New to bird ownership? Learn if parrots make great beginner pets, exploring their personality, care, and the joys of having them as companions
The question of whether parrots make good pets for beginners is not one that can be answered with a simple Yes or No.
While parrots are undoubtedly captivating and can form strong bonds with their owners, they come with a set of unique challenges that may not be suitable for everyone, especially those new to pet ownership.
Beginner pet (or bird) owners must carefully consider their lifestyle, commitment level, and willingness to invest time and effort into their pet before they settle for a parrot.
Before getting a parrot as your first pet it might also be helpful to volunteer at a parrot rescue or sanctuary to gain experience with these birds.
See below what makes parrots good (or bad) pets for beginners!
Why Parrots are Bad Pets for Beginners
Parrots require a significant amount of attention and interaction, making them unsuitable for beginner, individuals with busy schedules or those who cannot provide them with the mental stimulation and social interaction they need.
Additionally, the financial commitment involved in providing a proper diet, a spacious cage, and veterinary care should not be underestimated.
Parrots can live for several decades, so prospective owners must also be prepared for a long-term commitment.
Noise levels, neediness, and odd behaviors are a few more reasons parrots do not make the best pet for beginners.
Why Parrots are (Can Be) Good Pets for Beginners
For first time parrot owners (beginner) willing to invest the time and effort, parrots can be incredibly rewarding companions. Their intelligence, vibrant personalities, and ability to mimic speech and sounds make them fascinating and entertaining pets.
They can bring joy, laughter, and a sense of companionship to the lives of those who are prepared to meet their unique needs.
As a prospective parrot owners, I suggest conducting thorough research, seek advice from experienced parrot owners or avian experts, and consider their lifestyle and resources before making the decision to bring a parrot into their home.
It is also good note there are many species of parrots, some easier to keep than others.
For beginners, I suggest starting with small to medium sized parrots, like budgies and cockatiles, instead of larger African Grey, Macaws and Cockatoos, which though entertaining are more demanding.
What is The Best (Easiest) Parrot to Own as A Beginner
Choosing the best and easiest parrot for beginners is a significant decision that should be made carefully. The choice may depend on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and commitment but you also want an easy bird that can hold out several rookie mistakes.
Budgerigars, or budgies, are a fantastic starting point for beginners due to their small size, friendly demeanor, and relatively low maintenance. These little birds are playful and make wonderful companions when properly cared for.
The beauty with budgies is they are almost as entertaining as large parrots, with equally matching speech capabilities.
The Quaker Parrot, or Monk Parakeet, is another suitable option for those seeking an easy-going and social parrot. Their vibrant personalities make them engaging pets, but their potential for noise and need for social interaction should be taken into account.
Quaker parrots are also considered an invasive species and ownership is restricted in some states, so make sure you do enough due deligence before getting one.
The Lineolated Parakeet is a great option for those seeking a perfect altenative to a budgie with a peaceful temperament and a soft, melodious voice.
The bird is a stockier version of a budgie, that enjoys walking as a much as it does flying, and is easily a delight for most first time parrot owners.
The Cockatiel is known for its gentle nature and charming crest, making it another excellent choice for beginners. These birds are renowned for their whistling abilities and can form deep bonds with their owners.
Lovebirds are small, charming, and often easy to care for. Their affectionate nature can make them delightful companions for beginners without while not too demanding.
However, it’s important to note that they require consistent socialization and attention to build a strong bond and prevent behavioral issues.
Conures is another easy and perfect option for beginner, especially for new owners seeking a playful or colorful parrot that can form a strong bond.
However, they can be noisy and require plenty of socialization and mental stimulation.
Sennies (Senegal parrots) and parrotlets are also good candidates for beginners. They are quite than conures and quakers, less needy compared to lovebirds but they are are not as colorful.
Should You Get A Parrot as A First Time Pet
Getting a parrot as a first-time pet is a decision that should be made carefully, as parrots require a lot of time, effort, and commitment.
So, before you go and purchase a parrot, I suggest first answering the following questions. Consider this a quick checklist to know if a parrot is the pet for you.
1 — Are you able to give your parrot enough time and attention?
Parrots are social animals that require a lot of social interaction and mental stimulation. They can become stressed and develop behavioral problems if they are not given enough attention and mental engagement.
Please do not overlook or play down the level of attention a parrot requires. They demand almost constant attention everyday for a very many years.
2 — Do you have enough space?
Parrots can be quite large, and they need a spacious and well-designed cage. They also need space outside of the cage for exercise and play.
If you have limited space, like in an apartment, only get a small parrot like a budgie or a cockatiel if you must, and keep in mind you will still need enough space for a cage, play area, and feeding station.
The space also needs to be birds proof. You should not have harzards, such as open windows, naked wired, churred fabric, non stick pan,and fire harzards, especially with a flighted bird.
3 — Are you ready to own a longlived pet?
Parrots can live for a very long time, often several decades. Are you prepared for a long-term commitment?
If you are not ready for a longtime commitment or if you living or working situation changes constantly, do not get a parrot as a pet, especially not a large species, like African grey, eclectus, cockatoos or macaws, these birds can very easily outlive you?
If you are only willing to commit to your pet for less than 10 years, perhaps get a dog or a cat. A fish is ideal if you want even lesser commitment.
A budgie or cockatiel might be ideal if you are ready and willing to commit slightly more than 15 year.
4 — Can you accomodate a noisy pet?
Parrots are known for being noisy, and some species can be very loud. This can be an issue if you live in an apartment or have noise-sensitive neighbors.
If you also have toddles or members in your family that hate noisy pets, perhaps a parrot is not good for you. Even calmer parrots, like Sennies vocalize quite a lot compared to other pets.
5 — Can you accomodate a messy pet?
A parrots propensity for messiness cannot be denied. Their daily routines often include dropping feathers, scattering food, and, of course, creating droppings.
To keep the mess under control, adopting a regular cleaning routine, choosing a well-designed cage, and providing enriching toys can help.
Placing plexi glass or peel and stick wall paper behind the cage to protect your walls and removing them when they get dirty is necessary as well.
Training your parrot to poop in one place and adding an easy to clean plastic mat under the cage to keep your floors clean will also help.
However, training and cleaning after a parrot required plenty of time and patience, so make that can manage before getting one.
6 — Are you able to meet a parrots dietry need?
Parrots have a unique diet compared to many other pets and birds. The menu has to meet their specific nutritional needs, which can vary among different parrot species
Their nutrition relies on a combination of high-quality commercial pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables, as well as controlled amounts of seeds and nuts, so you need to ensure you have easy access to all these before you decide whether a parrot is a good pet for you.
7 — Can you get an avian veterinarian for your parrot’s health and gromming needs
Parrots can be prone to various health issues, and avian veterinary care for birds can be expensive, and they are not too common.
So, are you prepared for potential medical expenses?
If your answer is no to meeting the expenses or accessiing an avian veterinarian, then a parrot is not a good pet for you as a beginner.
Perhaps, get a different pet or locate a vet and parrot groomer around you and ensure you can cover the cost before getting the bird.
8 — Do you have time and the patience to train and socialize your parrot?
Parrots need training and socialization to be well-behaved pets. Are you willing to invest the time and effort into this?
If the answer is yes, then a parrot can be a good pet for you.
Remember parrots can be challenging even for experience owners because parrot are quite intelligent and express the love and anger in equal measures.
So, you need to be extremely patient and resilient being a first time parrot owner.
9 — Are you allegic to parrot dust and dander?
Some people are allergic to parrot dander. Consider whether you or anyone in your household has allergies, to determine if a parrot is good pet for you.
10 — Are parrots legal to keep in your area?
Some parrot species, like cockatoos are protected by law, and it may be illegal to own certain parrots in your area.
What Pet Should I Buy Instead of A Parrot as A Beginner
If you’re a beginner pet owner and and have decided a parrot is not good for you, there are plenty of great choices that can make for wonderful companions.
Cats are a popular choice for beginners. They are relatively low maintenance,independent animals that can be a better fit than parrots for people with busy schedules.
Cats can be affectionate and offer companionship without the extensive care demands of a parrot.
Dogs come in various sizes and temperaments, so there’s likely a breed that suits your lifestyle and a perfect alternative to a parrot as well.
Some smaller, low-energy dog breeds, such as the Bichon Frise or French Bulldog, are excellent for first-time pet owners.
A dog will provide loyal companionship almost as much as a parrot, but they also require regular exercise, training, and socialization, just like parrots, so you need enough time in your hands to own them.
Luckily, dogs and parrots can get along, so you can have both pets as you decide which is good for you.
If you’d still like a bird but not a parrot, consider smaller species like budgerigars (parakeets), or canaries. They are more manageable for beginners and can be taught simple tricks.
Rabbits, hamsters, guinepigs and girbles are other gentle, undermanding but underestimated pets that make perfect alternative to parrots even for younger beginners.
Some rabbits can be litter-trained but they do need a lot of space to hop around and exercise, so you’ll need to provide a suitable habitat.
Hamsters and gerbils are low-maintenance and suitable for individuals with limited space. They are generally easy to care for and are known for their entertaining antics in their cages or enclosures.
Now, if none of these options is good for you, you can get an aquatic pet, like fish or a turtle.
Turtles are low-maintenance and have a long lifespan. They are unique pets that can be fascinating to observe.
Fish come in a variety of species and colors, and maintaining a fish tank can be a relaxing hobby. However, it’s essential to research the specific care requirements of the fish you choose.
Keep in mind maintaining a fish tank can be almost be as tasking as keeping a parrot (if not more), only that fish do not require any training and socialization to be well behaved.