Domestic Birds

After dogs and cats, birds are one of the most popular pets. More and more people are choosing to increase their family and bring joy to their home with one of these colourful and fun species.

They are easy to care for and do not require as much attention, as they do not need to go outdoors and can spend more time alone. Although there are birds that are extremely sociable you will have to spend time with every day.

General care of domestic birds:

  • Clean, fresh water.
  • Special food. Each species needs specific nutrition, based on seeds, canaryseed, feed, fruit…
  • Clean cage. You should keep your bird’s space clean to avoid disease and to make its environment as hygienic as possible. Change the litter or newspaper when it is too dirty; once a week is enough, but it will depend on each bird.
  • Lighting. Like us, it is good for all birds to have a daily dose of sunshine.

The most common domestic birds

Small birds

  • Parakeets

It is one of the most common and popular birds in the home. It is small in size and very easy to care for and tame. They are sociable and are ideal for getting started in the world of birds as a pet if you are a first-timer. It is a good choice for children and they can live alone or in pairs, although we always recommend that they have a partner to keep them company and socialize with their own species. You will love them!

Parakeets measure between 15 and 18 cm and have a life expectancy of about 12 years. The top of their beak (wax) will help you determine whether they are male or female when they are adults: if they are blue, they are male, if they are tan, they are pale pink, female.

  • Canaries

Popular for its song and yellow color. They are friendly, although not as sociable with humans as parakeets. Singing is synonymous with happiness and good health. If you are not convinced by a constant melody of chirping and trilling every time you pass by, you’d better choose another species!

Canaries are about 13 cm long and can live about 10 years in captivity.

  • Diamonds

They must live in pairs as they are very sociable birds that need the company of their own species, otherwise they would be sad. They are characterized by their bright and intense colors, which are different according to the species. The most famous are the Mandarin diamond and the gould diamond.

They are quiet domestic birds that love to bathe. We recommend having a container of water in the cage so that they can enjoy a bath whenever they feel like it.

They are only 10-12 cm long and have a life expectancy of 6 years.

  • Goldfinches

Goldfinches are easy to distinguish from other birds by their beautiful plumage and strong song, despite being only 12-15 cm long. You can identify them by the black colour around their eyes and the red line on their beaks.

They are very active, so they need a large cage with several perches or branches so they can have fun jumping around. You should avoid temperature changes and draughts to take care of their health, being suitable for a warm climate.

Their life expectancy is 9 to 11 years.

  • Agapornis

Known as the inseparable birds. This species must always be in pairs, live in monogamy and do everything together. They are very colorful and striking little parrots; the most common is green with a reddish head, although you can also find yellow, white and blue ones. The agapornis are not only adorable but also cheerful, sociable and enjoy people.

They measure between 13 and 16 cm and have a life expectancy of 10-15 years.

Medium sized birds

  • Nymphs

These friendly birds are a favorite of bird lovers. They are docile and playful and enjoy a lot of contact. They need a large cage with hangers to climb and toys to be entertained. In addition, it is advisable that they can go out and socialize for a while every day. You can identify them at first sight by their characteristic yellow crest and orange cheeks.

This bird has an approximate size of 35 cm and a life expectancy of about 15 years.

  • Parrots

Parrots are small, increasingly common pets. Also, don’t be surprised if you see them flying free in parks. Their introduction and subsequent release by humans, together with their high level of adaptation and ease of reproduction, has led to large wild colonies in many countries (being considered an invasive pest).

They are very sociable, intelligent and quite talkative (as well as noisy). Their character is somewhat rebellious and sometimes destructive, but they are affectionate and friendly.

They measure 25-30 cm and their life expectancy is 15-20 years.

Large birds

  • Cockatoos

One of the most friendly and sociable birds. They require a high level of attention and patience so, if you don’t have enough time to spend with them every day, you’d better opt for another domestic bird. They have beautiful white plumage and a funny yellowish crest. They are also usually quite noisy. You will need space to accommodate it in a large cage.

The cockatoo alba (which is the most common as a pet) measures between 40 and 60 cm and lives about 50 years

  • Grey red-tailed parrot: Yaco

As its name suggests, it is a completely grey parrot, except for its tail feathers which are reddish. Don’t be fooled by its dull appearance, it is a cheerful, sociable and especially talkative parrot. It is one of the most intelligent birds (ahead of cockatoos and macaws), capable of memorizing and repeating many words and phrases, always making sense and not just by imitation; according to studies, its level of intelligence is comparable to that of a five-year-old child.

If you don’t have enough time to spend with him, you’d better choose another domestic bird, because yacos enjoy immense company, play and caresses. They talk a lot, but they’re not very loud.

They are about 33 cm long and have a life expectancy of about 60 years, possibly even 100.

  • Macaw

It’s the species most of us think of when we hear about parrots. It stands out for its large size and its beautiful plumage in blue and yellow or red and blue; they are unmistakable. It is characterized by being a super sociable, happy and fun domestic bird. It also has the ability to learn and repeat words.

They are very affectionate and develop a strong bond with their owner. Like the previous ones, it needs a large cage and many toys to avoid boredom. It is essential to spend time with her every day.

They are about 50 cm long and can live up to 70 years.

  • Eclectus

It’s one of the best birds to have in the house. This species has a pronounced sexual dimorphism: males are deep green with some red and blue feathers and an orange-yellow bill; females are red and blue with a black bill. It is an affectionate parrot that enjoys company and behaves very well in captivity. Also, it is not noisy or aggressive. It is also intelligent and can learn a few words from you.

They are about 34 cm long and can live up to 60 years.