In case your child has ordered a pet bird, it is possible to consider a range of factors, such as care and space needs, socialization needs, and the level of noise. Above all, you must choose the bird species that will not cause much disturbance to children. Discover the best seven birds used as best pets for kids.
Finch
Canaries (a kind of finches) or finches are great pets to kids due to the fact that they do not need a lot of attention and that they do not need much care as well. These birds are popular with young children since they are interesting to observe and give them relaxing music with their sweet chirps and chattering. Nevertheless, they are expected to stay in their cages. Finches are not touch-to-feel pets but they are beautiful creatures best pets for kids. In case you are taking the finches, get two or more because they do not like staying alone. Finches could be adopted in shelters and rescue organizations within the area. Their life expectancy is 3-15 years.
Dove
Pigeons (or doves) are characterized by sweet and tender natures in best pets for kids. It is the softness of beaks that make the softbilled doves uncommon biters and inflict little harm despite their intent to bite as hardbilled hookbills do. Nevertheless, positive socialization and bonding methods are good. Older children can be calm and gentle in their pets, which make them appropriate. Doves are not loners as well and prefer to come in pairs. Their cage can be equipped with mirrors and swings to facilitate their play although they should be allowed to have free time when they are not under care of human caretakers. Doves and pigeons normally have a lifespan of 10-25 years.
Lovebird
One of the smallest species of the parrot is lovebirds. These are the colorful birds, which have the intelligence and personality of the larger macaws. Although they are bright, they are not very vocal and hence they are best pets for kids to living in apartments or condominiums. The life expectancy of lovebirds is normally 10-20 years.
Budgie (Parakeet)
Budgies (or parakeets) are attractive Australian-origin birds and thus make wonderful pets to the novice aviculturists. They are also easy to handle, relatively easy to care about, and could even be taught to speak like humans. Budgies are easy-going and usually attach themselves very well to their owners hence making good companions to young bird lovers. Their life expectancy is between 7 and 15 years. It’s a best pets for kids.
Cockatiel
Cockatiels are bigger than the finches and budgies, but still among the best pets for kids. They would learn to speak, whistle and even do tricks and therefore they are good companions to children. Cockatiels go well with older children who are able to interact with them on a regular basis. They do not like being in their cage and thus, more cleaning is needed compared to finches or budgies. Select cockatiels to children who are really interested in keeping birds and learning about them. The lifespan of cockatiels ranges between 15-20 years although some may live up to 30 years.
Quaker Parakeet
Quaker or the monk parakeet is a small parrot. However, they are medium sized birds and are not very difficult to clean up by children. These birds would tend to pick up words and sounds as they are verbally interacted with by children around the cage. The monk parakeets have a life span of 20-30 years. It’s a best pets for kids.
Bantam Chicken
The Silkie is a bantam chicken, or in other words a miniature of a farm fowl. Their friendly, cuddly and sweet character makes them best pets for kids. Their feathers are unique in that they have fluffy feathers which add to their cuteness. Silkies cannot withstand heat conditions, but they are good in colder temperatures. They thrive well in large enclosures although, they love to roam. The average lifespan of silkies is lower than that of other pet birds which last between 7 and 9 years.
The main factor to consider when selecting a pet bird to a child is safety. It is not a good idea to choose birds with sharp and tough beaks because the accidental bites may be very dangerous and the child may be permanently scarred due to these accidents. Besides, bigger birds are more inclined to produce screeches of greater intensity; therefore, hearing safety is also considered. There are big pet birds that may be as loud as a jumbo during takeoff.
