Best Birds for Young People

It's easy for kids to become fascinated with animals, and birds are no exception. Often, I receive letters from parents asking about the best types of birds to get as a pet for their children. My usual response is that they should first make sure that their child can be a good owner for a pet bird! All bird species need special care and attentive owners to make sure that they thrive in their homes as pets. If you feel like your child is responsible enough to keep a pet bird, then you might consider some of the species listed below as a pet for them. Remember that you must always take care to peek in and see how your little one is doing with his or her pet, however. Even the most responsible children can use a helping hand now and then, and you don't want an innocent bird to pay the price for a child's inability to care for it.

Budgies

One of the most popular pet bird species for young and old alike are the charming little Budgies, also known to many as simply "Parakeets." Budgies are pretty little birds that can be found in a variety of color combinations. They are extremely intelligent and can be taught a number of fun tricks, and many learn to speak very well, although they have tiny little voices. On average, a pet Budgie lives for between 5 and 9 years in captivity, although some have been known to live for much longer

Finches

 Cockatiels

Another type of bird that has long been hailed as an excellent choice for children is the beautiful and intelligent Cockatiel. It's rare for one of these birds to talk, but many Cockatiels enjoy mimicking other types of sounds, such as doorbells and telephones. These birds have unique personalities and playful natures, making them a good choice for older children who want a bird that they can really interact with. Cockatiels normally live for between 10 and 20 years in captivity, so make sure that your child is up to the task of being responsible for their bird for quite a long time before bringing a Cockatiel home.

Doves

An often overlooked species that happens to be my personal favorite for quiet, well-behaved children is the lovable Dove . Doves are calm, gentle, reserved birds who do well with people who embody the same traits. Older children in particular might do well caring for a Dove, who can grow fondly accustomed to being gently handled and played with. Some captive pet doves have been known to live for up to 25 years, so keeping one is definitely a commitment, however, they can make lovely pets in the right situation

Conures

For extremely responsible children who are perhaps a little older, a parent might consider adopting one of the many captivating types of Conures as a pet. Conures are medium sized parrots, but many of them possess the same traits as their larger counterparts. They have big personalities, and do best with owners who are committed to providing them with plenty of exercise, playtime, and interaction. If you are interested in getting a Conure for your child, then you might do well to consider the bird more of a family pet, if anything. Be aware that in all likelihood, you will need to assume some of the responsibility of caring for the bird, as such a species could prove too taxing for a young person.