Does your animal companion have wings and a beak? If so, you’ll want to do something special for Polly on the 17th: it’s Pet Bird Day! Roughly 7.5 million American households include at least one of these charming creatures. A local Bucks County, PA vet goes over some basic information about some of the most popular pet birds in this article.  

Parakeet

It’s really no surprise to find these cute little fluffballs at the top of the list. Parakeets—also called budgeriars or Budgies—check all the boxes of what someone would want in a feathered companion. They’re intelligent, playful, gentle, and lots of fun. They’re also suitable for children, and are available in many pretty colors. Polly may even learn to speak a bit!  Another good thing about Budgies is the fact that they don’t have the super-long life expectancy of some birds. Most live about 12 to 14 years. That’s still a long-term commitment, but much more feasible for many than the 50 to 100 years that some birds live.

Cockatiel

Next on the list, we have the Cockatiel. These guys really stuff a lot of personality in small packages. Polly will keep you laughing, not only by whistling and singing, but also by imitating things like ringtones, doorbells, and maybe even you! 

Finch

These small, delightful birds aren’t as affectionate or playful as the Cockatiel or Budgie, which may make them a better option for someone who doesn’t want a pet that needs loads of toys or free time and is prone to belting out Bohemian Rhapsody during Zoom meetings. Finches do best in small groups of about 3 to 5 birds, and need cages that allow them to fly vertically. 

Lovebird

Polly is one of the smallest parrots, and she has many of the most desired characteristics of a bird, but in a smaller package. Lovebirds come in many bright and pretty colors. They’re fairly quiet, which makes them a suitable option for many apartment and condo dwellers, but are also quite smart. They can live up to 20 years.

African Gray Parrot

Last but certainly not least, we have the vivacious African Gray. Polly is thought to be the most intelligent bird. There are pros and cons that come with that. On the one hand, you’ll have a pet that is cute, affectionate, and loads of fun to interact with. However, you’ll need to provide lots and lots of toys and supervised playtime. 

Please contact us with questions about your bird’s health or care. As your local Bucks County, PA animal clinic, we’re here for you!