Living in an apartment can be challenging when it comes to keeping pets––particularly birds. You don’t want their singing and noises to pester your neighbors. Yet, at the same time, a quiet bird is an unhappy one. So, where’s the middle ground?
The good news is that there are several bird species that are much more adept at living in smaller spaces than others. In this guide, we will check out the best birds for apartment living, along with tips to help you create a suitable environment.
1. Budgies Are Quiet and Easy to Maintain
Budgerigars, also known as budgies, are one of the most popular pet birds. They’re super small, friendly, and come in a huge variety of colors. Budgies thrive in smaller spaces, making them suitable for many different types of living situations. While they can be social and vocal, their chirps are very soft and not often disruptive compared to other birds.
Regular interaction and playtime can really keep these little guys entertained and reduce any excessive noise. Providing your birds with toys, perches, and climbing structures can help them engage both mentally and physically, enhancing their overall quality of life.
Here’s another reason why budgies make such popular pets. They can even learn how to mimic sounds! Their playful nature and charming personalities make them an awesome choice for many people. Even inexperienced pet bird owners can happily accommodate these chirpy and easy-to-care-for birds.
2. Canaries Have a Melodious Singing Voice
Canaries are super fun-loving and kind birds, known for their beautiful songs. The good news is that these songs generally aren’t loud and not likely to disturb your neighbors. These pets are also pretty small and relatively easy to care for. They thrive on a balanced diet and a clean environment, but other than that, they don’t have excessive care needs (like African grey parrots).
Canaries are generally solitary and do not require extensive social interaction, making them low-maintenance birds. However, like any pet, they need consistent interaction with their owners to really thrive.
Note that while male canaries can be quite vocal, their singing is very melodious and isn’t overwhelmingly loud. To keep noise levels manageable, consider placing your bird’s cage in a quiet area, away from any loud activities. Canaries also enjoy a variety of perches and toys, which can help to minimize their tendency to make excessive sound.
3. Finches Have Soft, Gentle Chirps
Finches are small, lively birds that thrive in pairs or small groups. They’re not the kind of birds that are known for being loud, making them suitable for apartment living. They have soft, gentle chirps that can be pleasant background noise without becoming bothersome or overly loud.
Many popular species of finch are relatively low maintenance, only requiring a spacious cage with plenty of perches and toys to keep them entertained. A varied diet of seeds, fruits, and vegetables will contribute to their overall well-being. Since they’re social birds, keeping them in pairs is a must. A lonely bird may resort to feather plucking, destruction, and excessive noise to soothe itself.
Regularly interacting with your finches can help them stay happy and also strengthen your bond. This can make their presence in your apartment more enjoyable. Their vibrant colors and playful nature can add a joyful atmosphere to your home without overwhelming your living space (or other’s!).
4. Lovebirds Bond Closely with Their Owners
Lovebirds are small, affectionate, and popular pet birds that thrive on companionship and social interaction. They can be a bit more vocal than some other bird options on this list, but their calls are usually soft and manageable when their needs are met. Lovebirds do well in smaller spaces, and their playful nature can make them delightful companions.
To minimize excessive vocalization, it’s essential to provide enough toys and opportunities for socialization. Regular interaction with their owners is super important for their happiness, and they will usually bond really closely with their caregivers.
A well-furnished cage with climbing structures and various toys is essential to keep them entertained and engaged. Lovebirds also really enjoy having plenty of time outside of their cage for play and exploration. This is why it’s super important to designate a safe area for them to explore when outside their cage. With proper care and attention, lovebirds can thrive in an apartment, providing both joy and companionship.
5. Cockatiels Enjoy Consistent Socialization
Cockatiels are super charming, medium-sized birds known for their friendly demeanor. While they can be slightly louder than smaller species, their whistles and chirps aren’t irritating. They’re more melodic than they are disruptive.
Cockatiels are social creatures that require a lot of regular face-to-face interaction. So, spending time with them is essential. They enjoy various types of toys and activities –– and providing enrichment is crucial for their happiness. With the right training and socialization, you can easily teach your cockatiel to mimic sounds rather than create excessive noise.
Their playful personalities and affectionate nature make them delightful companions in an apartment setting. Ensuring they have a spacious cage with various toy sand perches can help greatly while also promoting physical activity and mental stimulation. Overall, these little guys can thrive in an apartment, making great companions. It won’t be dull in your home with these little guys around!
