Choosing Your Pet

Birds can be high-maintenance pets because they are very sociable and demand attention. Birds need daily stimulation, which can come from lots of toys, an engaging environment and contact with humans. Parrot-type birds, in particular, tend to be noisy. Smaller birds are generally easier to manage than larger ones. You'll need adequate room in your home to accommodate the size of your bird and its cage.

Birds require a lot of attention because they like challenges and new experiences. Routine bores them. You will have to spend time every day not only feeding and keeping their cages clean, but playing and training them. However, they are very responsive and can learn new behaviors.

The best birds for families with children are some of the smaller varieties of parrots, such as Budgies, Cockatiels and Lovebirds. For larger birds, Cockatoos, Pionuses and Conures are a little less noisy and destructive than other large birds. If screeching sounds disturb you, look at Finches, Parakeets and Canaries. The best way to make your specific choice is to research the various species. Find a species that you can physically accommodate and then make choices based on the personalities of the birds.