ETHICS: Birds kept as pets are wild animals. Some people feel strongly that they should not be kept in cages. Birds kept outdoors are subject to disease from wild birds and of course, exposed to the elements, insects and predators. Birds fly for the same reasons that people run; to escape predators, to move to a new location to find food or shelter. Just as some people choose not to run unless it’s an emergency, some birds seem to prefer a comfortable life of leisure. However, many birds are given up each year because the signs of stress on their health and behavior cause people to give up on keeping them. Birds caught in the wild and shipped overseas to be sold as pets are subject to cruelty and neglect and some die in transit.

TINY BIRDS
Finches and Canaries come in many colors and depending on their availability can be inexpensive. They are often too fast moving to be easily tamed though many people have done so with patience. Finches or Canaries can be caged with non-toxic plants in an aviary or kept in individual cages as pets.

Breeding: In some species, males and females can be differentiated by the color of their feathers. Bird pairs of these species will usually reproduce readily if they have access to nesting materials. Tiny birds can survive on a diet of bird seed and fresh water. However, they will remain healthier if they have fresh fruits, vegetables and sprouted seeds and access to water for bathing.

SMALL BIRDS
Budgies (called parakeets in the US) and Cockatiels are affectionate and intelligent pets. They live 15-20 years.  The smallest parrots, Love Birds and Parrotlets are short tailed species that enjoy climbing and hiding inside boxes and tubes. Budgies and Cockatiels can learn to talk. Rumor has it that the males are better talkers. However, the Guinness Book of Records gives the vocabulary prize to a female Budgie. 

Breeding: Small birds breed readily in the company of other breeding pairs. Differentiating between the sexes of the parrots is not possible without a medical test but in green budgies or gray cockatiels, there are color differences between genders. However, selective breeding has created unusual colors of parakeets (violet, yellow and blue) and cockatiels (cinnamon and lutino). In these developed colors, it may be difficult to be sure.  

MEDIUM BIRDS
Indian Ringnecks, South American Conures, Bourke’s Parakeets, Rosellas, Caiques, Lorries and Lorikeets are a varied group of medium sized, colorful birds that need room to move. Some of these birds require special diets of nectar and insects. Senegals, Meyer's, Jardines and Pionus parrots are not as loud as other species and can be kept in an apartment without disturbing the neighbors. Bird fanciers are attracted by the beauty and playfulness of this colorful and active group of birds. 

Breeding: Many of these species cannot be sexually differentiated without a medical test though some breeders feel they can tell based on the bird's behavior or subtle physical characteristics such as posture or pelvic girth. Since they have a 50/50 chance of being correct, this may be good enough. However, many unsuccessful pairings are discovered to be two birds of the same sex that displayed the behavior of a true couple, even laying eggs.

LARGE BIRDS
Amazon and African Parrot species are commonly named to reflect their coloring such as Gray, Yellow Nape, Blue Front or Orange Wing. Large parrots are not graceful flyers, so they need room to climb. Amazon and African Parrots are quite popular because of their ability to mimic sounds, especially human voices. Amazon species are very active and vocal. Because they are wild animals, stress in captivity can affect their longevity. Many stories of birds living close to a human life span are reported but are not always documented with import records or vet histories. Proven life spans indicate that these birds can live 30 or 40 years. When their needs for nutrition, space and security are met, they make well adjusted pets. 

Breeding: Most of these birds require medical testing to differentiate the sexes. These larger birds are difficult to breed in captivity.  Since parrots can become aggressive while protecting a nest, many pet owners choose not to breed their pets.  In addition, many hand raised babies do not make good parents since they prefer to be with people and may not have learned normal breeding behavior. However, they cannot be routinely neutered so some hormonal behavior is inevitable.

GIANT BIRDS
Cockatoos and Macaws are also popular species for pets. Cockatoos are known for developing an intense bond with their caretaker or mate. Both Cockatoos and Macaws can be intimidating in appearance because their beak is large and easily cracks open shelled nuts. These birds are usually quite gentle to family members but can be difficult for strangers to handle. Though giant birds also prefer climbing to flying, they require considerable space because of their wing span and can be too loud to be kept in suburban neighborhoods.  

Breeding: They can be difficult to breed in captivity due to space requirements and the difficulty of arranging the "marriage" of two birds who have their own opinions about selecting a mate for life.  When given an opportunity to fly and choose a mate, they are successful captive breeders. 

SOFT BILL BIRDS
Mynah birds, Toucans and Starlings are excellent mimics, too. These birds eat a soft diet of fruit and meat (from insects) and are messier than the average bird. They are not good climbers so they must have plenty of room to fly. They are some of the most intelligent bird species. 

Breeding: Soft Bills require so much space to raise young that they are not commonly bred in captivity. 

Check out more about the intelligence of birds through links on the Animal Cognition  page.