Choosing a Companion Bird
CHOOSING A COMPANION BIRD
The pro’s and con’s of the species listed below are only a guide, before buying a pet bird of any size, please research thoroughly as many parrots live for many years, so making a decision to by a parrot will probably be a lifelong commitment.
There are advantages and disadvantages to owning any pet, all captive pets need a long term commitment from the buyer and are entitled to a caring and loving home. If you bird is treated in this way it will always be a forefilling companion.
BUDGIES
Advantages
They are small and therefore only need a small cage and space.
They are gentle and can be easily tamed.
Suitable for beginners and kids.
They are inexpensive.
Many colour mutations to choose from.
Disadvantages
They do not talk
They can be left on their own at times and don’t normally demand much attention.
Cockatiels
Advantages
A good beginner or kid’s bird.
Easily tamed.
Males can whistle tunes and sometimes talk a little.
Live to between 25 and 30 years.
They are inexpensive.
Many different colour mutations to choose from.
Disadvantages
Tend to make a noise or whistle when people are around or the TV is on.
Like a lot of attention.
RINGNECK PARAKEETS
Advantages
Can be tamed, but hand rearing is the best way to tame these.
Many beautiful colours to choose from.
Not expensive although costs more than a cockatiel.
Needs a slightly larger cage.
May learn a few words or phrases.
Disadvantages
Screech fairly loudly.
Like a lot of attention daily.
Not always friendly to other pets, especially other birds.
LOVEBIRDS
Advantages
Good beginner’s bird.
Brightly coloured mutations available.
Cheap to buy.
Requires a small cage.
Can be kept in pairs and still remain tame.
Love snuggling and preening.
Pairs can happily be left while you go out to work.
Disadvantages
Must be hand reared in order to be tame.
Do not talk.
Conures – Small
Advantages
Hand reared they make delightful companions.
Some are brightly coloured.
Gentle.
Inexpensive.
Require a small cage.
Disadvantages
Not good talkers if at all.
Can be noisy especially around people.
Conures – Large
Advantages
Hand reared birds are playful and affectionate.
Some are colourful.
Medium priced birds.
Disadvantages
Not for beginners.
Require large cage.
Can be very noisy.
Not good talkers.
POICEPHALUS – Small African Parrots
Advantages
Hand reared birds make good pets which love to be handled regularly.
Not very noisy.
Less expensive than bigger parrots.
Not as intrusive on personal space as bigger parrots.
Disadvantages
Most are not colourful, except the Senegal Parrot.
Need regular cage time.
Lories
Advantages
Easy to tame.
Colourful-brightly coloured
Playful.
Disadvantages
They are fruit and nectar eaters, therefore their droppings are wetter and more frequent.
Need to be housed in a easily cleaned cage, preferably on a tiled floor and in a well ventilated area.
PIONUS PARROTS
Advantages
Generally quite.
Does not demand much attention.
Medium size parrot. Reasonably inexpensive.
Disadvantages
Not good talkers.
Not very colourful.
Don’t like cold or damp areas.
AFRICAN GREY PARROTS
Advantages
Highly intelligent.
Good talkers.
Good for first time parrot owners.
Not to demanding, but must have plenty of toys.
Disadvantages
Often prone to feather plucking if they get nervous or insecure.
Not brightly coloured.
Some will become one person birds depending on temperament or environment.
AMAZONS
Advantages
More colourful than the African Grey.
Good talkers. Very affectionate and are generally friendly to everyone.
Good outgoing personalities.
Disadvantages
Need a large cage.
Can be very loud.
Not for kids or beginners.
Expensive.
COCKATOOS
Advantages
Intelligent
Beautiful although not brightly coloured.
Extremely affectionate.
Playful and comical.
Disadvantages
Very, very demanding.
Prone to feather plucking if not given enough attention.
Can be noisy.
Destructive by nature.
Need a large cage.
Give off large amounts of feather dust.
Not suitable for asthma sufferers.
ECLECTUS
Advantages
Very intelligent.
Brightly coloured.
Good talkers.
Males make better companion birds than females.
Disadvantages
Can be noisy.
Generally not for kids or beginners.
Females can be touchy and unpredictable.
SMALL MACAWS
Advantages
Intelligent
May speak a few words
Hand reared birds make affectionate companions
Love attention
Disadvantages
Not brightly coloured.
Noisy.
Bored birds can be distructive.
MACAWS
Advantages
Beautiful colours.
Intelligent.
Very social.
Love playing
Disadvantages
Very limited vocabulary.
Expensive.
Require a large cage.
Need to be treated firmly.
Not for beginners or children.
Can be very destructive.
