As part of our series on choosing a pet, this article looks at birds as pets. Pet birds make interesting animals to keep but can be tricky to look after and are a big commitment – some live for up to 70 years!

The aviary

The initial cost of setting up an aviary can be high, although costs are fairly low long term. Ideally all birds should be kept in an aviary with plenty of room to fly around, but if you need to keep your bird in an indoor cage, it will need regular exercise flying around the house. Pet birds come in all varieties so see below at our list of popular birds to choose which one is right for you.

Different types of pet bird

1) Canaries

• Live 5 to 6 years
• Come in a variety of breeds and colours
• Should be kept in groups and handled as little as possible
• Need an aviary or cage, clean water, perches, toys and a bird bath
• Eat bird seed, fruit and vegetables and cuttlefish for calcium and grit

2) Budgerigars

• Live up to 10 years
• Friendly birds in a range of colours, should be kept in groups
• Can be trained to land on a finger and to talk
• Need clean water, an aviary or cage, wooden perches, toys, and a bird bath
• Eat bird seed, some fruit and green vegetables

3) Cockatiels

• Live up to 20 years
• A medium-sized bird with a crested head, comes in a range of colours and can be taught to mimic sounds, should be kept in groups
• Need clean water, an aviary or cage, bird bath and toys
• Eat bird seed, fruit and vegetables and cuttlefish supplements

4) Lovebirds

• Live up to 20 years
• Usually green or yellow with orange, pink, and blue highlights, should be kept in groups
• Should be kept in pairs or groups
• Can be difficult to train
• Need clean water, an aviary or cage, bird bath and toys
• Eat bird seed, fruit and vegetables, cuttlefish

5) Parrots

• Live up to 70 years
• Intelligent long-living birds in a variety of types and colours
• Can be kept alone if they get enough attention and mental stimulation, trainable
• Need clean water, an aviary or cage, bird bath and toys
• Eat parrot food mix, fresh fruit and vegetables

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