These 7 Birds Make the Best Pets for Kids

These 7 Birds Make the Best Pets for Kids

Hey parents, if you’re pondering why these 7 birds make the best pets for kids, it’s because they bring that magic combo of laughs, easy upkeep, and fluffy friendship that can turn everyday chaos into something special with a few happy tweets. I’m Joshua Van, the guy who started and runs the show at our pet-loving blog, and I’ve got a soft spot for birds after years of filling my house with them from the budgie that perched on my son’s homework to the cockatiel that whistled along to cartoons, I’ve seen firsthand how they spark joy and teach little ones about caring for something alive.

Pulling from the newest tips floating around as of early 2026, like fresh takes from Chewy and The Spruce Pets, this roundup is all about spotting pet birds that click with families, being gentle and fun without demanding too much. These picks are forgiving for rookies and packed with personality. Let’s hop right in!

Key Takeaways

• Budgies are little talkers that nail the basics, helping kids learn the ropes of bird care while picking up funny phrases.
• Cockatiels dish out hugs and tunes, spot-on for bigger kids itching for more hands-on time in a healthy pet routine.
• Canaries serenade softly with zero need for constant petting, a win for hectic homes craving melodic pet birds.
• Finches buzz around in pairs, offering non-stop shows that kids can watch without grabbing.
• Lovebirds ooze charm in a small frame, building tight bonds but mind the occasional peck with tiny tots.
• Doves murmur sweetly and stay chill, fitting right in with laid-back kiddos who dig quiet hangs.
• Parrotlets are spunky mini-explorers, delivering heaps of excitement for crews up for everyday fun.

Why Feathered Friends Rock for Little Ones

Choosing pet birds for your gang goes beyond the cute factor it’s about syncing with your family’s rhythm to keep the vibes good and everyone healthy. Over my stretch of rescuing birds and swapping yarns with other folks, I’ve watched these winged pals dish out lessons in kindness and sticking to schedules, plus a dash of nature smarts. But fair warning: they’re living beings, not playthings. Spots like The Spruce Pets suggest kicking off with types that roll with the punches from excited kids. Best for 8-year-olds and up who get the gentle touch, and keep an eye out to dodge any whoops moments.

Chatter levels? Some hum softly, others crank it up match it to your pad. They stick around 5-30 years, so plan ahead. Setup might ding your wallet $100-300, with ongoing nibbles and gadgets at $20-50 a month. My advice? Swing by a rescue for that warm fuzzy and often sturdier starters.

The Lineup: Our Favorite Feathers

1. Budgies (Parakeets) The Goofy Gabbers

Budgies hooked me first! These 7-inch Aussies splash in blues, greens, yellows, jazzing up any kid’s nook. Why ace the best pets for kids spot? They’re chill with slip-ups, master tricks like hopping on fingers, and some echo words like “good morning” or a sibling’s giggle. Mine once mimicked our doorbell cracked us up every time.

Bird care rundown: Roomy cage at least 18x18x18, pellets mixed with greens, and daily fly-abouts. Wipe down weekly, stock chews. Hang around 7-15 years. Vet folks push yearly once-overs for breathing checks. Downside? Seed scatters, but hey, that’s a quick sweep lesson.

2. Cockatiels – The Snuggle Whistlers

Bump up to cockatiels, these 12-inch crested cuties from Down Under crave closeness. Guys belt out melodies (mine learned “Twinkle Twinkle” in a week), gals prefer cozy spots. Fab for preteens wanting a shoulder buddy during reading time.

Healthy pet musts: Big enclosures, seeds to pellets to fruits. Weekly spritzes they splash like pros! Count on 15-25 years. From my flock, they’re powdery, so if sniffles run in the family, heads up. Tame young for solid connections.

3. Canaries – The Tune-Makers

For melody-loving kids who skip the holding, canaries shine especially those golden yellow ones. These 5-inch crooners from the islands (dudes spin fancy songs) do fine solo in mellow spots.

Bird care essentials: Basic perch setup, seeds with extras. Not much touching required; just swap water and tidy up. 10-15 years strong. Upsides: Quiet tunes, budget-friendly. Keep calm to skip plucking feathers, as the latest vet chats suggest.

4. Finches – The Hoppy Observers

Zebra or society? These 4-inch dynamos are like animated decor vibrant, zippy, and thrive in duos for that group energy. Kids get a kick from spying their antics sans the hold.

Healthy upkeep: Flight-friendly cages, special seeds, bits of green. Quick weekly scrubs. 5-10 years. Mega easy, but cram in and trouble brews rescues hammer home the space rule in recent notes.

5. Lovebirds – The Sassy Sweethearts

Name aside, these 6-inch Africans latch onto people big time. Peach-faces in greens and peaches pull stunts like tossing toys or perching upside down.

Pet birds needs: Loads of playthings to fight boredom, pellets with nuts. Duo if you can, or solo with chats. 10-20 years. Can snap when grumpy, so older kids rule; my nephew got the hang of soft approaches quick.

6. Doves – The Soft-Spoken Pals

Ringnecks or diamonds coo gently and roll with the flow. 8-12 inches, they’re bigger but super mild, often digging gentle rubs once comfy.

Prime bird care: Wide spaces, seed blends, grit for tums. Daily flaps. 10-15 years. Great for serene setups; less dust than chatty types, allergy bonus.

7. Parrotlets – The Tiny Daredevils

Pacific parrotlets cram big attitude into 5 inches. Blues, greens they’re fearless roamers who love games.

Healthy pet pointers: Chewables, mixed eats, everyday hangs. 15-20 years. Spendy but loyal; grab hand-raised ones for kid ease.

Getting the Nest Right: Home and Habits

Your pet birds‘ spot? Turn it into a haven! Bigger aviaries beat cramped cages 24x18x24 at minimum for small fry. Line with paper, add swings, mirrors for independents. Tuck away from breezes or stove smoke (bad news for lungs). Day-to-day: New grub, water refreshes, 10-12 hours of shut-eye (drape the cage).

Jazz it up? Hidden treats, search games sharpens wits. Health flags: Saggy wings or fluff-ups? Doc quick. 2026 buzz: Bird flu watch means isolating newcomers.

Hanging Out and Teaching Tricks: Family Fun

Ease into it let kids dangle millet from bars. Good energy only; birds pick up on jitters. My fave trick? Set play slots to flip duties into highlights. Nail “come here” for safe moves.

FAQs

Safe for little kids?

Yep, watched closely best pets for kids like budgies play nice, but no jabs.

Simplest bird care for newbies?

Finches or canaries: Light touch, fast tidies for healthy pet success.

Mix with other critters?

Possible, but solo zones dodge accidents birds and pups? Tricky.

How loud are these best pets for kids?

Depends: Canaries trill nicely, cockatiels pipe up no screeches like giants.

Allergy worries?

Pick low-dust doves; steady cleans make pet birds sneeze-proof.

Kid age for jumping in on bird care?

8 and older, grasping soft hands tinier ones? Just peeking.

References

• Chewy. “The Best Pet Birds For Kids.” Updated July 1, 2025.
• The Spruce Pets. “These 7 Birds Make the Best Pets for Kids.” Updated September 6, 2025.
• Grove City Agway. “Selecting The Right Pet Bird For Kids.” Accessed January 2026.
• Revelation Pets. “Top 10 Bird Species That Make Great Companions.” Updated September 16, 2025.
• Bird Watching Academy. Best Pet Birds for First Time Owners.” Updated July 30, 2025.