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Birds and Kids

How to Choose a Bird for Your Children

“Mom, pleeeeze can’t I get a bird?” “I promise I’ll take of it, I promise, really..."

Heard those words recently? Now you are trying to figure out how to choose a bird for your child, and if getting a bird makes any sense at all?  I remember when my oldest son first asked for a bird, we had a cat and I had owned dogs and hamsters etc. when I was a kid but I had never really even been around a bird.  So when he finally got his way.  I had no idea how to choose a bird for a child or even where the best place to get birds was.

So, we headed to the pet store and got him four Zebra Finches, (they were small and "inexpensive.”   We got home with all the paraphernalia (Including a stack of “how to” books) and set up a home for our new members.   Well. my son did really take care of the birds, but we soon had five cages instead of the one we started out with.  I found out the hard way that Finches reproduce rapidly.  The information you find here at Tame That Wild Thing! will help you avoid the problems I ran into.  So, how do you choose a bird for a child?

Zebra Finch

Children want pets; they love having and yes, caring for them.  But, choosing a bird for that child will fall to you most likely.  First, let me begin by saying, birds do make good pets for a child and for a family,  That is, as long as you know how to care for them, and you know which birds make the best choice for child.  In my experience, I think that there are three different species of birds that make good choices.  These birds are all good choices, it just depends on the age of you child, and how much care and/or handling you want the have.  Oh, and by the way, they are also reasonably priced and affordable.

Canaries and Finches – Best bird choice for a child under 10 years-old

		Although these two bird species are very different, the reason I have listed them together is because both Canaries and Finches are very independent birds that prefer being left in their cage.  They really don’t like to be handled; a good choice for a child who needs supervision around small animals.  They make great pets though for young children, they are beautiful, active, fun to watch and my son enjoyed the small noises they made, he said he like doing his homework to their “little” sounds.
Canaries

The important thing to remember is that although they don’t like much human handling, they do need company, so they should be placed where they won’t be isolated and they are social birds with other birds, so getting more than one is best.  The Zebra Finch is the easiest of the Finches to care for and there are lots of varieties of color to choose from.  As for Canaries, they come in three different variations, only one of them sings.  For more information on Zebra Finches  choosing a starter bird Link>>>
	Zebra Finch

Standard Parakeets or Budgies  - Best choice for a kid between 8 – 12 years-old

		Parakeets or Budgies (basically the same species of bird)  are a good choice for a child who is older and really wants to have a bird they can really bond with.  These birds are extremely colorful and come in a variety of colors. They come in colors that range from the green we are used to seeing to violet, and many combinations.  They can be taught to sit on fingers and some will even talk.  One of the reasons they are a good choice for kids in this age range is because they are still small enough to be easily handled and cared for.
Budgie/Parakeet

If the bird you get has been hand-raised, they will be more than happy to become your child’s best friend.  They are sweet natured and very personable. They can be funny pranksters, willing to learn tricks.  My daughter had a parakeet that would give kisses on command and find treats hidden in her shirt pocket. 

There are many variations of Parakeets, some that are more parrot-like then the standard Parakeet/Budgies, what I am suggesting as a good pet for a child in this age range is the standard parakeet.

Cockatiels – Best choice for a kid over 12 years-old

This is the largest of the birds I am suggesting, and only for older kids because of the amount of time and care that will be required. 

The Cockatiel is a wonderful mid sized bird, charming and funny and can bond closely with your child.  This bird will require a considerable amount of care and interaction, so I am only putting this on the list as a choice of bird for children who really truly will spend time, with the bird out of the cage, hand feeding, teaching it do to tricks, whistle, and even talk.  Cockatiels are smart, like to be challenged and delightful to work with if your child is actually going to spend this time, or you are willing to pick up the slack.  These birds really need human interaction and mental stimulation, including as much as two hours a day out of their cages.  They actually play with toys and puzzles made for birds.  I have known birds that have faded away without the proper attention, so be clear about the expectations and the rules for your child if you bring one of these magnificent birds into your family.

Cockatiel

For more information about birds Click Here

 Enjoy!!  

Birds make great pets if you choose the right bird for your child.