Many people who want to own a pet go for cute and furry cats or dogs. These are by far the most popular pets you will find in many American households. Clearly, however, cats and dogs require high levels of attention. In other words, they need specialized food, cages, regular training, and other responsibilities. If you are busy or have an unsettled lifestyle, you may find it hard giving these pets the attention they want. The question then becomes, what type of pet is appropriate for those who have a busy lifestyle?Well. The simple truth of the matter is that all pets require attention, care, and love. However, birds do require less attention and provide more flexibility for the owner compared to other pets. Birds make great pets because:

• They are smart and intelligent.
• They require less immediate care than cats or dogs
• They are inexpensive to feed
• They are social and affectionate
• They don’t require large habitats
• They don’t need a lot of grooming
• They are easy to train
• They have a long lifespan

If you are planning to purchase a bird to keep at home as a pet, you might be wondering what type of small birds make good pets. To begin your search, here is a highlight of 7 small birds that typically make excellent companions.

1. Green-Cheeked Conures

Green-Cheeked Conure is a small parrot of the genus Pyorrhea. This bird is an excellent option for a family pet because it is affectionate, relatively quiet, and full of personality. If you take care and give them attention, you will be rewarded with cuddles, tricks, and even a few spoken words. They cost between $50 and $400 depending on the level of human interaction and training, how it looks, and the age of the bird. Species with bright colors are likely to be more expensive.

2. Finches

Finches also make into this category of small birds that make good pets. They are popular among pet owners because they interactions with their flock mates and have pleasant sounds. Finches don’t talk, but they can delight you with their aerial antics and social interactions with one another. They need spacious housing since they spend most of their time relaxing or hanging around their cage. A finch will become healthy if you feed it a pelleted base diet or any diet designed for finches.

3. Cockatiels

Also known as quarrion or Weiro bird, a cockatiel is a bird that is a member of the cockatoo family. The bird is larger than budgies and finches. They make the best pet for kids because they are gentle and affectionate. They can do tricks, whistle and learn to talk, making them the best option for fan lovers. They also like hanging out or being touched by their owners. They fit in small homes and are usually welcome in apartments.

4. Parakeets (Budgerigars)

This is a long-tailed parrot usually nicknamed the parakeet or budgie. The bird is yellow and green with black, scalloped markings on the wings, back and nape. Parakeets are popular pets around the world due to their ability to mimic human speech, low cost of care and small size. In fact, they are the third most popular pet in the United States after the domesticated cat and cat. They love food, like to play and can rival other pet birds in terms of talking ability.

5. Canaries

The canary is a small songbird native to the Canary Islands and a member of the Finch family. The bird comes in an array of bright colors, mostly a greenish-yellow body with yellow underparts. They are suitable for beginning pet bird owners because they do not require a great deal of attention. Each variety has its own personality and traits. If you are planning to purchase one, you should do research to determine which species is right for your household.

6. Parrotlet

Parrotlets can be great pet birds for families with school-aged kids, older children, or adults looking to keep a bird as a pet. They are easy to care and known for having personalities much larger than their small bodies. Although there are many species of parrotlet, the most popular species kept as a pet is the Pacific parrotlet. If you want to invest in a Parrotlet, their price ranges anywhere from $100 to $350 or more. Prices can be higher for species with more striking colors.

7. Hahn’s Macaw

Hahns macaw make the popular pets because they are charming, intelligent and temperament. They are tiny but have the personality of larger pet birds. They quickly respond to positive training techniques and bond strongly with their owners. They show their affection and love towards their owners through different ways such as spirited antics. If you want to feed your Hahn’s Macaw, you can feed them with various types of macaw foods such as Lafeber Classic Nutri-Berries for Macaw, Pure Fun Bird Food, Kaytee Fiesta Macaw Food, and Kaytee Exact Rainbow Complete Parrot Food.Factors To Consider When choosing Pets Birds Choosing the right pet bird for you or your kids doesn’t have to be a challenging task. If you’re in the process of choosing a pet bird, here are a few factors you will need to consider.

1. State regulations

Legally, there’s no federal law in the United States that regulates the ownership of pet birds. Instead, states and local administration authority determine what kind of pet you can ‘own at home. Some state regulations also require pet lovers to obtain certain types of permits and insurance.Since these laws vary from one state to another, you must always check with your state authorities before obtaining a pet bird.

2. Size of space and bird pet

Pet birds come in all sizes and shapes from tiny species like canaries to extremely large ones. You should, therefore, consider the size and characteristics of the space you have. Typically, you will need to choose a bird that will be able to adapt comfortably to the type of living space you have. If you house your bird in an environment that is not favorable, they are likely to display negative behavior.

3. Budget considerations

Some pet birds can be very expensive to obtain. When evaluating your budget, you need to consider more than the initial cost of purchasing the bird. You will need to factor the cost of specialized veterinary care, vaccination, cost of dietary supplements, and proper care. You also need to consider the cost of preparing your pet’s habitat, food, toys, and any accessories they might need.

4. Life expectancy

Life expectancy is also another factor to consider when you are purchasing a pet bird. Unfortunately, many species of domestic birds have a very short life expectancy, something which you need to be ready to accept. For instance, goldfinches and canaries often don’t live more than ten years. Cockatiels and parakeets have a longer life expectancy of up to 20 years. If you are looking for a pet bird that live more than 50 years, macaws might be the best choice for you.

5. Your level of experience

This is an obvious aspect when it comes to owning any kind of pet. If you are a first time pet owner, you should choose a bird that is easier to take care of and handle.  Dealing with very large birds not only requires lot of specific needs but also requires a lot of knowledge and time. If you don’t have any experience, you can still buy your favorite bird and hire somebody to take the train.Taking Care of Your Pet Bird: Tips You Need To Keep In Mind You should provide the right conditions for the growth and development of your pet bird. If your pet bird gets sick, they can risk other animals as well as your family. So here are some of the pointers you will need in mind whenever you want to give your pet bird the best care.

• Make sure your bird is well trained
• Give them a balanced diet, including grains to keep them healthy and strong.
• Regularly visit the veterinarian for vaccines, regular worming, and proper hygiene.
• Give them toys and make sure the surroundings encourage your bird’s emotional and physical development.
• Choose the right cage for your pet
• Maintain the right temperature by making sure the surrounding isn’t too cold or hot.
• Make sure the bird is loved, cared for, and respected

Wrapping UpPurchasing small birds can make an exceptional choice for pet enthusiasts who feel that they aren’t ready for large species. Any species that we have mentioned above can be a good choice for you. They are great for those who don’t have enough money to buy large birds or much time to take care of the bird.If you have any other small bird in mind that makes a good pet, feel free to let us know in the comment section below.