Three Things to Ask Before Getting a Pet Bird

1. “Do I Have Time for a Pet Bird?”

If you’re not home a lot, or plan on putting your bird’s cage somewhere “out of the way,” a pet bird is probably not right for you.

Physical and mental stimulation are vital for pet birds. That’s why, in addition to having toys in their cages, you should be willing to invest a few minutes every day interacting with them. This includes talking with your birds, teaching them tricks and letting them out of their cage. Besides this bonding time, you also need to consider the lifespan of each bird species.

To help you decide if you have the time—and patience—for a certain kind of bird, here’s a list detailing the lifespan of popular pet birds and their personality traits:

• Quaker Parrot – Can live 30+ years. These parrots are flock-oriented birds, so they’re very sociable with other birds and people.
• Finch – A lifespan of 5 to 15 years. Finches are energetic, sweet tempered and enjoy the company of other finches (consider getting a few); however, they don’t like being handled but can be encouraged to sit on your finger.
• Cockatiel – On average, they live about 25 years. Cockatiels are flock-oriented, so they’re all for making friends with other birds and humans.
• Green-Cheek Conure – With proper care, green-cheek conures can live 20+ years. They’re active, comical and do well in the company of other birds.
• Canary – A lifespan between 8 to 15 years. A canary can get very territorial, so only 1 per cage. They also don’t like being handled but can be encouraged to sit on your finger.
• Parakeet (also called a budgie) – On average, they live 8 to 10 years. Parakeets are flock-oriented, so they’d welcome socializing with other birds and people.

Cockatoos and macaws are also very popular; however, for beginner keepers and even some experienced ones, they’re not great pets for a variety of reasons:

• They may outlive you – Smaller cockatoos live about 40 years, while larger cockatoos can live for 80 years. A macaw can live anywhere between 50 to 75 years.
• Super sensitive – Cockatoos and macaws need lots of attention and time outside their cage. If they don’t get either, they’ll let you know they’re not happy.
• Self-destructive – If they’re feeling bored, neglected or stressed out, cockatoos and macaws are known to pluck their own feathers or self-harm themselves.

2. “Is My Home Bird-Friendly?”

Since pet birds need time outside their cages, do you feel comfortable letting them fly around your home? If yes, be aware of hazards like moving ceiling fans and radiators. If you can’t provide a bird a safe space or room for flying, do not consider getting a pet bird.

As for bird cages: the bigger, the better. If space is limited, a cage should at least be big enough for a bird to spread its wings, walk around and jump. And you need to clean a bird cage at least once a week.

Birds can develop respiratory health issues easily, so their cage should be in a well-ventilated but not drafty area. Plus, they can’t be exposed to environmental irritants like cigarette smoke, strong household cleaners, aerosols, oil diffusers or incense. Avoid using nonstick cookware or appliances treated with a nonstick coating around pet birds. When heated, these products can emit fumes that are hazardous to a bird’s health.

To help their bodies manufacture vitamin D for healthy bones, your pet bird will need to be exposed to direct sunlight and/or a UVB light. And finally, if you live in an apartment (or even if you don’t), some birds may not be right for you because of the noise factor.

For your consideration:

• Pretty quiet – Canaries, finches and parakeets.
• Moderately loud – Green-cheek conures (somewhat chirpy) and cockatiels (not as chirpy).
• Loud – Quaker parrots.

3. “Can I Meet My Bird’s Grooming and Dietary Needs?”

Like a dog or a cat, pet birds are individuals too. Some love playing in bird baths, while others aren’t fans of getting wet. If your pet is one of the latter, you’ll need to bathe them yourself.

Bathing is important to a bird’s health and a veterinarian can give you helpful tips on how to “clean” them, e.g., misting them with a spray bottle.

Pet birds also need to get their nails regularly trimmed. A veterinarian can show you how it’s done or may even offer the service themselves. And although it’s rare, a bird may need its beak trimmed which only a veterinarian should do. 

As for food, you need to be able to provide your pet bird a diet that’s 60% pellets, 20% seed, and 20% fresh fruits and vegetables.

If You Said “Yes” to All 3 Questions…

Time for a trip to Pet Supplies Plus. Once you’ve decided what kind of bird you’re getting, we recommend purchasing these products BEFORE bringing your new pet home:

• Cage & cage liners – For bird cage cleaning time, consider getting a second smaller cage to temporarily hold your bird.
• Perches, ladders & swings
• Toys
• Bird bath (for the cage)
• Food & water dishes
• De-chlorination drops – Whether it’s for drinking or bathing, chlorinated water is not ideal for birds.
• Bird pellets
• Bird seed
• UVB light



We want you to have a pet bird. We also want you to succeed as a bird parent. So, question yourself. If you can meet a pet bird’s social, safety and living needs, your feather baby will be happy and thrive.