Choosing a pet bird when it is a beginner requires consideration of several criteria, such as maintenance, food needs, temperament, and care requirements. Some birds are easier to raise than others and are therefore better suited for people who discover the universe of pet birds. Here is a selection of best species of birds for beginners, with advice for each species.
1. Corrugated wigs (Melopsittacus undulatus)
The corrugated wigs are probably the most popular and recommended pet birds for beginners. They are easy to raise, sociable and relatively low in terms of space and care.
Why wigs are ideal for beginners:
- Friendly temperament : Wigs are sociable and playful birds, which can create a strong link with their owners. They like to interact with humans and quickly learn to imitate some sounds.
- Small : They do not require a very large cage, although it is always preferable to offer them as much space as possible to fly and play.
- Easy maintenance : Their diet is simple (mixtures of seeds for wigs, fruits, vegetables) and their cleaning is not mandatory. They require little medical care.
Requirements:
- Life expectancy : 7-15 years
- Size of cage : Minimum 60 cm long, 40 cm wide, 50 cm high
- Character : Sociable, player, easy to tame
2. Canaries (Serinus canaria)
The Canaries are perfect birds for beginners looking for an independent but charming bird. Their melodious song makes it a pleasant companion to have in the house.
Why canaries are ideal for beginners:
- Few necessary interactions : Unlike parrots or parrots, canaries do not need intense daily interaction with their owners. They are perfectly happy to sing and perch quietly in their cage.
- Pleasant songs : Males, in particular, are known for their magnificent singing. They bring a soothing and melodious touch to home.
- Ease of care : Canaries mainly eat fresh seeds, fruits and vegetables, and require little veterinary care.
Requirements:
- Life expectancy : 10-15 years
- Size of cage : Minimum 45 cm long, 30 cm wide, 40 cm high
- Character : Independent, quiet, melodious
3. The inseparable (Agapornis)
The inseparable, also referred to as « lovebirds », are very affectionate and active small parrots. Although they require more attention than canaries or wigs, they are perfect for beginners ready to interact regularly with their bird.
Why inseparable ones are ideal for beginners:
- Affected and Players : They are known to form very strong ties with their owners, often becoming very affectionate and players. Their small template also makes them easy to manage.
- Live and smart : These intelligent birds love to play, climb, and explore their environment. They can learn a few simple tricks.
- Hardness : Inseparables are generally healthy and require little specific care.
Requirements:
- Life expectancy : 10-15 years
- Size of cage : Minimum 70 cm long, 45 cm wide, 60 cm high
- Character : Affected, energetic, interactive
4. Elegant calopsittes (Nymphicus hollandicus)
The calopsittes are small parrots from Australia, known for their soft temperament and their great ability to imitate sounds. They are often recommended for beginners because of their affectionate and sociable nature.
Why calopsittes are ideal for beginners:
- Sweet and loving : Calopsittes are soft birds, which can create a strong link with their owners. They love to interact and like to sit on the shoulder.
- Easy to tame : With a little patience, they can learn to imitate sounds or even talk.
- Adaptability : The calopsittes adapt well to family environments and are generally quiet, making them good companions even in apartments.
Requirements:
- Life expectancy 15 to 20 years
- Size of cage : Minimum 80 cm long, 60 cm wide, 90 cm high
- Character : Affected, quiet, easy to tame
5. The sparrows of Japan (London striata domestica)
The sparrows of Japan are quiet birds, perfect for beginners looking for a discreet and easy to maintain species. They are not demanding in terms of human interaction, which makes them suitable for those who cannot give much time to their birds.
Why the sparrows of Japan are ideal for beginners:
- Few necessary interactions : These birds are quite independent and do not require much attention or socialization.
- Peace and quiet : They live well with other small birds and are generally very quiet.
- Easy maintenance : They have a simple diet, based on fresh seeds, fruits and vegetables, and are easy to treat.
Requirements:
- Life expectancy : 5 to 10 years
- Size of cage : Minimum 45 cm long, 30 cm wide, 40 cm high
- Character : Peaceful, discreet, easy to maintain
6. Pinsons (Fringillidae)
The Pine trees are small, colorful and easy to raise, making them ideal for beginners. These birds are perfect for those who wish to observe an active companion without having to interact constantly with him.
Why pinsons are ideal for beginners:
- Independent birds : Pinsons are quite autonomous and do not need constant interaction with humans. They are perfectly happy with their congeners.
- Active and happy : They are very active and fun to observe when they fly and interact with each other in the cage.
- Care facility : Their diet is simple, and they require little daily care.
Requirements:
- Life expectancy : 5 to 10 years
- Size of cage : Minimum 60 cm long, 40 cm wide, 40 cm high
- Character : Active, independent, happy
7. Celestial tuis (Forpus coelestis)
The Celestial mounds are small parrots often compared to inseparable ones. They are known for their great intelligence and ability to attach to their owners, while being relatively easy to maintain.
Why heavenly tuis are ideal for beginners:
- Affected and Players : Although they are small, they are very affectionate and like to interact with their owners.
- Intelligent : They can learn simple tricks and have fun with interactive toys.
- Adaptability : These small parrots can adapt to different environments and are generally robust and healthy.
Requirements:
- Life expectancy 15 to 20 years
- Size of cage : Minimum 70 cm long, 50 cm wide, 50 cm high
- Character : Affective, intelligent, energetic
Top bird species summary table for beginners
| Bird species | Life expectancy | Minimum cage size | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrugated perch | 7-15 years | 60 x 40 x 50 cm | Sociable, player, easy to tame |
| Canary | 10-15 years | 45 x 30 x 40 cm | Independent, quiet, melodious |
| Inseparable | 10-15 years | 70 x 45 x 60 cm | Affective, energetic, interactive |
| Elegant calopsitte | 15 to 20 years | 80 x 60 x 90 cm | Affectuous, quiet, easy to tame |
| Sparrow of Japan | 5 to 10 years | 45 x 30 x 40 cm | Peaceful, discreet, easy to maintain |
| Pinson | 5 to 10 years | 60 x 40 x 40 cm | Active, independent, happy |
| Heavenly You | 15 to 20 years | 70 x 50 x 50 cm | Affective, intelligent, energetic |
These species of birds are ideal for beginners because of their easy maintenance, their Attractive personalityand their adaptability. Whether you're looking for a sociable and player bird like the perruche, or a more independent companion like the canary, you'll find in this perfect bird selection to start your adventure as the owner of a pet bird.
