The Top Best Pet Parrot for Beginners

Best Pet Parrot for Beginners

Thinking of welcoming a parrot into your life? It's an exciting option that many animal lovers ponder at some point. But finding the finest pet parrot for beginners might be tricky there’s a large range to pick from. Parrots are intelligent, fascinating, and full of personality, but they come with their peculiarities and care demands. Whether you're searching for something colorful, talkative, or just plain fun, there's a parrot species out there that's excellent for beginners. Let's delve into what makes a wonderful first parrot and discover some of the best parrots for pets.

Why Parrots Make Fantastic Pets 

Birds have long been appreciated for their beauty and intelligence. Parrots, in particular, provide a burst of color and a lot of personality to any family. They’re not your normal pet; they want attention, engagement, and care. But the reward? A devoted companion that can survive for years sometimes decades! 

Parrots can learn to mimic language, perform tricks, and bond emotionally with their humans. That said, they also require time, tolerance, and awareness of their specific needs. Starting with the proper bird is crucial to creating a happy, enduring bond. 

Top Pet Birds for Beginners 

Starting your bird-owning journey doesn't have to be intimidating. Some bird species are great for first-timers easy to care for, friendly, and relatively low-maintenance. While parrots are frequently seen as the hardest, some species are a wonderful blend of fun and feasible. Here are the top birds for novices to consider: 

Budgerigar (Budgie)

One of the most popular pet birds internationally, and with good reason. Budgies, often called parakeets, are little, easy to care for, and pleasant. They’re communicative, with many beginning to mimic noises and phrases. Despite their small size, they have bright personalities. Plus, they don’t need a vast cage, which makes them excellent for individuals living in apartments. 

Why Budgies? 

Low maintenance

Affectionate

Affordable

Highly sociable

Cockatiel 

If you prefer something a little bigger than a budgie, the cockatiel could be your match. These birds are friendly, polite, and can whistle tunes! Cockatiels appreciate interaction but don’t expect constant attention, making them excellent for busy adults. With their unmistakable crests and amiable nature, it’s little wonder they’re typically named among the best pet birds for beginners. 

Why Cockatiels? 

Easygoing

Loves human interaction

Whistles, not too loud

Lovebirds 

Despite their name, lovebirds can be just as happy on their own as they are in pairs. They’re small, lively, and can create deep ties with their owners. However, they do require a bit more interaction to prevent nippiness. Their brilliant colors and attractive personalities make them one of the best parrots for pets. 

Why Lovebirds? 

Bold and playful

Can be kept solo

Colorful and vibrant

What Makes the Best Parrot for Beginners

When selecting your first parrot, it's vital to examine your lifestyle and expertise with birds. Some parrots are more independent, while others require more attention and instruction. Before deciding to own a parrot, let's review what you should look for in the best pet parrot for beginners:

Size Matters Smaller parrots like budgies and cockatiels are frequently ideal for novices because they’re less demanding than their larger counterparts. Smaller birds also have softer bites—something to consider if you're not quite ready to manage a macaw's beak! 

Personality and Temperament Each species has its own unique personality features. For example, cockatiels are frequently considered laid-back and amiable, while African greys are more demanding and need cerebral stimulation. Go for a bird that corresponds with your personality and daily routine. 

Maintenance & Care Some parrots require more attention than others. A budgie, for instance, can be content with a smaller cage and less continuous engagement. On the other hand, larger parrots, like Amazons, need bigger living spaces and lots of cerebral stimulation to keep them happy. 

Noise Level Every parrot produces noise chirps, whistles, or squawks but some are quieter than others. Cockatiels and budgies tend to be on the calmer side, whereas larger birds like macaws and cockatoos can get boisterous. Make sure your parrot’s noise level fits your household setting. 

Best Parrots for Pets: Friendly and Fun

Choosing the ideal parrot goes beyond just looks. It’s important to pick a bird that fits your lifestyle and provides the perfect companionship. Let’s look at a couple species that are routinely among the best parrots for pets: 

Quaker Parrot 

Quakers are noted for their extroverted personalities.  They’re one of the more talkative parrots and can mimic human speech fairly effectively. Quakers are medium-sized, not too huge, but nevertheless full of personality. They can be autonomous, but they thrive on interactions with their owners.

Why Quakers? 

Great talkers

Full of personality

Medium-sized, easy-to-handle

Green-Cheeked Conure 

Conures are known for their active, energetic natures, and the green-cheeked type is no exception. These birds are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their owners. They're slightly quieter than other conures, which can be a plus for apartment dwellers. 

Why Green-Cheeked Conures? 

Playful and affectionate

Medium noise level

Compact size

How to Care for Your First Pet Parrot

Owning a parrot is a pleasant experience, but it comes with obligations. Here’s a rundown of basic parrot care advice for beginners: 

Feeding Your Parrot 

A good diet is crucial to a happy parrot. Most parrots thrive on a mix of pellets, seeds, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Make sure to diversify their food to keep them healthy and active. Avoid foods like chocolate, coffee, and avocado, which can be hazardous to birds. 

Cage and Living Environment 

The cage is your parrot’s home, so make sure it’s spacious enough for them to spread their wings. Even little parrots need room to move about. Add toys, perches, and swings to keep them busy. Also, ensure that the cage is easy to clean, as parrots may be dirty critters.

Exercise and playtime 

Parrots are lively birds who need regular exercise outside their cage. Allow them time to fly around or at least roam freely in a bird-safe location. Playtime is vital, too! Parrots love puzzle toys, and many enjoy human interaction through games or instruction.

Socializing Your Parrot 

Parrots are sociable animals. Whether you have a small budgie or a huge conure, they thrive on interaction. Spend time conversing, playing, and even training your birds to keep them happy. Neglect can cause behavioral problems like feather plucking or hostility. 

Best Pet Parrot for Beginners: Finding Your Feathered Friend 

Choosing the ideal parrot for beginners boils down to understanding the needs of both the bird and yourself. Parrots demand commitment and care, but when you discover the right one, they can be lifelong friends full of joy and laughter. Start with a smaller, easier-to-manage species like a budgie, cockatiel, or lovebird. These birds are sociable, less demanding, and give the perfect introduction to the world of parrots. 

Remember, keeping a parrot is not just about choosing a pet but about welcoming a new family member into your life. Take your time, do your research, and ensure you're ready to provide the love and care your parrot will require for years to come. 

FAQs 

What is the best pet bird for newbies?

The best bird for novices is frequently a budgie or cockatiel. Both are amiable, low-maintenance, and reasonably simple to care for compared to larger parrot species. 

Are parrots challenging to take care of? 

• Some parrots are more demanding than others. Smaller species like budgies and cockatiels are easier to care for, whereas larger species like macaws and cockatoos demand more time, room, and mental stimulation. 

Can a beginner own a parrot? 

• Yes, beginners may own parrots. Starting with smaller, easygoing species like cockatiels or budgies is recommended before considering larger, more problematic species. 

What do parrots eat? 

• Parrots need a diversified diet of high-quality pellets, seeds, and fresh fruits and vegetables. It's crucial to avoid feeding kids dangerous things like chocolate, coffee, or avocado. 

Do parrots need a lot of attention? 

• Yes, parrots are social creatures and need constant engagement with their owners. Birds who are left alone for lengthy periods may develop behavioral disorders, including feather plucking. 

What is the friendliest parrot? 

• Cockatiels and budgies are recognized for being exceptionally friendly and affectionate, making them perfect candidates for new bird owners.