Small birds make wonderful little pets. I’ve owned several species. Budgies, parakeets, and cockatiels are among the most common options. They’re all small, active birds that can develop strong relationships with humans.
If you’re thinking about bringing one into your home, you should assess your ability to meet its particular requirements and your lifestyle. So, is a small bird pet the best for you?
Popular Small Birds as Pets
Small birds are excellent pets. I’ve owned and cared for many small birds over the years, and each species has its own unique appeal. Here are a few of the most common options you might consider:
Budgies (Parakeets): Budgies are small, weighing about 1 ounce and measuring 6-8 inches long. They’re energetic, playful birds that can even be trained to talk.
Cockatiels: Cockatiels are slightly larger at 12-13 inches and 3 ounces. They’re gentle and loving with an adorable crest and a beautiful whistle.
Canaries: Canaries are famous for their songs, and they weigh less than 1 ounce and measure 4-8 inches long. They’re not hands-on birds, but they’re fun to watch and listen to.
Finches: Finches are tiny, active birds that you’ll enjoy watching. They’re social birds, so plan on keeping them in pairs or small groups.
Lovebirds: Lovebirds live up to their name. They love to cuddle and form strong bonds with their owners despite being quite small.
Green-Cheeked Conures: Green-cheeked conures weigh 2-3 ounces and are 10-11 inches long. They’re intelligent and playful, and many can be quite cuddly with their owners.
Each of these small birds has something special to offer. The best option for you will depend on how much you want to interact with your bird and how much space you have.
Advantages of Keeping Small Birds as Pets
Small birds have been a key part of my life for many years. They have some unique advantages that make them great pets for many people. Here’s why you might want a small bird:
Limited space requirements: Small birds don’t require large cages or a dedicated room, making them great for apartments and other small living spaces.
Affordable to care for: As pets go, small birds are relatively cheap to keep. You’ll spend less on food, supplies, and vet visits.
Social pets: Many small birds are very social animals. They’ll communicate with you through chirping, singing, and sometimes even mimicry.
Not very noisy: While it’s true that small birds make noise, it’s much quieter than the sounds larger birds produce. Your neighbors will appreciate this.
Adaptable to various lifestyles: Thanks to their small size and easy care requirements, small birds are versatile pets.
These benefits make small birds an excellent option for beginners and people who don’t have much space. They provide companionship without taking over your home or daily routine.
Essential Housing for Small Birds
Selecting the right home for your small bird is essential. It’s amazing to see how much proper housing impacts a bird’s health and happiness. Here’s what you need to look for:
- Cage size: The cage should allow the bird to spread its wings and fly short distances.
- Bar spacing: This is essential to ensure the bird cannot escape or get injured. Smaller birds naturally need smaller bar spacing, such as finches, compared to a cockatiel.
- Essential accessories: This includes food and water dishes, perches, and various toys to keep the bird comfortable and entertained.
- Perches and toys: Provide different sizes and textures of perches, and rotate toys to prevent boredom.
- Cage placement: Keep the cage in a warm, draft-free area out of direct sunlight and cooking fumes. Don’t place the cage in a kitchen or bedroom.
Here’s a breakdown of cage sizes for different small birds and their appropriate bar spacing:
| Bird Species | Minimum Cage Size (WxDxH) | Bar Spacing |
|---|---|---|
| Budgies | 18″ x 18″ x 18″ | 1/2 inch |
| Cockatiels | 20″ x 20″ x 24″ | 1/2 – 5/8 inch |
| Canaries | 18″ x 18″ x 18″ | 3/8 – 1/2 inch |
| Finches | 20″ x 20″ x 20″ | 1/4 – 1/2 inch |
| Lovebirds | 18″ x 18″ x 24″ | 1/2 inch |
These are minimum sizes. Always aim for a bigger cage when possible.
Lifespan and Commitment
When you decide to bring a small bird into your house, you’re signing up for a long-term commitment. I’ve known many birds that lived longer than their owners ever expected. Here’s a look at the average lifespan of small birds:
Budgies: With good care, these small parakeets can live anywhere from 7 to 15 years.
Cockatiels: They typically live from 15 to 20 years, though some rare cases exist where they’ve lived to be 30 years old.
Canaries: These songbirds typically live from 9 to 10 years. I’ve seen a few that reached upwards of 15 years.
Finches: The lifespan of a finch varies by species, but most average from 5 to 10 years old.
Lovebirds: These birds live from 10 to 15 years.
Green Cheek Conures: With excellent care, they can live up to 30 years.
Several factors influence how long a bird will live, including diet, healthcare, genetics, and the environment in which you keep it. If you provide excellent care, a bird will be more likely to live up to its full lifespan.
Owning a small bird long-term entails ongoing feeding, cleaning, and taking your bird to the vet. You also need to set aside money for food, toys, and potentially medical treatments over many years.
The financial costs of owning a small bird over the years can add up. While small birds tend to be less expensive than larger pets, the cost of a small bird does add up over time.
Dietary Needs of Small Birds
Nutrition is essential for the health of your small bird. Over the years, I’ve tried different diets and learned:
Seed-based vs. pellet-based diets: Although birds love seeds, they’re often not nutritionally balanced. Pellets are a more balanced diet. You can mix the two or transition from seeds to pellets.
Including fresh fruits and vegetables is a must, as these foods provide essential nutrients. Offer a small amount of fresh fruits and vegetables each day and be sure to wash them thoroughly.
Avoid feeding your bird avocado, chocolate, caffeine, and any high-fat or high-salt foods, as these can be toxic to your bird.
Offering a variety of different foods is important, as each food offers different nutrients. Switching it up ensures your bird receives a balanced diet.
Establish a schedule for when you feed your bird. Most small birds can have food available all day, but monitor how much your bird eats to prevent obesity.
Some examples of safe fruits and vegetables for small birds include:
- Apple (just be sure to remove the seeds)
- Berries
- Carrots
- Leafy greens
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Mango
- Papaya
When introducing new foods, do so slowly and a little bit at a time to avoid an upset stomach.
Health Care for Small Birds
As a bird owner of many years, I cannot overstate the importance of proactive healthcare.
Here’s what you need to know as a bird owner:
The most common health problems in small birds are respiratory issues, parasites, and diet-related deficiencies, many of which can be caught early during a routine checkup.
Look for these signs of illness:
- Fluffed feathers.
- Lethargy.
- Changes in droppings.
- Loss of appetite.
- Labored breathing.
Preventative measures will help stave off these health issues, and many others. Keep the cage clean, feed a balanced diet, and make sure your bird gets enough sleep and exercise.
Finding a vet who treats birds is a must. Not all vets have experience treating birds, so do your research to locate a credible vet in your area.
Routine checkups are also key. I recommend yearly checkups for young, healthy birds and bi-annual checkups for older birds. These checkups will help catch health problems early.
Keep in mind, catching and addressing a health problem early can make a massive difference in your bird’s quality and duration of life.
Socialization and Training
Socialization and training are essential if you want a healthy, happy relationship with your small bird. I’ve trained many birds over the years and it’s always a fun experience.
Early socialization is important as it helps the bird feel comfortable around people and reduces any fear or aggression.
Earning the bird’s trust is the first step in building your relationship. Spend time by the cage talking softly and offering treats.
Use positive reinforcement when training. This means offering the bird treats and/or praise when it does the desired behavior.
Most small bird species can learn basic tricks. Doing so will also provide mental enrichment and help it feel more bonded to you.
Here’s a basic training session outline:
- Choose a quiet room where you won’t be disturbed.
- Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes).
- Use the bird’s favorite treat as a reward.
- Start with basic commands like “step up.”
- Be patient and do the same thing each time.
- Always end the session on a positive note.
Also, remember that every bird is different. Some will learn quickly whereas others will take more time. The most important part is to make training a fun, positive experience for both you and the bird.
wrapping up
Learning about small birds as pets allows you to experience the joy of companionship. Budgies, canaries, and other small birds are all delightful pets in their own special way. Just ensure you provide the appropriate housing, food, and healthcare.
With proper care, your small bird will live a long and healthy life. You have everything you need to select the right small bird for you. Enjoy your bird keeping journey!
