and Canaries, Parakeets or Budgies, Cockatiels, and Peach-faced lovebird among others. All these make great pet birds and can be legally kept in houses.
Finches and Canaries: These two birds top the list as they can easily be taken care of and require minimal interaction. These are apt pet birds for young children as they are not only attractive but with their soft chirps provide soothing music and are fascinating to watch. A canary only needs a clean cage, food and water. It lives for about 15 years and does not require one to one play time. Finches on the other hand have to be kept in pairs. They are low mess and low volume. Like the canary, the finch too requires food, water and their cage cleaned and they live for about 7 years.
Cockatiels: These birds are best for older children. Cockatiels can easily learn to whistle, talk, and perform cute tricks. They are indeed a delight to watch. They enjoy spending time outside the cage.
Parakeets or Budgies: A budgie like cockatiels is an apt pet for older children as younger children are likely to injure it if they are not gentle. Budgies often become a child’s best friend provided the child succeeds in interacting and taming it. The bird has low volume but it can chatter and few can even talk. It requires veterinarian care. Toys are compulsory for these birds and they need one to one time daily.
Peach-faced lovebird: These cute birds come in varied colour mutations and live for about 20 years. They are energetic and have low noise level compared to larger parrots. Play gym, toys and perches are a must for them. The peach-faced lovebird needs daily cage cleaning, water changing and feeding and has a tendency of becoming a little territorial.
The list of best pet birds also includes Pacific Parrolet, Diamond Dove and Goldie’s lorikeet among others.
