Top Five Birds To Have As Pets For Kids

Thinking about adding a feathered friend to the family? Birds can make wonderful pets for kids because they’re colorful, entertaining, and full of personality. Of course, birds still need responsible care, patience, and adult supervision—but if your family is ready for the commitment, a bird can become a fun and lovable member of the household.

And let’s be honest: birds have a talent for making themselves the center of attention. They sing, chirp, play, and sometimes stare at you like they are silently judging your life choices. Here are five birds that can be great choices for families with children.

1. Budgies

Budgies, also called parakeets, are one of the most popular pet birds for families. They’re small, colorful, social, and full of personality. Despite their tiny size, these little birds can be surprisingly entertaining.

Budgies can learn to whistle, mimic sounds, and even learn a few words with patience and training. They also enjoy toys and interacting with their humans.

For kids, budgies can be a fun way to learn about responsibility and animal care. Just remember that their small size means they need gentle handling. No squeezing the bird because it is “extra cuddly today!”

2. Cockatiels

Cockatiels are a fantastic choice for families looking for a friendly and affectionate bird. They’re larger than budgies but still manageable for many households.

These birds are known for their charming personalities, whistles, and adorable little head crests. Many cockatiels enjoy spending time with their people and can become very attached to their families.

Kids can enjoy teaching them simple behaviors and spending time talking to them. Cockatiels can also be wonderfully silly, especially when they decide it’s time for a random dance party on their perch.

3. Finches

If your family wants birds that are fun to watch but don’t necessarily need lots of hands-on interaction, finches can be a great option.

Finches are active little birds that love flying around their enclosure, chirping, and socializing with other finches. They’re generally better for observing than handling, making them a good choice for children who are still learning how to interact gently with animals.

Watching a group of finches zip around their cage can feel a little like having a tiny feathered neighborhood living in your home.

4. Canaries

Canaries are another excellent choice for families who enjoy birds for their beautiful songs and cheerful personalities.

They are relatively independent and usually don’t require the same amount of handling as some other pet birds. Male canaries are especially well known for their singing.

A canary can give kids the opportunity to learn about feeding, cleaning, and caring for a pet while also enjoying its beautiful songs. Just don't expect your canary to perform on command. Apparently, feathered musicians have contracts too.

5. Lovebirds

Despite their tiny size, lovebirds have BIG personalities. These colorful little parrots are social, playful, and curious.

Lovebirds can form strong bonds with their owners when properly socialized and cared for. They enjoy toys, exploring, and interacting with their families. Their playful nature can make them especially entertaining for older children who understand the importance of gentle handling.

They may be small enough to fit in your hand, but don't let that fool you—they can have enough attitude to fill an entire living room!

Choosing the Right Bird for Your Family

While these birds can make wonderful family pets, it’s important to remember that no bird is completely “low maintenance.” Birds need proper food, clean living spaces, enrichment, veterinary care, and plenty of attention.

Parents should always be involved in the bird’s care, especially with younger children. Kids can help with age-appropriate tasks, but adults should remain responsible for making sure the bird’s needs are consistently met.

The best bird for your family will depend on your child’s age, your household, how much interaction you want, and how much time you can dedicate to caring for your new feathered friend.

🪶 Final Chirp

Budgies, cockatiels, finches, canaries, and lovebirds can all bring plenty of fun and personality into a home. Whether you want a tiny chatterbox, a beautiful singer, or an entertaining little bird who thinks they own the place, there’s a feathered friend for many different types of families.

Just remember: you may think you’re bringing home a pet bird, but the bird may believe you’ve been adopted.