best parrot for family

What is the Best Parrot to be Your Family Pet?

Share this post!

Thinking about adding a parrot to your family? 🦜 Well, get ready for a mix of feathers, chatter, and plenty of personality! 

Parrots aren’t just exotic pets—they’re intelligent, social, and form amazingly strong bonds with their families. Whether it’s their knack for mimicking human speech, their playful nature, or their stunning colors, these birds can quickly become the center of attention (and affection) in any household.

But here’s the thing: choosing the best parrot for your family isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. With so many species of parrots to choose from—like African grey parrots, sun conures, and quaker parrots—it’s important to find the one that fits your family’s vibe. Whether you’re considering larger parrots like macaws or smaller species like budgies, there’s a bird out there for everyone.

Well, last summer we took care of a family friend’s parrot while they were on vacation. Let’s just say it was quite the adventure! I was so scared of messing something up 😅

From feeding to dealing with its chatty nature, we got a crash course in what it’s like to have a feathery friend as part of the family. Spoiler alert: we learned a lot about their quirks and care needs.

Stick around as we explore what makes parrots such great family pets and help you find the perfect companion for your home. 

Let’s dive into the wonderful world of parrots! 🐦

Types of Parrots – Finding Your Feathery Friend

Parrots come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny, chirpy budgies to bold and majestic macaws. 

The type of bird that’s best for your family depends on your lifestyle, space, and how much time you’re willing to dedicate to their care.

1.1 Larger Parrots (Great for Bird Lovers with Space and Time)

Larger parrots, like African grey parrots, macaws, and Amazon parrots, are often the stars of the parrot family. Known for their impressive intelligence, these birds thrive on social interaction and can develop deep connections with their owners.

African greys, for example, are often considered the best talkers, mimicking human speech with uncanny accuracy. Meanwhile, macaws, such as the scarlet macaw or the vibrant hyacinth macaw, captivate with their bold personalities and striking colors.

But owning these larger birds isn’t just about admiring their beauty. They need large flight cages and dedicated time for mental stimulation and exercise.

Families with older children or experienced pet owners usually do best with these strong-willed, high-maintenance companions.

Grey Parrot
African Grey Parrot
Photo by Magda Ehlers

Pros:

  • Known for forming strong bonds with their owners
  • Many are excellent talkers, bringing humor and liveliness to a home
  • Make great family pets for those ready for the commitment

Cons:

  • High noise levels—these are not quiet birds!
  • Require much time and attention to prevent boredom or behavioral issues
  • Need spacious environments and proper care to stay healthy

1.2 Smaller Parrots (Ideal for First-Time Bird Owners)

If you’re new to the parrot world, smaller species like green-cheeked conures, female cockatiels, and budgies are excellent starter birds.

Their small size makes them easy to house, and they’re generally less demanding than their larger cousins. Budgies are some of the most common types of pet birds and are loved for their cheerful chirps and playful antics. Green-cheeked conures, while slightly larger, are known for their affectionate nature and bursts of energy.

Smaller parrots are especially good for families with young kids. They’re manageable in terms of care and diet, and their noise levels are more tolerable.

These little birds are also widely available in pet shops, making them accessible for first-time bird owners.

Pros:

  • Easier to care for and house compared to larger birds
  • Quiet enough to fit into apartments or smaller homes
  • Often more affordable and beginner-friendly

Cons:

  • Still need attention and a good diet to stay healthy
  • While less demanding, they thrive best with social interaction

1.3 Exotic Options

For families looking to add a unique flair to their household, exotic parrots are a great choice. Quaker parrots, pionus parrots, sun conures, eclectus parrots, and Indian ringneck parakeets are some standout options.

These species are known for their vibrant colors, distinct personalities, and, in many cases, their ability to mimic human speech. Eclectus parrots, for instance, have a striking appearance with males and females sporting completely different plumage colors. Sun conures, on the other hand, are social butterflies with a flair for entertaining.

While these birds make excellent pets for those seeking a standout companion, they do require plenty of time for bonding and training. Families that are ready for a slightly more advanced pet experience will find these birds incredibly rewarding.

Pros:

  • Eye-catching and full of personality
  • Many are good talkers and enjoy interacting with their families
  • Provide a unique pet experience

Cons:

  • Require more time and attention than small parrots
  • Exotic species can be louder or more challenging to care for

What Makes a Parrot a Good Pet?

Parrots are often called the “ultimate feathered friends”, but not every parrot is the right fit for every family. Their intelligence, personalities, and social needs can make them incredible companions, but they also come with unique challenges.

Let’s break down what makes these birds such special (and sometimes demanding) pets.

2.1 Personality and Social Needs

One of the most fascinating things about parrots is how different their personalities can be. From the playful antics of green-cheeked conures to the affectionate, cuddly nature of cockatoos, parrots are full of character.

Cockatoos, for instance, are often referred to as “velcro birds” because of their love for constant interaction and snuggles. Similarly, green-cheeked conures are small but mighty when it comes to affection and playfulness—they’re like having a toddler with feathers!

However, this social nature comes with a need for attention. Parrots thrive on interaction, and without it, they can become lonely or even develop behavioral issues like feather-plucking. Families that are home often or have multiple members who can share the responsibility of bonding with the bird will do well.

Keep in mind, these aren’t pets you can leave alone for long stretches of time.

2.2 Talking Ability and Interaction

Let’s talk about one of the coolest (and most entertaining) traits of some parrots—their ability to mimic human speech. Species like African grey parrots and yellow-naped Amazons are famous for being the best talkers in the bird world.

These parrots don’t just mimic words; they can learn phrases, mimic sounds, and even hold what feels like a conversation. They bring humor and excitement to family life—you might even catch yourself sharing their antics on TikTok! 🐦

But talking ability varies widely by species. While African greys and Amazons are chatterboxes, smaller species like budgies and Indian ringnecks are also excellent at picking up words.

Talking birds can make family time even more engaging, but don’t expect every parrot to be a talker—it often depends on the individual bird’s personality and how much time you spend teaching them.

2.3 Consider Noise Levels and Time Commitment

Parrots are not known for being quiet, but noise levels can range from tolerable to ear-piercing.

If you’re looking for a quieter companion, pionus parrots are a great option. On the other hand, macaws and cockatoos have a reputation for being some of the loudest species, and their calls can be heard throughout the neighborhood. While the noise might be fun for bird lovers, it’s worth considering how it might affect your neighbors (and your sanity).

Time is another important factor. Parrots require more than just food and water; they need daily socialization, mental stimulation, and exercise.

Without plenty of time dedicated to their care, parrots can become bored or destructive.

Families with a lot of commitments might want to consider easier, quieter birds, like female cockatiels or budgies. However, if you’re ready to dive into the world of parrot care, these feathered friends will reward you with loyalty and affection.

pexels timmossholder 1618424
Macaw
Photo by Tim Mossholder

First-Time Bird Owners – What to Know

Adding a parrot to your family for the first time is exciting, but it’s also a big responsibility. These intelligent birds bring joy, chatter, and color into your home, but it’s important to choose wisely and prepare thoroughly

Here’s what you need to know before bringing home your first feathered friend.

3.1 Choosing Your First Bird

Not all parrots are created equal, especially when it comes to first-time bird owners. The right choice depends on your family setup, available space, and how much time you can dedicate to your new pet.

If you have young children, smaller birds like cockatiels, budgies, or monk parakeets are ideal.

These starter birds are relatively easy to care for, form strong bonds with their owners, and aren’t as demanding as their larger cousins.

Yellow Cockateil
Cockateil
Photo by Werlley Meira

For families with older children or more experience, slightly bigger birds like green-cheeked conures can be a great fit.

Just remember, larger birds like African grey parrots or macaws require significant space, attention, and commitment, so they’re not always the best option for beginners.

When choosing your first bird, consider how much noise you can handle, the size of your home, and the level of interaction your family wants. Smaller species are perfect for households that want an affectionate bird with less fuss.

3.2 Preparing for Your New Feathered Friend

Bringing home a parrot is a bit like preparing for a baby—you’ll need to set up a safe, comfortable environment where they can thrive. Start with a spacious cage, ideally a large flight cage, to give your bird room to move and explore. Include perches, ladders, and toys to keep them mentally stimulated. Parrots are naturally curious, so safe toys are a must to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Diet is another biggie. Parrots need a balanced mix of pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Avoid overly processed or sugary treats, as they can lead to health issues.

Fresh water should always be available, and regular cage cleaning is key to keeping your bird healthy and happy.

Lastly, think about where you’ll place the cage. Parrots love being in the heart of the action, so choose a spot where they can interact with the family but still have some quiet time when needed.

3.3 Our Experience: Feeding a Friend’s Parrot

Last summer, we got a firsthand glimpse into the world of parrot care when we babysat a family friend’s parrot. 

Caring for it was a mix of fun and learning. Its diet included fresh produce and a mix of pellets, and we quickly learned how important it was to maintain a routine. The parrot thrived on interaction, and soaking up attention from everyone.

One surprising takeaway? Parrots can be incredibly intuitive. The experience gave us a newfound appreciation for the level of care and commitment parrots require, but it also reinforced just how rewarding they can be as pets.

Takeaway

Choosing the right parrot for your family comes down to a few key factors: size, personality, and lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of smaller parrots like budgies and cockatiels or the bold presence of larger birds like African greys and macaws, there’s a parrot species out there for everyone.

Remember to consider your home space, time commitment, and the noise level your family can handle when making your decision.

No matter the type of bird you choose, with proper care, plenty of attention, and a good diet, parrots can make wonderful companions. They’re intelligent, affectionate, and capable of forming strong bonds with their families. Whether it’s their playful antics or their ability to mimic human speech, these feathery friends quickly win hearts.

Take your time to visit pet stores or reputable breeders, and do your homework to find the best match for your family. The right parrot will bring joy, laughter, and a splash of personality to your home.

And let’s be real—once you bring a parrot into your life, it won’t take long for them to become the star of the show

They’ll talk to anyone who’ll listen, critique your cooking, and probably boss you around a little. 

But that’s the charm of having a parrot—they’re not just pets; they’re family members with wings! 🦜

Similar Posts