When it comes to finding a nice pet, birds can offer an awesome level of companionship and entertainment. While most people are familiar with smaller pet birds, there are some larger species out there that can also make wonderful companions for dedicated owners.
Here, we check out some of the best large birds that can thrive in domestic settings, including many types of parrots, chickens, and turkeys. Each of these birds can make your home brighter!
1. Macaws Are Intelligent and Social
Macaws are some of the most well-known and popular pet birds. They usually weigh between two to four pounds depending on the species. Because many birds weigh just a few ounces, macaws are considered to be fairly large in comparison.
They are very intelligent, social creatures, and they require a lot of interaction and mental stimulation. Owners need to provide them with plenty of toys, daily socialization, and regular training sessions to prevent adverse behavorial issues. They can live for up to 50 years or more, making them a long-term commitment.
2. Cockatoos Are Incredibly Loving
Cockatoos are yet another awesome choice for lovers of large pet birds. They range from 10 to 25 pounds and are known for their affectionate nature and playful antics. They’re very social birds and need interaction, which is why many owners keep them in small groups or pairs.
However, they can be really loud and develop destructive behaviors if they’re not properly stimulated. This is something to consider when getting a pet bird. Cockatoos need a spacious cage, regular out-of-cage time, and plenty of toys to play with. While these birds aren’t exactly ideal for apartment living, they can make great companions in the right settings.
3. African Grey Parrots Suit Experienced Owners
Weighing around 10 to 15 pounds, African greys are well-known for their incredible intelligence and ability to mimic human speech. They need a lot of mental stimulation and thrive in spaces where they can engage with their owners. Their amazing intelligence means they need plenty of enrichment to thrive, which is why they are much better for experienced owners.
They need a varied diet, social interaction, and plenty of toys to keep them occupied. With correct care and training, they can be delightful companions. However, they can be sensitive and require a stable environment.
4. Orpington Chickens Are Calm and Gentle
Orpington chickens are very calm, friendly, and sociable. This makes them great pets for families with small children. They usually weigh about seven to 10 pounds and are known for their very calm demeanor. Orpingtons are also excellent layers, providing plenty of fresh eggs, also while enjoying interaction with their owners. They are pretty easy to care for, needing only a coop, food, water, and some outdoor space to roam.
5. Silkies: Chickens with Style
Silkies are small in stature but can be pretty heavy when compared to other birds, weighing around five to seven pounds. They are well-known for their unique appearance and super fluffy feathers. They are just so gentle and friendly, making them beloved around the world as family pets for children. Silky chickens can be kept in a coop or even indoors. They bond well with their owners, thanks to their docile nature.
6. Rhode Island Reds Love Human Interaction
Rhode Island Reds are hardy big birds that can weigh up to eight pounds. They are well-known for their adaptability and resilience, making them ideal for a variety of climates. These chickens are also great layers, producing a great number of eggs throughout the year. They are friendly and become very attached to their human caregivers. They enjoy interaction and love being part of the family.
7. Broad Breasted Whites Form Strong Bonds
Turkeys are yet another type of bird that probably doesn’t come to mind when thinking of pets. However, these farmyard animals can be super affectionate and entertaining. While they’re more often associated with farms and yummy Thanksgiving dinners, domesticated turkeys actually make awesome companions.
Broad Breasted Whites are one of the most common breeds for meat production, but they can be raised as beautiful pets. They weigh between 15 to 30 pounds and are known for their friendly and calm disposition. While they do have a pretty short lifespan compared to other birds (about five to eight years), they form strong bonds with their owners.
8. Heritage Breed Turkeys Have Beautiful Personalities
Heritage breeds like Bourbon Reds or Narragansett turkeys are smaller than their commercial counterparts. They usually weigh 10 to 20 pounds and are known for their unique look and beautiful personalities. They can be very affectionate birds and enjoy interacting with their owners. They are super active and thrive in free-range environments, making them not only entertaining to watch but fairly low maintenance birds.
What to Know About Keeping Large Birds
When considering adding a large bird to your home, there are a few things you need to keep in mind, such as:
- Space requirements: Large birds need a lot of space to move around both in their cages and outside. A suitable cage should allow for flight and play, with enough room for toys and perches.
- Social interaction: Most large birds are social animals that need daily interaction to thrive. As an owner, you need to be prepared to spend time with them daily either through training, simple companionship, or playtime.
- Diet and nutrition: A balanced diet is super crucial for the health of your bird. Take the time to research the specific dietary needs of the bird you choose. Some may need a much more complex diet than others.
- Long-term commitment: Many large birds have a long lifespan, ranging from 20 to 50 years or more. Be sure you’re ready for this long-term commitment and the responsibilities that come along with it.
