5 Best Pet Birds for a Family with Children

The best pet birds for a family with children have two things in common. First they must be hand raised and hand fed, which means that they were raised with expert, loving human care from the time they hatched. Secondly, the best pet birds for a family with children must be both temperamentally and physically safe for a child to play with. For children under the age of 12, pet birds that remain confined to their cage are recommended; otherwise, adult supervision is encouraged when the child interacts with his pet bird. This selection of best pet birds for a family with children will give you a range of options to choose between depending on your circumstances.

#1. Canary

Unlike other pet birds discussed in this article, the canary doesn't need play time outside the cage, making it a safe pet bird for a family with children under 12 years-old. The canary is a small beautiful bird that warbles sweetly and requires little care aside from feeding and cleaning of the cage. Canaries are lively and active, which makes them fun pet birds to watch. But contrary to cartoon images, canary cages should be hung at least 3 feet away from windows, as canaries will die of drafts that will seem like pleasant zephyrs to humans. With a lifespan of 15 years, canaries make lovely pet birds for a family with young children.

#2. Parakeets (Budgies)

These colorful, small parrots can make wonder pet birds for a family with children under two conditions. The parakeets must not only be hand fed but hand raised and used to the touch of humans. Secondly, children must be taught how to interact with the parakeet as a living animal, despite its toy-like appearance and size. Parakeets can live as long as dogs, they need small cages to live in and they are easy to train. In fact, parakeets can learn to parrot many words and even songs. They are eager to socialize either with humans or other parakeets and make wonderful pet birds for a family with children over 12 years-old, or younger children with adult supervision.

#3. Peach-Faced Lovebird

For a truly hands-on pet bird for a family with children, the Peach-faced lovebird is an adorable option, but remember that children who interact with the bird must be older than 12. This is especially true because the Peach-faced lovebird is feisty, quick, and small (5.6 inches). Intelligent and playful, this colorful pet bird will learn new tricks easily making it an excellent play fellow. A play gym and toys inside the cage will keep the little lovebird occupied and happy while you're away. Parents should keep in mind that Lovebirds may become territorial about their cage. Learning more on how to deal with such issues is recommended. In addition, daily feeding, water and cage cleaning is required, not to mention a cage Spring-cleaning every so often. Since the peach-faced lovebird can live up to 20 years, a serious commitment is required before you make the decision to own this little pet bird.

#4. Cockatiels

Larger and more sedate than the playful parakeet, the cockatiels are lovely medium sized parrots that can make good pet birds for a family with children over 12 years-old, so long as the birds are lovingly hand raised and fed early in their training. Far more famous for their whistling than speaking, cockatiels will mimic sounds all around them, like the sound of your computer starting, microwave beeping or doorbell ringing. Cockatiels can live twice as long as dogs and cats, making them lovely playmates for children throughout their childhood. Though less vivacious than parakeets, cockatiels will interact with their human and enjoy being petted and taught new tricks that will exercise the little gray cells of this very intelligent pet bird.

#5. Pacific Parrotlet

These 5 inch long parrots are playful and spunky and make an excellent pet bird for a family with children over 12 years-old. Here's a bird that will put on a show-all the time. Give the Pacific Parrotlet a large cage with many perches and toys to keep it occupied. Intelligent, curious and at times aggressive in pursuit of what it wants, this pet bird will keep its owner fully entertained. Remember that daily feeding, watering and cleaning of the cage are required, and that this delightful pet bird can live to 20 years.

Tip

As with any pet, parents are encouraged to watch their child and pet bird interacting before determining how much adult supervision, if any, is required. Though this article can recommend pet birds based on the behavior of the breed, each bird will be an individual with possible quirks of its own-just like us humans. It's up to parents to make the final call about keeping their child and pet bird both happy and safe.

References

Bird Channel: "Best Pet Birds for Kids"

Bird Feeder Secrets: "The Five Bes Bird Pets"

Birds4You.org

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