After dogs and cats, birds are one of the most popular companion animals. More and more people choose to increase their family and bring joy to their home with one of these colorful and fun species. They are easy to care for and do not require as much attention, since they do not need to go outside and can spend more time alone. Although there are birds that are extremely sociable that you will have to dedicate time to every day. Here we present the best domestic birds:
General care of domestic birds
- Clean and fresh water.
- Special food. Each species needs a specific nutrition, based on seeds, birdseed, feed, fruits …
- Clean cage. You must keep your bird’s space clean to avoid disease and make its environment as hygienic as possible. Change the bedding or newspaper when it is too dirty; once a week is enough, but it will depend on each bird.
- Lighting . Like us, it is good that all birds have a daily dose of sun.
The most common domestic birds
Small size birds
Parakeets
It is one of the most common and popular birds in the home. It is small in size and very easy to care for and tame. They are sociable and are ideal to start in the world of birds as a pet if you are a first time. It is a good choice for children and they can live alone or as a couple, although we always recommend that they have a partner so that they can keep each other company and can socialize with the same species. You will love them!
Parakeets measure between 15 and 18 cm and have a life expectancy of about 12 years. The upper part of its beak (wax) will help you determine if it is male or female when they are adults: if it is bluish, it is male, if it is tanned to a pale pink, female.
Canaries
Popular for their song and their yellow color. They are friendly, although not as sociable with humans as parakeets. Singing is synonymous with being happy and in good health. If you are not convinced by hearing a constant tune of chirps and trills every time you pass by, you might as well go for another species!
Canaries are about 13 cm tall and can live for around 10 years in captivity.
Diamonds
They must live in pairs since they are very sociable birds that need the company of the same species, otherwise they would be sad. They are characterized by their striking and intense colors, which are different depending on the species. The most famous are the mandarin diamond and the gouldian fin.
They are quiet domestic birds that love to bathe. We recommend having a container with water in the cage so that they can enjoy a bath whenever they feel like it.
They are only 10-12 cm in length and have a life expectancy of 6 years.
Goldfinches
Goldfinches are easy to distinguish from other birds because of their beautiful plumage and strong song, despite measuring only 12-15 cm. You can identify them by the black color that surrounds the eyes and the red line on the beak. They are very active, so they need a large cage with several perches or branches so that they can have fun jumping from one side to the other. You must avoid changes in temperature and drafts to take care of their health, a warm climate being suitable.
Their life expectancy is 9 to 11 years.
Lovebirds
Known as the inseparable birds. This species must always be in pairs, they live in monogamy and do everything together. They are very colorful and showy little parrots; the most common is green with a reddish head, although you can also find them yellow, white and bluish. Lovebirds are not only adorable but they are also cheerful, sociable and they enjoy people a lot.
They measure between 13 and 16 cm and have a life expectancy of 10-15 years.
Medium-sized birds
Nymphs
These friendly birds are a favorite of bird lovers. They are docile and playful and enjoy contact a lot. They need a large cage with perches to climb and toys to be entertained. In addition, it is recommended that they can go out and socialize for a while every day. You can identify them with the naked eye by their characteristic yellow crest and orange cheeks.
This bird has an approximate size of 35 cm and a life expectancy of about 15 years.
Parrots
Parrots are small parrots increasingly common as pets. Also, do not be surprised if you see them flying free in the parks. Its introduction and subsequent release by humans, together with its high level of adaptation and ease of reproduction, has led to large wild colonies in many countries (being considered an invasive pest). They are very sociable, intelligent, and quite talkative (as well as noisy). Their character is somewhat rebellious and sometimes destructive, but they are loving and friendly.
They measure 25-30 cm and their life expectancy is 15 to 20 years.
Large birds
Cockatoos
One of the most friendly and sociable birds. They require a high level of attention and patience, so if you don’t have enough time to spend each day, you’d better go for another domestic bird. Of them, its beautiful white plumage and its funny yellowish crest stand out. In addition, they are also usually quite noisy. You will need space to house it in a large cage.
The cockatoo alba (which is the most common as a pet) measures between 40 and 60 cm and lives around 50 years
Red-tailed gray parrot: Yaco
As its name suggests, it is a completely gray parrot, except for its tail feathers that are reddish. Do not be fooled by its dull appearance, it is a cheerful, sociable and especially talkative parrot. It is one of the most intelligent birds (ahead of cockatoos and macaws), capable of memorizing and repeating many words and phrases, always with meaning and not only by imitation; According to studies, their intelligence level is comparable to that of a five-year-old child. If you don’t have enough time to dedicate to it, you’d better choose another domestic bird, as yacos enjoy company, play, and petting immensely. They talk a lot, but they are not very loud.
They measure around 33 cm and have a life expectancy of about 60 years, and can even reach 100.
Macaw
It is the species that most of us think of when they talk about parrots. It stands out for its large size and its beautiful plumage in blue and yellow or red and blue; they are unmistakable. It is characterized by being a super sociable, cheerful and fun domestic bird. Furthermore, he also has the ability to learn and repeat words. They are very affectionate and develop a strong bond with their owner. Like the previous ones, he needs a large cage and many toys so as not to get bored. Dedicating time to it every day is essential.
They measure about 50 cm and can live up to 70 years.
Eclectus
It is one of the best birds to have at home. This species has a pronounced sexual dimorphism: males are intense green with some red and blue feathers and a yellow-orange bill; females are red and blue with a black bill. It is an affectionate parrot that enjoys company and behaves very well in captivity. Also, it is not loud or aggressive. He is also smart and can learn a few words that you teach him.
They are about 34 cm tall and can live for 60 years.
