Quick Answer
Cardinals are beautiful songbirds, but they do not make good pets. It is illegal to keep native wild birds like cardinals captive in the United States without special permits. Even if you could legally own one, cardinals are territorial and require specific care and housing that is difficult to provide in captivity. For these reasons, cardinals are not recommended as pets.
Is it Legal to Keep a Cardinal as a Pet?
In the United States, it is generally illegal to keep native wild bird species like cardinals as pets. Cardinals are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it unlawful to possess any native migratory birds without a permit from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Permits are only granted to public educational or scientific institutions. They are not issued to private individuals who want to keep a cardinal as a pet.
Some exceptions may exist if the bird is injured and you are rehabilitating it until it can be released, but this requires coordination with wildlife authorities. Temporary possession of an injured bird does not make it a legal pet.
Overall, it is not legal for the average person to keep a cardinal captive as a pet in the U.S. without special permits that are typically not available.
Challenges of Keeping Cardinals as Pets
Even if it were legal, cardinals do not make good pets for several reasons:
Territorial Nature
Cardinals are extremely territorial in the wild, defending their nesting areas against other cardinals. This territorial instinct remains strong even in captivity. A single cardinal will likely be agitated and stressed when confined, increasing the chance of injury as they desperately try to escape.
Specialized Diet
Cardinals have specialized diets consisting of seeds, berries, and insects. It is difficult for the average person to replicate this diet properly in captivity. Cardinals fed an improper diet may become malnourished.
Cage Size Requirements
These active songbirds need enough space to fly, or else they may injure their wings and feathers. But providing an adequately sized enclosure for flight and territory needs is difficult. Cardinals are also somewhat clumsy fliers and can injure themselves in confined spaces.
Social Nature
Cardinals are social and mate for life. A single cardinal in captivity removed from its mate will be stressed and lonely. However, housing cardinals together often leads to conflict and aggression. Their social needs are hard to meet.
Stimulation Needs
In the wild, cardinals spend their time flying, foraging, defending territory, and singing. None of these natural behaviors can be adequately performed in a typical household cage. Lack of mental stimulation often causes captive cardinals to exhibit neurotic behaviors like excessive feather plucking.
Proper Care for Pet Cardinals
If you were able to legally obtain a cardinal and wanted to properly care for it as a pet, here are some essentials:
Enclosure
Cardinals need a very large aviary-style enclosure, preferably with outdoor access. The enclosure should be at least 6 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 6 feet tall to allow for flying. Natural branches, logs, and foliage should be included for perching, hiding, and territorial displays.
Diet
Offer a variety of birdseeds, berries, fruits, vegetables, and occasional live insects. Grit should be provided to aid digestion. Clean water must be available at all times.
Socialization
House cardinals alone or in mated pairs. Introduce new birds slowly and carefully observe for signs of aggression. Provide plenty of space, perches, hiding spots, and stimulation.
Veterinary Care
Schedule regular vet exams to monitor health and trim overgrown beaks and claws if needed. Ensure proper nutrition and watch for development of common captive bird diseases.
Enrichment
Rotate new toys, branches, and other enrichments into the enclosure regularly to prevent boredom. Allow supervised time outside of the enclosure when possible and provide brain games and interaction daily.
Licensing and Identification
Make sure you have any necessary permits or licenses required for your area. Band the bird’s leg with proper identification. Do not release the bird back to the wild.
Alternative Pets to Cardinals
If you want a pet bird but cannot legally own a cardinal, here are some better alternative pet bird species to consider:
Bird | Attributes as Pets |
---|---|
Budgies | Small parakeets, relatively easy care, adapt well to captivity, inexpensive. |
Cockatiels | Affectionate, trainable, medium-sized parrots, good for beginners. |
Canaries | Known for beautiful songs, easy care when proper housing provided. |
Finches | Low-maintenance, thrive in pairs or groups, wide variety of bright colors. |
Parrotlets | Tiny parrots with big personalities, require lots of interaction. |
These birds can make delightful pets when properly socialized. Be sure to thoroughly research their specific care needs before bringing any bird home. An avian vet can also help advise you on choosing a suitable pet bird.
Conclusion
Cardinals are stunning, lively songbirds that attract attention with their bright red plumage. However, it is not legal, practical, or ethical for the average person to keep them as pets. Remove bird feeders if cardinals become a problem, use deterrents to redirect them, or simply enjoy observing their beauty and songs from afar. With proper research and preparation, alternate pet bird species can be wonderful companions instead. Be sure to always put the health and welfare of any animal first when considering bringing it into your home.