- Every species of pet birds has unique benefits and drawbacks, so research is critical in making the right decision. Cockatiels are generally considered one of the best pet birds for beginners, however, because they are relatively simple to care for and generally even tempered.
- If your bird is an African grey or Amazon parrot, it will probably learn at least a few words. Other species also can learn to mimic human speech, and some birds are quite the chatterboxes. Still, no pet bird is guaranteed to talk, and many don't begin to speak for several years.
- Most pet birds do best on a varied diet that includes a formulated diet (pellets), fresh fruits and vegetables, and some healthful cooked foods such as unsalted beans. Seeds should be given only as treats. Keep in mind that some pet birds, such as eclectus parrots, hyacinth macaws, lories and toucans, require specialized diets.
- In most cases, you should choose the largest cage you can accommodate reasonably. A rule of thumb is that the width of the cage should be (at an absolute minimum) twice the bird's wingspan. To prevent injury, make sure the bar spacing is appropriate for the species.
- Buying a single bird as a household pet is almost always better than buying two. If you decide you get other birds, you should house them separately. The exception to this is if you are buying finches or other birds that generally are not handled; in this case, consider buying two females so they keep each other company.
- The safest choice is always a young but weaned handfed bird. On the other hand, quite a few adult birds need new homes. If you do choose to adopt an adult, spend time interacting with the bird before deciding whether to bring it home. Never buy an unweaned baby bird.
