The easiest types of birds to raise at home
introduction
Raising domestic birds is a unique experience that combines vocal beauty and lively interaction with small creatures. However, it also requires a thorough understanding of each species' needs and unique circumstances. Before acquiring any bird, it's important to understand its average lifespan (for example, some parrots can live for over twenty years), its noise level (such as the quiet chirping of a canary versus the loud squawking of a parrot), and the expected cost of food and veterinary care. It's also important to understand import and environmental conservation laws to avoid harming wild species. Additionally, it's advisable to ensure you have enough time to interact with your bird and clean its cage, as most birds require daily or weekly cleaning and bedding changes to prevent disease. This comprehensive consideration ensures a safe and enjoyable trip for both the bird and its owner.
Some easy-to-raise bird breeds
It's important to consider several factors before deciding to raise a bird at home, including: identifying the care and environmental requirements, appropriate cage size, food types, and medical needs. It's also preferable to choose tame and safe species, especially if you have children in the house. Below is information on the most popular pet birds:
Canary
Nature and Behavior: Quiet, dislikes constant contact with humans. Occasional release from the cage is sufficient. It is known for its melodious singing.
Ideal Environment: Temperature around 24°C, partially sunny, well-ventilated. It can adapt to lower outdoor temperatures, but avoid kitchen fumes.
Cage Size: Preferably rectangular, with dimensions no less than two and a half times the wingspan, and with a distance between bars no greater than 1.27 cm.
Feeding: A mixture of protein-rich seeds, fruits, vegetables, and boiled eggs to provide calcium.
Cockatiel
Nature and Behavior: Social, intelligent, and trainable with simple commands such as "come" or "go," but sensitive to moods and emotions, they cannot be trained when frightened or stressed.
Cage Placement: Near the living room or bedroom, away from the kitchen and open windows, as drafts and strong odors disturb them.
Suggested Dimensions: Approximately 50 x 50 x 75 cm. Provide perches and toys of various sizes and textures to maintain healthy feet. Change the bottom paper every two days.
Feeding: Specialized grains and seeds, and fresh dark leafy vegetables, not exceeding 20% of the diet, every two days.
Zebra finch (Fish Mongoose)
Nature and Behavior: Highly social, able to understand words without repeating them. Requires daily interaction and may become disturbed by children while eating or sleeping; therefore, it is best to place its cage in a quiet place.
Sociability with other animals: Possible if trained and accustomed to birds from a young age. Male zebra finch may exhibit short-term protective reactions.
Feeding: A mixture of canary seed, millet, and other species, with fruits, leafy vegetables, and cooked, sterilized eggshells.
Budgie (Cockatiel)
Nature and Behavior: Friendly, attached to its owner, loves to play with humans, and doesn't make a lot of mess.
Cage Size: Square, at least 45 cm on each side, with bars no wider than 1.27 cm.
Cage Activities: Wooden, metal, or flexible plastic ladders and a non-shattering mirror, replaced weekly to prevent boredom.
Feeding: Seeds along with finely chopped fruits and vegetables, avoiding avocados, salty or sweet foods, chocolate, and caffeinated drinks.
Lovebirds
Nature and Behavior: Small, sociable, plays outside the cage frequently, and may become stressed or anxious if they don't receive enough interaction or toys.
Temperature: 18–26°C, with protection from sudden fluctuations.
Cage Size: At least 45 x 45 x 60 cm for an individual, and 60 x 45 x 60 cm for a pair.
Feeding: Seeds fortified with carbohydrates, fats, fiber, and vitamins, with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion
In conclusion, raising domestic birds is a fun and nurturing experience, but it requires a daily commitment to cleanliness, nutrition, and the bird's health and comfort. Choosing easy-to-raise species helps reduce the effort, but that doesn't negate the importance of regular, responsible monitoring.