Best Pet Parrots for Beginners

Do you know among more than 400 species of parrots what are some of the best pet parrots for beginners? What do they eat and why they are excellent pets?  Read on to learn more about the best pet parrot species!   

Parrots belong to the order Psittaciformes, which includes more than 400 species. They are found in various parts of the world, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts.

Parrots are intelligent, social creatures that thrive on interaction and mental stimulation. They require love, attention, a well-balanced diet, and regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Not only are they beautiful creatures with vibrant colors, but they also can mimic human speech, making them extremely entertaining pets.

As a beginner, choosing the right parrot breed that suits your lifestyle and preferences is important and requires a significant amount of time, effort, and dedication. If you can’t decide which parrot breed makes a good pet, don’t worry. Consider us by your side to help you by providing valuable insights and guidance about the 5 (Five) best pet parrots for beginners.

Budgerigar – The Colorful and Playful Pet Parrots

Known as “budgies,” these small parrots are popular for their playful and sociable nature. They are relatively low-maintenance and can be easily trained to perform various tricks.

Budgerigars are lovely little birds that make best pet friends for beginners. Originating from Australia, these small parrots are known for their vibrant colors and charming behaviors. Being the best pet parrots, Budgies are highly sociable creatures and enjoy interacting with their human friends. They have a playful nature and can be easily trained to perform tricks, making them a great choice for those looking for an interactive pet.

The budgerigar’s diet is diverse and includes a variety of seeds and greens such as grass seeds, fruits like berries, insects, and even laurel stems. This diet provides essential nutrients and vitamins to keep the bird healthy and thriving.

  Budgerigar’s feet are zygodactyl, which means they have two toes facing forward and two toes facing backward. Interestingly, each toe on a budgie’s feet has a different number of bones, which allows them to grip and perch on various surfaces with ease.

Cockatiel – The Friendly and Gentle Pet Parrot Species

Cockatiels are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are great pets and are relatively easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for beginners.

Cockatiels, with their striking crests and friendly demeanor, are the best pet parrots for beginner bird enthusiasts. These gentle and affectionate birds are known for their playful nature and ability to bond with their owners.

Cockatiels are relatively low-maintenance and can adapt well to different living environments. They enjoy spending time outside of their cages and can be trained to perch on your shoulder or finger. With proper care and attention, a cockatiel can become a playful member of your family.

Cockatiels love to eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a high-quality seed mix. We highly recommend including some pellets in their diet to ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients. Also, avoid feeding your cockatiel any sugary or fatty foods, as these can lead to health problems.

  Cockatiels’ exceptional night vision is attributed to their enlarged pupils. This remarkable adaptation enables them to see with unmatched clarity even in low-light environments.

Pacific Parrotlet – The Small but Energetic Parrot 

Despite their small size, Pacific Parrotlets are full of energy and liveliness. They are highly intelligent and can be trained to learn basic commands and even perform simple tasks.

Don’t let their small size fool you! Pacific Parrotlets may be tiny, but they are packed with energy and personality. These intelligent birds are quick learners and can be trained to perform a variety of tricks and commands.

With their vibrant plumage and curious nature, Pacific Parrotlets make the best companions for beginners. They thrive on mental stimulation and enjoy playing with toys and solving puzzles. If you’re looking for a small parrot with an extra temperament, the Pacific Parrotlet is an excellent choice.

To keep your Pacific Parrotlet healthy and happy, pay attention to their diet. Make sure they get a balanced mix of fresh, bird-safe fruits and veggies, along with small seeds, high-quality pellets, and nutritious protein sources like eggs. And don’t forget about calcium –if you have a female bird that’s laying eggs.

  Did you know that those little Parrotlets have a surprisingly big appetite? These energetic birds have a fast metabolism and therefore need a constant supply of food. Make sure to keep an eye on their portion sizes while still keeping them well-fed and happy!

Peach-faced Lovebird – Highly Social Pet Parrots

Lovebirds are admired for their vibrant colors, which include a stunning palette of peach, green, and blue. These wonderful birds are not just about looks. They are also famous for their affectionate nature, which has earned them their name, ‘Lovebirds’.

Peach-faced Lovebirds, with their beautiful plumage and affectionate nature, are fascinating pets for beginners. These small parrots are known for their strong bond with their mates. Peach-faced Lovebirds are highly social birds and enjoy spending time with their owners as well. With their vibrant colors and loving nature, lovebirds can bring a lot of joy and happiness into your life.

Peach-faced Lovebirds have specific dietary requirements. They love to eat a mix of seeds, fruits, and vegetables. A variety of seeds such as millet, canary seeds, and sunflower seeds are a staple in their diet.

They also enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, including but not limited to apples, pears, broccoli, and spinach. The key to their health is a diverse and balanced diet, ensuring they receive all the necessary nutrients and vitamins they need.

  One of the most striking characteristics of Peach-faced Lovebirds is their strong monogamous bonds. Lovebirds mate for life, and they are often seen in pairs, showing mutual care and affection for each other.

African Grey Parrot – The Talkative Pet Parrot Breed

African Grey Parrots are highly intelligent and have the ability to mimic human speech with incredible accuracy. They require dedicated mental stimulation and social interaction to thrive.

African Grey Parrots are renowned for their exceptional intelligence and remarkable ability to mimic human speech. These highly intelligent birds require a lot of mental stimulation and social interaction to thrive. African Grey Parrots are known for their strong bonds with their owners and can become lifelong friends. With their impressive cognitive abilities and engaging natures, African Grey Parrots are a popular choice for bird enthusiasts.

African Grey Parrots have a diverse diet in the wild that includes fruits, nuts, and seeds. In captivity, they should be fed a balanced diet consisting of parrot pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables, and a small amount of seeds and nuts. Also, they should always have access to clean, fresh water to keep them hydrated.

The ability of African Grey Parrots to mimic human speech is not just imitation. They can associate words with their meanings and use them in context.

Important Feeding Tips for Pet Parrots

Proper nutrition is essential for the overall health and well-being of your pet parrot. A balanced diet should consist of fresh fruits, vegetables, high-quality pellets, and a moderate amount of seeds. It’s important to offer a variety of foods to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients. Avoid feeding them toxic foods such as chocolate, avocado, caffeine, and alcohol.

• Fresh fruits are an excellent treat for most of the pet parrots. Include apples, bananas, grapes, and oranges in their diet. These fruits not only provide essential vitamins and minerals but also add a burst of flavor to their diet.
• Vegetables play a crucial role in a parrot’s diet. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are rich in antioxidants and help boost their immune system. Other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli provide essential vitamins and fiber. Remember to chop the vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces to make it easier for your parrot to consume.
• Seeds are a favorite treat for many parrots, but it’s important to offer them in moderation. While seeds provide healthy fats and proteins, they can also be high in calories. Too many seeds can lead to obesity and other health issues. It’s best to offer a small amount of seeds as an occasional treat rather than a staple part of their diet.
• While fresh foods are important, high-quality commercial pellets are also a vital part of a parrot’s diet. These pellets provide a well-balanced mix of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Look for pellets that are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. We highly recommend consulting with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate pellet brand and portion size for your specific parrot species.
• Don’t offer foods that are toxic to parrots. This can include chocolate, avocado, caffeine, and alcohol among others. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to birds and can cause severe health issues. Avocado contains a substance called persin, which is toxic to many animals, including parrots. Caffeine and alcohol should also be avoided as they can have detrimental effects on a parrot’s nervous system and overall health.
• Remember to provide fresh water at all times and monitor their eating habits to ensure they are maintaining a healthy weight. A healthy diet is the basis for a happy and vibrant pet parrot.

Let’s Wrap it Up!

If done right, owning a parrot can be a great experience. What they require in abundance is love, attention, a well-balanced diet, and regular exercise.

The 5 (five) parrots we discussed stand out as excellent choices for beginners, mainly due to their manageable size, friendly nature, and relatively simple care requirements. Their sizes are manageable, meaning they won’t require a large amount of space in your home. Their friendly nature makes them wonderful pet friends, and they are known to build strong bonds with their owners. The care they require is not overly complex, making it easier for a beginner to meet their needs and ensure they thrive.

Proper nutrition is vital for pet parrots’ health and well-being. A balanced diet, inclusive of fruits, vegetables, and high-quality pellets, should be consistently provided. This not only ensures they receive all the necessary nutrients but also contributes to their overall life expectancy, vitality, and happiness.