Pet birds can be wonderful companions, but not all species are suited for children. While birds are beautiful, intelligent, and often social, some require high levels of care, patience, and training that can be too demanding for younger or first-time owners. Even the toys for them are special.
Here are eight bird species that are generally not recommended for kids—and the reasons why.
1. Macaws
Why they’re not great for kids:
Macaws are large, stunning parrots known for their intelligence and long lifespans (up to 50 years or more). But they’re loud, strong-beaked, and require hours of daily social interaction. Without consistent attention, they can become aggressive or destructive. Their powerful bite can seriously injure small fingers.
Bottom line: Best left to experienced adult bird owners.
2. Cockatoos
Why they’re not great for kids:
Cockatoos are affectionate and sensitive birds, but that emotional depth also makes them needy. They’re prone to screaming when bored or left alone and can develop behavioral issues like feather plucking. Their care is time-intensive and emotionally demanding.
Bottom line: They bond deeply—often with one person—and can be overwhelming for families with kids.
3. African Grey Parrots
Why they’re not great for kids:
These birds are geniuses in feathers. African Greys can develop vocabularies of hundreds of words and even use them in context. However, their high intelligence means they need constant mental stimulation. They’re also known to be shy, moody, and sensitive to stress—something kids might accidentally trigger.
Bottom line: Smart but high-strung; not ideal for noisy or unpredictable environments.
4. Amazon Parrots
Why they’re not great for kids:
Known for their bright colors and boisterous personalities, Amazon parrots can be fun—but also loud, stubborn, and territorial. They can go through hormonal aggression phases that make them difficult to handle, even for adults.
Bottom line: Their strong personalities and unpredictable behavior make them a poor match for children.
5. Eclectus Parrots
Why they’re not great for kids:
Eclectus parrots are striking and calm—but they have strict dietary needs and require lots of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Their digestive systems are delicate, and improper diet can lead to serious health issues. They’re also prone to stress-induced feather plucking.
Bottom line: Gorgeous birds that require precise care—not something most kids can manage.
6. Conures (Larger Varieties)
Why they’re not great for kids:
While smaller conures like green-cheeked conures can be suitable for older kids, larger types (like sun or jenday conures) are much louder and more temperamental. They also tend to nip and may become aggressive if not socialized properly.
Bottom line: Some conures are okay, but the louder, larger types are not kid-friendly.
7. Quaker Parrots (Monk Parakeets)
Why they’re not great for kids:
Quakers are clever and can mimic human speech—but they’re also territorial and can become cage-aggressive. They bond strongly to one person, often excluding others, and can nip at people they don’t trust.
Bottom line: Their possessiveness and territorial behavior can be problematic around children.
8. Lories and Lorikeets
Why they’re not great for kids:
These vibrant birds have energetic personalities, but their diet is incredibly specific—mainly nectar and fruit. This means messy droppings (often liquid) and a need for constant cage cleaning. They also have short tempers and can be bitey.
Bottom line: High-maintenance diet and hygiene needs make them a tough fit for most families.
Final Thoughts
While birds can be amazing pets, the species on this list are best suited for adult bird enthusiasts with experience and time to devote to their care. If you’re considering a bird for your child, start with gentler, more adaptable species like budgies (parakeets) or cockatiels—they’re smaller, easier to care for, and often more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Choosing the right bird ensures a happy experience for both your child and the feathered friend they bring home.
