Birds can be awesome pets for young children. They offer invaluable companionship, interaction, and an important sense of responsibility. However, not all bird species are equally suited for kids. They’re either sensitive to noise or can become stressed when handled too roughly.
Thankfully, there are many options for children. Birds such as budgies, cockatiels, and lovebirds love to be handled, socialize, and interact with their owners. They also don’t require overly specialized care, like some parrots. Below, we discuss some of the best pet birds for kids.
1. Budgies Are Friendly and Interactive
Budgerigars, also known more commonly as budgies, are one of the most popular pet birds, and for good reason. These small, colorful parrots are known for their friendly and playful nature, making them perfect companions for young children. Budgies are naturally social birds and really love to hang out with their owners, often forming strong bonds with them.
Their small size and gentle temperament make them easy for children to handle as long as they’re taught to treat the bird with care and respect. Budgies are also pretty low maintenance when compared to other birds. They only require a clean cage, fresh water, and a balanced diet of seeds and pellets, along with occasional fruits and veggies. This makes them perfect for busy families.
Also, their cheerful chirping and playfulness provide endless entertainment. This ensures that kids will enjoy watching and interacting with them often. Budgies are not only adorable but also a totally fantastic pet for children, teaching them responsibility and empathy.
2. Lovebirds Are Small Social Parrots
Lovebirds are small, affectionate parrots that make popular pet birds. These stunning little birds are named for the way they form close relationships with their partners, both human and avian. Lovebirds are very interactive and love to spend time with their owners, making them an absolutely fantastic choice for families with young children. They’re known for being super playful little birds and can often be seen swinging, climbing, and engaging in playtime. Their behaviors are both entertaining and interesting to watch.
While lovebirds are slightly more demanding to care for in terms of social interaction, they’re still generally very friendly and adapt well to households with small children. It’s essential to provide them with regular handling and playtime to keep them happy and well-adjusted. Lovebirds are super into toys and puzzles that challenge their minds, providing a great opportunity for children to engage with their pets.
3. Parakeets Are Sociable and Easy to Maintain
Parakeets are small parrots known for their sociable nature and ease of care. While budgies are a type of parakeet, other species like the English budgie and the Indian ring-necked parakeet also make great companions. These birds are friendly and enjoy interacting with their owners, making them perfect for kids who are excited to engage with their pets.
Parakeets are relatively easy to maintain, thriving on a balanced diet of pellets, seeds, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Their playful behavior and enjoyable noises can entertain children for hours on end, providing an enriching environment. Many parakeets can learn to mimic sounds, although they can’t really understand what they’re saying or imitating.
Like lovebirds, they require a lot of daily social interaction to stay happy. Involving your children in their care routine accomplishes two goals: it cultivates a love of animals and offers enrichment for the bird.
4. Cockatiels Are Both Friendly and Gentle
Cockatiels are yet another great pet for families with young children. These medium-sized birds are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them easy to handle. Cockatiels are super affectionate and really do enjoy being petted, which can help them create a strong bond with children. Their playful, fun, and curious personalities make them great companions for kids, providing plenty of opportunities for interaction and play.
Cockatiels also have a pretty simple care routine. In addition to a balanced diet, they need a clean cage with fresh water. On top of this, they need a lot of social interaction and mental stimulation. This makes it super important to spend quality time with them every day for at least 15 minutes, but preferably more.
Cockatiels are also known for their charming whistles and vocalizations, which can be super entertaining for kids and encourage them to want to hang out with their pets. Their kind nature and good size make them an awesome choice for families looking for an interactive bird that has simple care requirements.
5. Conures Have Bright Feathers and Personalities
Last, but certainly not least, conures! These medium-sized parrots are very well-known for their bright colors and playful personalities. These birds are just so incredibly social and love to interact with both people and other birds. This makes them perfect companions for children who enjoy hanging out with their pets and having a good time. Conures are loved around the world for their kind and affectionate nature, helping them form strong bonds with their owners. They will often seek out attention and playtime.
Caring for a conure involves a balanced diet of pellets, seeds, and fresh fruits and vegetables, along with regular, thorough cage cleaning and social interaction. While they are pretty easy to care for, they do need a little more attention than smaller species, so it’s important to ensure that you and your children know their needs. With the right care and handling, they can be trained to perform tricks and even learn to mimic sounds. Their super engaging personalities are just one of the reasons that they make great pet birds.
