Birds can make great pets for kids for a variety of reasons. Birds are relatively easy to care for, have unique and endearing personalities, and can be an educational experience for children. Selecting the right type of bird and properly caring for it can lead to a wonderful and rewarding relationship between kids and their feathered friends.
Birds are Relatively Easy Pets to Care For
Compared to other common household pets like dogs and cats, birds require less intensive care and supervision. Here are some of the ways birds are easy pets for kids:
Minimal Exercise Requirements
While dogs need to be walked frequently and cats require regular play time, birds are quite content in their cages or aviaries and don’t need much exercise beyond flying around their environment. This makes birds well-suited for busy families.
Lower Maintenance
Birds don’t require walks, litter changes, brushing, baths, or other regular maintenance like mammals do. Once their habitat is properly set up, bird care is focused on keeping their food and water fresh and cleaning their cage or aviary periodically.
Limited Supervision
Kids don’t have to constantly watch over birds when they are home in their enclosure. Birds can be left alone for periods of time while dogs and cats need more constant care and attention. This gives kids more flexibility.
Less Mess
While bird droppings must be cleaned up, birds tend to make significantly less mess than most furry pets. They usually stay in their cage or aviary and don’t shed fur, track in mud, or need home baths. Overall, birds are very tidy pets.
Fewer Behavioral Issues
Proper training is essential for dogs and cats. Birds have simpler needs and are less prone to developing annoying or destructive behavior like barking, scratching, fighting, or house soiling when those needs are met. Their tendencies to bite or scream can often be mitigated with proper socialization.
Birds Have Unique Personalities
While there are general traits associated with bird species and breeds, each individual bird has its own personality. Kids will enjoy interacting with and observing the unique quirks of their new feathered friend. Some aspects of bird personalities include:
Activity Level
Some birds like parakeets and lovebirds are very energetic and zip around their enclosures while others like cockatiels are more mellow. Different activity levels pair better with different children.
Cuddliness
Birds have varying levels of desired human interaction. Small birds like cockatiels often enjoy sitting on their owners and being petted while other birds prefer less hands-on affection.
Vocalizations
The frequency, volume, and repertoire of vocalizations varies greatly between bird species and individuals. While loud squawking could irritate family members, many birds chirp pleasantly or even sing and talk.
Intelligence and Trainability
Birds like African grays and cockatoos are incredibly smart and can learn extensive vocabularies along with words and tricks. Smarter birds need more mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Sociability
Some birds are very social and like to be involved in family activities while others prefer solitary play. Birds also differ in how well they get along with kids, other birds, and pets.
Birds Can Be Educational
The experience of researching, selecting, and caring for a pet bird provides numerous educational benefits for kids including:
Learning About the Natural World
Studying birds teaches children about nature, animal biology, avian behavior, and conservation. Kids gain appreciation for birds and their importance in the world ecosystem.
Practicing Responsibility
When kids participate in pet bird care like feeding, cleaning, and socializing, they build important skills around responsibility, consistency, and duty that can extend to other areas of life.
Building Empathy
Observing and interacting with a pet bird fosters empathy, compassion, and respect for other living creatures in children. This leads to improved relationships.
Enhanced Understanding
Researching and choosing a pet bird causes kids to gain in-depth knowledge of the different bird species and their varying needs. The learning continues as they focus on properly caring for their new pet.
Improved Social Skills
Birds help children learn how to properly handle and interact with animals. Taking kids and their pet birds on excursions facilitates human socialization and sharing information about birds.
Selecting a Pet Bird
Choosing an appropriate species is key to a having a positive experience for both the bird and child. Here are some things to consider when selecting a pet bird:
Bird Size
Larger parrots can be more demanding and may intimidate younger kids. Small finches and parakeets are gentle but also quite fragile. Medium birds like cockatiels provide a nice balance.
Noise Level
Loud vocalizations from larger birds like macaws and cockatoos might irritate family members. Quieter options include canaries, doves, and parakeets.
Activity Level and Care Requirements
High energy and very intelligent birds like parrots need significant time and stimulation. Less active birds like budgies are better for busy families. Do extensive research to match the bird with the family’s lifestyle.
Costs
Bigger parrots can live 50 years and cost hundreds of dollars upfront. Budget-friendly options are canaries and finches at around $20-50, but their shorter lifespans mean more frequent replacement.
Child’s Age and Maturity
Younger kids need sturdier birds that tolerate handling like budgies or cockatiels. Older kids can manage more delicate birds like lovebirds and controlling birds like conures. Match the bird to the child.
Allergies
While less of an issue than fur and dander, bird proteins in feces, feathers, and dust can trigger allergies. Hypoallergenic options are chickens, quails, and pigeons.
Proper Bird Care
Once kids select a pet bird, they must learn how to properly care for it. Here are some key elements of bird care:
Housing
Most small birds are housed in cages, while larger birds may have aviaries or be allowed supervised time outside of their enclosure. The housing must be an appropriate size and kept clean.
Socialization
Birds are social and need interaction with humans and/or other birds. Kids should play with and train their birds to keep them mentally stimulated.
Toys
Toys provide mental enrichment and exercise for pet birds. Kids can make or purchase bird-safe toys and rotate them to prevent boredom.
Perches
Various perches should be provided for climbing and promoting healthy feet. Natural wood branches and commercial perches can be used.
Food and Water
Birds need a balanced diet of quality seed, pellets, vegetables, fruits, and other healthy foods. Their water should be refreshed daily.
Grooming
Basic grooming like nail trimming is often needed. Birds that can’t self-groom may require misting or bathing as well. Kids can help with these grooming tasks.
Vet Visits
Annual check-ups support bird health. Vet care is needed if the bird seems ill or injured. Kids learn that pets require medical attention.
Time Away
Birds must be cared for daily. When families travel, options like boarding, pet sitters, or responsible friends/relatives are needed to look after the bird.
Ideal Birds for Kids
While properly caring for any bird takes commitment, some types are especially appropriate for children. Here are great options:
Budgies
Budgies, also known as parakeets, are one of the most popular pet birds. They are very affectionate, energetic, and entertaining. These small parrots come in a rainbow of colors.
Cockatiels
Cockatiels have sweet personalities and often enjoy being handled. They aren’t overly loud. Fun crest feathers on their heads add to their appeal.
Finches
Finches like zebra finches are tiny, colorful, and busy. They are best kept in pairs or groups and need frequent cage cleaning.
Canaries
There are several breeds of domestic canaries to choose from. They sing beautifully and some can be taught tricks. Most prefer fingers to landing on arms/shoulders.
Doves
If a quieter bird is desired, doves produce soothing coos instead of loud squawks. Their soft feathers and gentle nature make them delightful to handle.
Chickens
While an unusual choice, some families opt for indoor pet chickens. They have big personalities in a smaller, apartment-sized body. Chicken diapers are available!
Conclusion
Birds can be rewarding companions for kids when young people are matched with a suitable species and taught proper pet bird care. Parental supervision is still required, but birds present an opportunity for children to learn valuable skills. Birds each have unique traits and behaviors. Building a bond with a feathered friend can lead to years of joy.
