If your child has requested a pet bird, there are several factors to consider, including care and space requirements, social needs, and noise level. Most importantly, you should select a bird species that can coexist well with children. Explore the top seven bird species that make the best pets for kids.

Tip Be cautious, as pet birds can be sources of allergens. They typically produce dust that may trigger allergic reactions such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis, and some forms of asthma. Children might react to bird allergens similarly to dog or cat dander. Bird feather mites and dust from droppings can also cause reactions.

Tip

Be cautious, as pet birds can be sources of allergens. They typically produce dust that may trigger allergic reactions such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis, and some forms of asthma. Children might react to bird allergens similarly to dog or cat dander. Bird feather mites and dust from droppings can also cause reactions.

8 Top Loudest Parrots Often Kept as Pets

Ringneck Parakeet

Finch

![A zebra finch perched on a branch]

Finches and canaries (a type of finch) make excellent pets for kids because they require minimal interaction and are easy to care for. Young children enjoy these birds because they are fascinating to watch and provide soothing "music" with their gentle chirps and chatter. However, they should remain in their cages. Though not hands-on pets, finches add charm to your home. If you choose finches for your child, consider getting two or more, as they thrive on companionship. Finches can often be adopted from local shelters and rescue groups. They have a life expectancy of 3 to 15 years.

Species Overview Length: 5 to 6 inchesWeight: 1/2 ouncePhysical Characteristics: Bright yellow, whitish, or reddish body

Species Overview

Length: 5 to 6 inchesWeight: 1/2 ouncePhysical Characteristics: Bright yellow, whitish, or reddish body

Dove

Doves (or pigeons) are known for their sweet and gentle dispositions. Unlike hard-beaked hookbill parrots, softbilled doves rarely attempt to bite and cause minimal damage due to their softer beaks. However, positive socialization and bonding techniques are beneficial. They are suitable pets for older children who can be calm and gentle. Doves also require companionship and do best in pairs. Providing mirrors and swings in their cage can enhance their play, but they should also have free-flight time to interact with human caretakers. Doves and pigeons typically live for 10 to 25 years.

Species Overview Length: 11 to 13 inchesWeight: 5 to 8 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Pure white, gray, white with gray, tangerine, pied, and orange; black eyes, black bill, dark purple feet

Species Overview

Length: 11 to 13 inchesWeight: 5 to 8 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Pure white, gray, white with gray, tangerine, pied, and orange; black eyes, black bill, dark purple feet

Lovebird

Lovebirds are among the smallest parrot species. These colorful birds possess the intelligence and personality typically found in larger macaws. Despite their vibrant nature, they are fairly quiet, making them ideal pets for children living in apartments or condominiums. Lovebirds generally have a life expectancy of 10 to 20 years.

Species Overview Length: 5 to 6 inchesWeight: 2 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Mostly green, orange upper body and head, blue lower back and rump; red beak, white eyerings

Species Overview

Length: 5 to 6 inchesWeight: 2 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Mostly green, orange upper body and head, blue lower back and rump; red beak, white eyerings

Budgie (Parakeet)

![Girl with a green budgie sitting on her hand]

Budgies (or parakeets) are colorful birds native to Australia, making delightful pets for young aviculturists. They tolerate handling well, are relatively easy to care for, and can even learn to mimic human speech. Budgies have gentle personalities and often form strong bonds with their owners, making them wonderful companions for young bird enthusiasts. They have a life expectancy of 7 to 15 years.

Species Overview Length: 7 inchesWeight: 1 ouncePhysical Characteristics: Light green body with black wing markings and yellow head; captive-bred colors include blue, gray, green, white, violet, yellow/blue

Species Overview

Length: 7 inchesWeight: 1 ouncePhysical Characteristics: Light green body with black wing markings and yellow head; captive-bred colors include blue, gray, green, white, violet, yellow/blue

Cockatiel

![Girl with a cockatiel sitting on her shoulder]

Cockatiels are larger than finches and budgies, yet they are still one of the best pet birds for kids. They can learn to talk, whistle, and perform tricks, making them delightful companions for children. Cockatiels thrive with older children who can engage and interact with them regularly. They enjoy time outside their cage, meaning they require more cleanup than finches or budgies. Choose cockatiels for children who are genuinely interested in keeping and learning about birds. Cockatiels typically live for 15 to 20 years, though some can reach up to 30 years.

Species Overview Length: 11 to 12 inchesWeight: 2.5 to 3.5 ouncePhysical Characteristics: Light gray body with long, dark gray tail, yellow and gray crest, yellow face; orange ear patch and white on the wing; dark gray bill

Species Overview

Length: 11 to 12 inchesWeight: 2.5 to 3.5 ouncePhysical Characteristics: Light gray body with long, dark gray tail, yellow and gray crest, yellow face; orange ear patch and white on the wing; dark gray bill

Quaker Parakeet

The monk parakeet, or Quaker, is a small parrot. Despite being medium-sized birds, they are relatively easy for children to clean up after. As children verbally interact around the cage, these birds often pick up and mimic words and sounds. Monk parakeets typically live for 20 to 30 years.

Species Overview Length: 11 inchesWeight: 4 to 5 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Bright green, white or blue body; gray breast, cheeks, and throat resembles colonial-era Quaker clothing; orange beaks

Species Overview

Length: 11 inchesWeight: 4 to 5 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Bright green, white or blue body; gray breast, cheeks, and throat resembles colonial-era Quaker clothing; orange beaks

Bantam Chicken

The Silkie is a true bantam chicken, meaning it is a miniature breed of farm fowl. They are excellent pets for kids due to their sweet, cuddly, and friendly nature. Their distinctive "fluffy" feathers enhance their charming appearance. Silkies do not tolerate heat well but thrive in colder climates. They do best in large enclosures but also enjoy roaming. Silkies have a shorter life expectancy compared to other pet birds, typically living between 7 and 9 years.

Species Overview Length:8 to 14 inchesWeight:26 to 32 ouncesPhysical Characteristics:Walnut comb; fluffy feathers of black, white, partridge, buff, gray and blue color varieties

Species Overview

Length:8 to 14 inchesWeight:26 to 32 ouncesPhysical Characteristics:Walnut comb; fluffy feathers of black, white, partridge, buff, gray and blue color varieties

When choosing a pet bird for a child, safety should be the primary concern. Avoid selecting birds with strong, hard beaks, as the potential damage from accidental bites can be quite severe and cause permanent scarring to a child's delicate skin. Additionally, larger birds tend to produce louder screeches, so hearing safety is also a consideration. Some large pet birds can be as loud as a jumbo jet during takeoff in terms of decibels.