Management and Care of Small Birds

Birds can make wonderful pets for many different people; the variety available means customers should be able to find a species that works for them with your help.

Finches and other softbills are a good choice for those looking for a bird to watch and/or listen to sing. Small parrots, like parakeets and cockatiels, are great beginner birds for kids and adults who want a pet they can take out and play with, but that can be left alone during the day.

Finches are wonderful birds for anyone looking to just enjoy watching their pets and listening to their light and sweet voices. Most finches are very hardy little birds and active during the day. They are also very easy and fun to breed, and there is nothing as amazing as seeing an egg in the nest or hearing the peeping from a baby for the first time!

Small parrots such as parakeets, budgies and parrotlets may be small and quiet birds, but they have huge personalities that will entertain you over and over again. They are a great pet for almost anyone who wishes for a bird they can tame and likes to play. Yet these birds do not need a lot of attention and can be kept in small places like apartments as they are not noisy or destructive.
Cockatiels are very sweet, loving birds that make great pets for anyone. They are quiet and many love to cuddle and have their head scratched and in return will preen your hair and clothes! They can be kept in places where loud pets are not allowed, like apartments and condos, and they are very healthy and intelligent pets who will recognize and want to be with their owner when they are home. They are perfect “first-time” birds and are a good choice for households with children.

Small Bird Equipment Checklist

Primary Equipment: Maintenance Equipment: Optional Equipment:
  • Cage paper or bird litter
  • Perches of at least three different diameters
  • High-quality commercial diet formulated specially for your bird
  • Toys, especially a mirror if the bird is alone
  • Wire cage
  • Food dish
  • Water dish
  • Treat dish
  • Books on parakeets, budgies, parrotlets
  • Bird massagers