Good Pet Parrots for Apartments
Small, Relatively Quiet Species Which can be Kept in an Apartment
Oct 25, 2009
Just because you live in an apartment doesn't mean you can't enjoy the engaging personality of a colorful, outgoing, cheerful pet parrot. Read on to see which ones would be good for apartments.
Parakeets
These birds, more correctly known as budgerigars or budgies, are among the most popular pet birds owned in the United States. They are excellent pets for apartments because they make very little noise apart from chattering and chirping. Many budgies, especially the males, can be taught to talk, though not very well. A budgie can live for up to fifteen years and would be a good pet for a mature child.
Cockatiels
Cockatiels are larger than budgies but do not take up much more room. They are quieter and more soft-natured. Like their larger counterparts, cockatoos, they are cuddly and have powdery feathers, making them a good choice for people who want to handle their bird often but a poor choice for people suffering from dust allergies. Cockatiels live up to twenty years, making them a long term commitment. They would also be a good pet for a mature child.
Parrotlets
Parrotlets are tiny blue or green birds originating from South America. They are even smaller than lovebirds, making them a good choice for those with limited space. They might be hard to find, as most pet store do not stock them, but they are definitely worth trying to find, as they are very outgoing and comical. Parrotlet owners often say that good things come in small packages, and with good reason.
Lovebirds
Lovebirds are beautiful and colorful African natives. There are many varieties and color mutations, so you can find a lovebird in nearly any color. Lovebirds are fiestier than other bird species and can be louder, so they are more suited to an experienced bird owner and certainly would not make a good pet for a child. But those who can handle their spunk will have themselves an energetic and playful pet. Lovebirds can live up to twenty years.
Pyrrhura Conures
Conures are long-tailed parrots, often misleadingly referred to as parakeets. The Pyrrhura genus of conures tends to be quieter and more gentle-natured than the Aratinga genus with which pet store goers may be more familiar.
A popular choice from this genus is the green-cheeked conure, whose intricate dark green and maroon coloring, playful personality and small size make it a beautiful and endearing pet. Despite their size, conures require at least a medium sized cage and plenty of playtime.
Poicephalus
The Poicephalus genus is often overlooked because of its darker coloring and the fact that it is not well known: pet stores do not often stock these birds. Two picks from this genus are the Meyer's Parrot and Senegal Parrot, both native to Africa.
These parrots are moderately quiet, very playful and intelligent, and can be taught to talk. If you put in the time to look for a "Poi," as they are affectionally called, you will be rewarded. They live for thirty years or more.
Remember that all parrots require plenty of daily playtime, including time outside their cage, fresh fruits and vegetables, and human interaction. Parrots are long lived pets so you must be in for the long haul, and they do not make good pets for children, as they are delicate and require more complicated care.
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