🐦 The 9 Best Pet Birds For Kids (That Won’t Drive You Crazy)

Are Birds Good Pets for Kids?

Birds can make wonderful pets for the right child—but not every kid is ready for the responsibility that comes with owning a feathered friend. Birds are prey animals, meaning loud noises, sudden movements, and rough handling can leave them stressed or even injured.

While some children may be eager to care for their own pet bird, others may be better suited to helping with a family bird, as adult supervision is key for ensuring the bird’s safety and well-being.

When Is a Child Ready for a Pet Bird?

Before bringing home a bird and a cage, consider if your child:

✅ Is at least 12 years old and can be the bird’s primary caretaker (exceptions apply for mature younger children)
✅ Has enough time for daily care and interaction
✅ Can control their emotions and energy levels around prey animals
✅ Is willing to learn about bird care through books, websites, or magazines
✅ Understands that birds require ongoing veterinary care

You should not get a bird if:
❌ Your child is under 12 and expected to care for the bird alone
❌ Finances prevent taking the bird to a veterinarian if needed
❌ Your child is too busy to spend at least 1–2 hours with the bird daily
❌ Your child struggles with empathy, patience, or gentle handling

If your child meets these requirements, it’s time to consider the best kid-friendly bird species!

Best Pet Birds for Kids (Low Maintenance & Beginner-Friendly)

These nine bird species are easy to care for, relatively quiet, and have shorter life spans than larger parrots—ideal for young or first-time bird owners.

1️⃣Canary

• Size: 5–8 inches
• Lifespan: Up to 15 years
• Noise Level: Low (beautiful singing!)
• Ideal for kids who prefer an easy-to-care-for bird that doesn’t require hands-on interaction. Canaries stay in their cages and simply need daily feeding, fresh water, and regular cleaning.

2️⃣ Society Finches

• Size: 4–5 inches
• Lifespan: Up to 7 years
• Noise Level: Low
• Thrives in pairs or small flocks. Finches don’t require one-on-one time but still need a spacious horizontal cage for flying, along with daily food, water, and cleaning.

3️⃣ Budgie (Parakeet)

• Size: 7 inches
• Lifespan: Up to 15 years
• Noise Level: Low to moderate (chatter, some may talk!)
• A popular starter bird for older children. Budgies love daily interaction, can bond deeply if tamed, and enjoy gentle playtime outside the cage. Requires regular vet care, fresh veggies, and plenty of toys.

4️⃣ Bourke’s Parakeet

• Size: 7.5 inches
• Lifespan: Up to 15 years
• Noise Level: Low
• A calm, sweet parrot from Australia. Needs a wider cage, daily feeding, and interaction, but not as much one-on-one time as other parrots. Be sure to get a hand-tamed bird for a smoother experience.

5️⃣ Peach-Faced Lovebird

• Size: 6.5 inches
• Lifespan: Up to 20 years
• Noise Level: Moderate
• Energetic, affectionate, and best for attentive kids who can handle a lively personality. Needs daily out-of-cage time, a play gym, and regular socialization. Lovebirds can get territorial, so reading up beforehand is important!

6️⃣ Cockatiel

• Size: 13 inches (including tail)
• Lifespan: Up to 30 years
• Noise Level: Moderate (males are more vocal)
• A loving and social bird—generally calmer females, while males may be more playful. Needs a roomy cage, weekly misting baths, and daily social time. Best suited for older, patient kids due to their sensitive nature.

7️⃣ Pacific Parrotlet

• Size: 5 inches
• Lifespan: Up to 20 years
• Noise Level: Moderate
• Small but full of personality! Parrotlets require consistent attention, a spacious cage with lots of enrichment, and supervision—they’re curious and fearless, making them better suited for older children.

8️⃣ Diamond Dove

• Size: 7.5 inches
• Lifespan: 12–15 years
• Noise Level: Low (soft cooing)
• Gentle, easy-going, and best kept with a companion. Doesn’t need much one-on-one time, but thrives in a spacious setup with perches and flat roosting surfaces.

9️⃣ Goldie’s Lorikeet

• Size: 7.5 inches
• Lifespan: Around 7 years
• Noise Level: Low to moderate
• Curious and calm compared to other lories, but requires a unique nectar-based diet. Perfect for kids willing to learn about specialized care.

⚠️ Things to Consider

Even with kid-friendly species, birds require:

• Daily feeding & cleaning
• Regular out-of-cage time
• Veterinary check-ups with an avian specialist
• A plan for long-term care if the child moves away

Parents should be prepared to take over care if needed, especially for birds with longer lifespans. No matter how responsible your kid is, YOU will end up doing half the work. Birds live long lives and your child’s interests will change. If you’re not ready to become a bird-mom or bird-dad…rethink that adorable parakeet at the pet shop.

But if you’re in and your kid is too? Their lives are about to get a whole lot more colorful.