7 Best Pet Birds for Kids: Tips for Perfect Friend

7 Best Pet Birds for Kids: Are your kids asking for a pet with wings? Birds can be wonderful companions, but it’s important to choose the right species that suits your child’s needs and lifestyle. Before bringing a bird home, consider factors like care requirements, space, noise levels, and socialization needs. Here’s a list of the top 7 bird species that make the best pets for children. They offer both companionship and fun.

1. Finch

Finches are ideal for younger children or families seeking a low-maintenance bird. These small birds are captivating to watch and listen to with their soft chirps. Finches don’t enjoy handling. They thrive in pairs or small groups. This provides a visually pleasing and peaceful presence in the home.

• Life Expectancy: 3 to 15 years
• Size: 5 to 6 inches
• Physical Characteristics: Bright yellow, whitish, or reddish body

2. Dove

Doves are best pet birds for kids known for their gentle, sweet temperament. That making them perfect for families with older children. With their soft coos, doves are less likely to bite and are calm. They do well with human interaction but need a companion bird and time out of their cage to fully thrive.

• Life Expectancy: 10 to 25 years
• Size: 11 to 13 inches
• Physical Characteristics: White, gray, or pied coloration with black eyes and purple feet

3. Lovebird

Lovebirds are one of the smallest parrot species, but they pack plenty of personality. These colorful, intelligent birds are relatively quiet, making them great for kids living in apartments. They bond strongly with their owners and are best suited for families that can provide consistent interaction.

• Life Expectancy: 10 to 20 years
• Size: 5 to 6 inches
• Physical Characteristics: Green body with orange, blue, and red accents

4. Budgie (Parakeet)

Budgies are colorful birds with playful, friendly dispositions. They are easy to care for, tolerate handling well, and can even learn to talk! These birds form strong bonds with their owners, making them perfect companions for young bird lovers.

• Life Expectancy: 7 to 15 years
• Size: 7 inches
• Physical Characteristics: Light green body with black markings; captive-bred in various colors

5. Cockatiel

Cockatiels are larger than budgies and finches but are still a fantastic choice for kids. These birds are highly interactive, learning to talk, whistle, and even perform tricks. However, they require more space and interaction. This makes them a great option for older children who can devote time to their care.

• Life Expectancy: 15 to 20 years
• Size: 11 to 12 inches
• Physical Characteristics: Light gray body, yellow face, and orange ear patches

6. Quaker Parakeet (Monk Parrot)

Quaker parakeets are medium-sized parrots known for their intelligence and ability to mimic words and sounds. They are great for children who enjoy teaching their pets tricks or words. Quakers thrive in interactive households and are easy to care for.

• Life Expectancy: 20 to 30 years
• Size: 11 inches
• Physical Characteristics: Bright green body, gray breast, and orange beak

7. Bantam Chicken (Silkie)

Though not your typical pet bird, Silkie Bantam chickens are fantastic for children. Known for their fluffy feathers and calm demeanor, they enjoy human interaction and can be quite cuddly. Silkies do best in larger enclosures and are perfect for families with space for outdoor activity.

• Life Expectancy: 7 to 9 years
• Size: 8 to 14 inches
• Physical Characteristics: Fluffy feathers in black, white, or gray with a walnut comb

Things to Consider Before Bringing Home a Pet Bird:

• Allergies: Birds can produce dust that may trigger allergies in some children. Be mindful of feather mites, bird droppings, and dander, which could cause allergic reactions.
• Safety: Avoid birds with hard, sharp beaks for younger children, as they can cause injuries. Also, larger birds tend to be much louder, so consider your home environment.
• Handling: While some birds like cockatiels and budgies enjoy handling, others like finches prefer to remain in their cage.

By choosing the right species and understanding its care needs, you can give your child a lifelong friend. You will also teach responsibility and compassion. Birds make delightful pets, bringing beauty, sound, and joy to any home.

Related: 8 Best Talking Birds You Love to Keep as Pets