Perfect Parrot Match: Discover your best-fit pet parrot based on size, temperament, and the care you can provide
If you’ve decided to share your home with a parrot, you’re in for an incredible avian adventure! Parrots are known for their intelligence, stunning plumage, and charming personalities.
However, selecting the right parrot to join your household is daunting because of the many species available.
…but essentially…
The “best” parrot for you will depend on several factors. These include your experience level, lifestyle, living arrangements, and what you’re seeking in a feathered friend.
From decent experience raising and keeping parrots (and fish, see my blog)…
Cockatiel and budgies are well-rounded are best pet parrots if you want a quiet, amiable, pet parrot, with few demands, beginner friendly but with decent talking and bonding capabilities. African grey are best when you want a more intelligent and complex bird that require a bit more attention and can create a strong bond.
AG’s are good if you simply want a smart bird with an extensive vocubulary, like you see on T.V😁😎. This one will impress and entertain you friend and guests, but it can be a handful.
ZuPreem did this small survey with 100 pet birds owners, cockatiels and African greys beat their competition, so its safe to say they are some of the best, if not the best.
Budgies as Pets: The Perfect Starter Parrot
Budgerigars, affectionately known as budgies, often steal the show!
These petite parrots are a fantastic choice for those new to avian companionship. They are highly social, easy to care for, and their delightful chirps will brighten up any room.
Their diminutive stature makes them easy to accommodate, whether you reside in an apartment or a larger living space. Their relatively small cage requirements mean they won’t overwhelm your living area.
Budgies are also more budget-friendly than larger parrot species. Both their initial purchase price and ongoing maintenance costs, such as food and toys, are relatively low.
The parrot are known for their playful and social personalities. They enjoy interacting with their human companions and can form strong bonds.
Their curious and active nature means they thrive on mental and physical stimulation, which can lead to hours of entertainment for both you and your feathered friend.
Budgies are remarkably intelligent and can even be trained to do tricks and even talk. They are able to mimic sounds and words, although not as advanced as larger parrots.
Budgies come in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing you to choose a budgie that matches your aesthetic preferences.
They can also have a reasonably long lifespan, often living around 7 to 10 years with proper care. This longevity ensures that your bond with your budgie can be cherished for many years.
See the pros and cons of keeping budgies as pets.
| Budgies Pros | Budgies Cons |
|---|---|
| Swwet and friendly | Vulnerable prey animals |
| Intelligent | Nippy |
| Managable size | Frequent frights |
| Trainable | Low quality breeds (+a lot of impulse buying) |
| Relatively low noise | Messy (relative to their body size) |
Cockatiels as Pets: A Friendly Feathery Buddy
If you’re looking for a parrot slightly larger than a budgie, that’s equally welcoming to newcomers, consider the cockatiel. Their gentle and affectionate nature makes them popular choices for novice parrot owners.
They are also known for their charming crests and love for interaction. Cockatiels readily bond with their human companions, which also make them perfect for families seeking a feathered friend.
The little birdies are playful by nature and are known for their endearing antics. They love to play with toys, perform tricks, and engage in interactive games, providing you with constant amusement and entertainment.
Moreover, cockatiels are of a moderate size, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bird owners.
Their smaller size makes them easier to accommodate in terms of housing and daily care. A cockatiel’s cage can fit comfortably in most living spaces.
While they may not have the extensive vocabulary of larger parrots, many cockatiels can mimic sounds and even talk. Their attempts at speech, along with their charming whistles will bring joy to your home.
However, unlike some louder parrot species, cockatiels have a relatively quiet disposition.
While they can produce some chirping and whistling sounds, it is generally not disruptive, making them an excellent choice for those living in apartments or close-knit communities.
Cockatiels can have a relatively long lifespan, often living between 15 to 20 years or even longer with proper care. This extended companionship ensures a strong, enduring bond with their owner.
See the pros and cons of keeping cockatiels as pets.
| Cockatiels Pros | Cockatiels Cons |
|---|---|
| Friendliness and affection | Training challenge |
| Size and managability | Vulnerable (due to size) |
| Relatively low noise (but can be screamers) | Limited talking ability |
| Low maintenance cost | Nippy |
| Adaptability | Dusty & dander |
| Distinctive feature (crest) | Night terrors (frights) |
African Grey Parrots: Epitome of Avian Intelligence and Charm
African Grey Parrots are often considered one of the best parrot pets, and their reputation is well-deserved for several compelling reasons!
They are renowned for their remarkable cognitive abilities. AG’s demonstrate capacity for problem-solving, advanced reasoning, and even a high level of language comprehension.
They can learn to mimic sounds and words, and are the best talkers among parrot species.
African greys can learn extensive vocabularies and engage in meaningful conversations with their owners. Their communicative skills are truly remarkable.
These parrots also form deep, often lifelong bonds with their human caregivers. Their attachment to their owners is emotional, rewarding, loyal and affectionate.
Convinienelty, African greys are also among the longer-lived parrot species, with an average lifespan of 40 to 60+ years, which makes them a part of your life for decades, even becoming a true family member.
Despite their considerable intelligence, African Greys are of moderate size, making them easier to accommodate than some of the larger parrot species.
An African grey parrot will live in a cage that can fit in a average sized living space. They do no need an aviary, like large parrots such as Hycinth Macaws.
Last but not least, African Greys are known for their playful and often mischievous sense of humor. They can keep their owners entertained with their antics, making them not only intelligent but also delightful companions.
See the pros and cons of keeping African grey parrots as pets.
| African Grey Pros | African Grey Cons |
|---|---|
| Intelligence | Demanding social needs |
| Exceptional talking ability | Noise level |
| Long lifespan (as a companion) | Longevity (as a commitment) |
| Affectionate bonds | Destructive chewing |
| Low maintenance in terms of size | Cost of ownership |
| Entertaining personalities | Feather plucking |
— Conures: Colorful and Enthusiastic Parrots
Conures makes the list for the best parrot pets due to their vibrant personalities, playful and energetic nature (especially at a younger age), and stunning colors.
Most conure subspeices come with vibrant and eye-catching plumage. Their striking shades and patterns make them visually appealing and a source of admiration for bird enthusiasts.
Conures also have a strong social drive and often form deep bonds with their human caregivers. They thrive on interaction and enjoy being part of the family.
This affectionate nature means they are often found perched on their owner’s shoulder or snuggled in their hands.
Conures come in various species, with differing sizes, but they are generally considered medium-sized parrots.
This makes them suitable for a wide range of living spaces, and their moderate size ensures they are more manageable in terms of care and housing compared to larger parrot species.
Furthermore, conures are adaptable to various living situations and are considered a great choice for both novice and experienced bird owners. Their friendly disposition and sociable nature make them approachable and easy to integrate into the family.
See the pros and cons of keeping conures as pets.
| Conures Pros | Conures Cons |
|---|---|
| Playful and energetic | Limited talking ability |
| Affectionate and social | Loud vocalization (not the loudest though) |
| Managable size | Nippy |
| Colorful plumage | Demand for attention |
| Adaptability | Jealousy and aggression |
| Cost of ownership | Training challenge |
Which Other Parrots are Good as Pets
Away from budgies, cockatiels, African greys, and conures, there are several other parrot species that can make wonderful pets. Some of these parrot species are:
— Quaker parrot (Monk parakeet)
— Senegal parrot
— Pionus parrot
— Lovebirds
— Eclectus
— Lionolated parakeet
What is The Easiest Parrot to Raise
The budgerigar and the cockatiel are often considered the easiest parrots to raise for several compelling reasons.
First, these species are relatively small, making them more manageable in terms of housing and care requirements.
Second, they are known for their friendly and social personalities, making them easy to handle and train.
Both budgerigars and cockatiels are typically less noisy and demanding compared to larger parrot species, which is a relief for first-time parrot owners.
Additionally, their dietary needs are straightforward, with a diet primarily consisting of pellets (main dish), seeds, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
These parrots are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for novice parrot enthusiasts who want to enjoy the companionship of a pet parrot without the complexities associated with larger, more demanding species.
What is The Most Gentle Parrot to Own
The Pionus parrot, particularly the Blue-headed Pionus (Pionus menstruus), and the Senegal parrot (Poicephalus senegalus) are known for their gentle nature and make excellent options for those looking for easy-to-raise parrot species.
These birds are renowned for its calm demeanor and relatively low noise level, but also a playful and friendly nature, which makes them enjoyable companions.
Cockatiels are also generally considered gentle and friendly birds and are good companions if that is what you prefer.
The Eclectus parrots the most gentle of the larger parrots if that is the direction you prefer.
What Pet Parrot Will Live The Longest (Best Longlived Parrots)
Among pet parrots, larger species generally have longer lifespans compared to smaller ones.
Some of the larger parrot species, such as the African greys, macaws, Amazons, and cockatoos, have the potential for exceptionally long lives, often ranging from 50 to 80 years or more with proper care.
However, it’s essential to note that even the most extended lifespans in parrots rarely surpass the human lifespan, but you are likely to have the parrot most of your life, especially if you get it when you are older.
Parrots typically do not live longer than 100 years, and while there have been rare instances of parrots reaching their late 80s or 90s, these are exceptional cases.
Even so, one of the oldest known parrot was a blue and gold macaw named “Charlie.” Charlie lived to be 123 years old and was recognized as the world’s oldest parrot by the Guinness World Records.
The key to maximizing a pet parrot’s lifespan is providing them with excellent nutrition, a safe environment, regular veterinary care, and socialization, ensuring they can enjoy a fulfilling and healthy life.
Now, choosing a pet based solely on the potential lifespan may not be the best approach, as there are many other factors to consider when selecting a parrot species.
However, if you’re interested in the best longlived parrot (species with a long lifespan), you might consider African Grey Parrots, Macaws, or some Amazon Parrot species.
Here’s a general breakdown of the lifespan ranges for common parrot species:
- Small Parrots (e.g., Budgerigars, Lovebirds, Parrotlets): 15-25 years
- Medium-Sized Parrots (e.g., Cockatiels, Conures): 20-30 years
- African Grey Parrots: 40-60 years
- Amazon Parrots: 40-70 years
- Macaws: 50-80 years or more
- Cockatoos: 40-70 years or more