A Feathered Friend
If dogs and cats aren’t to your preference, have you considered the world of birds? These feathered friends are intelligent, gentle, and low-maintenance. They can add just the touch of magic your life has been missing.
1. Cockatiel
When people think of getting birds, they probably consider cockatiels at one point or another. Living anywhere from 10 to 15 years, these 12-inch birds are known for their gentle nature, relatively easy care, and the fun way they mimic heard phrases and sounds.
2. Budgie
You can find budgies at every pet store, and they come in a variety of colors from blue, green, yellow, and even white. They can live from 5 to 10 years and are very small, making them easy to handle and care for. They can also be very social and playful.
3. Parrotlets
Parrotlets are a great entryway into the world of parrots. But be warned, despite their smaller size, they have a feisty personality. Despite this, they tend to bond closely with their owners and are lower maintenance than larger birds.
Ron Knight from Seaford, East Sussex, United Kingdom on Wikimedia
4. Lovebirds
Lovebirds get their name for their unique color variations and affectionate behaviors. They’re a good choice if you want an active but small companion. They also befriend other birds pretty easily.
5. Canaries
Canaries can get up to 5 inches and come in colors like yellow, orange, and red. They are best known for their beautiful singing, which adds much-needed ambiance to any space. They’re also pretty independent and don’t need as much interaction as other birds.
6. Pionus Parrots
These parrots can get up to 12 inches and come in the usual green, blues, and purples. They have a calm nature and are quieter when compared with other parrots. Despite that, they’re still very friendly and bond with their owners, albeit they’re easier to take care of than other parrots.
7. Amazon Parrots
Of course, if you want a classic parrot, the Amazon is a good choice. It can get up to 18 inches and live as long as 40 or 60 years. They are very social and deeply bond with their owners. Of course, they can also mimic speech and really enjoy playtime. They are a bit more challenging than other birds but are still considered beginner-friendly for those willing to do the research.
8. Dove
Doves can live up to 15 years and come in colors like white, gray, and even brown. Their calm demeanor makes them easy to take care of, and they’re far quieter than parrots. However, they are still social and enjoy playtime, but just not as much as other birds.
9. Green-Cheeked Conure
The conure can get up to 10 inches and lives an exemplary 20 to 30 years. They’re known for having green bodies with accents of red, yellow, and blue. Their small size makes them manageable, and they’re relatively easy to care for.
10. Finch
A finch is a smaller bird reaching up to 5 inches and coming in a variety of colors like yellow, red, and black. They are pretty low-maintenance and independent but also work well in groups if you want multiple birds. This is a good choice for someone who doesn’t have as much hands-on time to dedicate.
Now that we've talked about beginner birds to get started with, here are some essentials you’ll need to take care of them.
1. Perches
Perches can be set up both in the bird's cage and all around the house to give it easy avenues to travel around. Natural wood perches are the best bet as the birds can also chew on them to keep their beaks trimmed. There are also plenty of fancier perches that add some mental stimulation, like those that incorporate ropes.
2. Food Dishes
Of course, your bird will need some accessible food and water dishes. Consider materials that are easy to clean, like ceramic, as well as avoiding materials that absorb bacteria. Additionally, you have to make sure the dishes are secure so the bird can eat comfortably.
Amee Fairbank-Brown on Unsplash
3. Specific Bird Food
Just buying bulk bird seeds and calling it a day won’t get you very far with birds. Instead, you should do a little research to identify the specific type of diet your bird needs. For instance, some parrots might prefer pellets while certain finches need a specialized blend.
4. Mental Stimulation
In general, birds need a lot of mental stimulation to avoid getting sad and bored. You should consider investing in puzzles, chew toys, or even food enrichment to keep them active and interested in their environment.
5. Swings
Another fun toy all birds enjoy are swings! You can set them up in their cage or even have a few hanging around your home so they can travel to and fro. They’ll happily swing for the better part of the day, and it helps prevent boredom.
6. Cage Liners
Cage liners like newspaper or some other fabric are a great way to keep it clean. This way, you can easily change the liner instead of having to scrub the entire cage every time. Just be sure to avoid irritable materials like sandpaper.
7. Bells
Since birds require so much mental stimulation, another way to add to their life is to get some bells. They’ll enjoy playing with things that make sounds, and you could potentially even train them to use the bell to indicate their needs.
8. Nail Clippers
Birds take their grooming very seriously, and without natural textures to trim their nails on, it's up to you to prevent the overgrowth. Many stores sell specific bird nail clippers, and with a gentle hand and practice, you’ll be trimming them in no time.
9. Bird Bath
Birds do, in fact, love taking baths, and this can be hard to pull off if they’re entirely indoors. You can try using a bottle to spray them with mist or invest in a shallow dish and set it up with some water.
10. A Carrier
You’ll also need to get a carrier so you can reliably transport your bird to the vet. Additionally, if there is ever an emergency and you need to flee your home, you’ll need secure transport to get your bird out safely.
