Choosing a bird is fun because there are a lot of options out there. Here's what you need to know about choosing a pet bird.
General considerations
All birds have different needs so before you even contemplate choosing between a parakeet and a cockatoo, you need to sit down and assess your situation. Choosing a pet bird is an important decision for the bird and for the owner. Birds that are noisy should not be bought by people who don't like loud birds just as a bird that needs a lot of interaction shouldn't be placed in a home where it will be ignored. So, what can you offer? What do you like? How much money do you want to spend? How much space do you have for the bird? How long do you want to be a bird owner?
You should answer these questions before you start choosing a pet bird because your answers will really help pinpoint the birds that might be best for you and your family.
What birds are out there?
OK. So you've looked at your situation, you know what you do and don't like and your ready to start matching a bird with your personality and environment. So what's out there?
Cockatoos and cockatiels are good birds for families that plan on choosing a bird that's social and cuddly. These birds love attention and they also love to be held. In fact, they will hang out on your shoulder for hours as long as your touching it and talking to it. One major consideration when choosing these pet birds is the noise factor. Both birds are very loud and will often scream. They get particularly loud in early in the morning and when the sun goes down and even if they are well trained, they probably won't be quiet.
Finches are good birds for families that are set on choosing a bird that isn't an attention hog. The finch family, which also includes the canary, are a little bit skittish and don't really want to hang out with humans. They don't like to be held and would prefer to sit in the cage and sing. These birds do not screech like cockatoos, but only male canaries sing so if you want a singer, look for a male.
An in-between bird would be the budgie parakeet. Choosing a pet bird that's a budgie parakeet means that you want a bird that's happy by itself, but is more affectionate than a finch. Budgies like to hang out with people, but they don't have to have your attention all the time. They will also whistle and learn to talk if you spend time with them. Whatever choice you make when choosing a pet bird, make sure you're ready to care for a pet because all birds need clean healthy environments.
