What is the best first bird to buy for family w/ small kids?

Answer 1

Probably a Parakeet.

Answer 2

It depends on your children and the bird. I have seen children act wonderfully around birds and they actually seem to calm down and really treat the bird with respect. I have an Umbrella Cockatoo who loves children. His favorite person in the world is any young (3-12 year old) blonde girl. He is very gentle, cuddles, talks, and knows what he can and cannot do on a child. He is an incredible bird and I am so lucky to have him, but he is an exception to the rule.

Many birds are frightened of children. They tend to be loud and move quickly. They have tiny arms that don't offer much support.

Children need to be exposed to birds before they take one home so that you know how they will react. If they scream, move too quickly and do not listen when you try to tell them the rules about how to handle, then a bird is a very bad idea. If the are calm and speak softly and show the bird and you respect when you are showing the bird then there may be a chance that things might work.

I think a cockatiel would be the safest bet with children. Parakeets might be okay, but they are so small and a child might accidentally hurt them. A cockatiel is just big enough to get away if it is being hurt. Spend a lot of time (A LOT) with the bird before you bring it home. Bird stores usually offer a layaway thing where you can put like 50% down and then pay the rest off over like three months. I'm not recommending waiting a full three months, but at least a week. I have done that with all of my birds and I really knew what I was getting into before I brought them home. Give the children plenty of time to play with the bird and interact. Watch both them and the bird closley. If either one shows agression towards the other you may want to find another bird or wait a few years (depending on who is showing agression).

Keep in mind also that children have short attention spans. They may love the bird at first, but after a few weeks it may loose it's shine for them. They may start to ignore the bird, who will likely scream for it's lost attention, maybe start to pluck it's feathers out of boredom.

These are things you need to keep in mind before buying a bird for children. It isn't like buying a dog, but they can be very rewarding and make a wonderful pet.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Answer 3

A cockateil, because in case of an emergency it can fly away but if you clip the wings the bird might get injured but it's the safest thing for the cockatiel is to not clip the wings you need to spend a lot of time with it so it gets use to it and it will love being a part of the family. Another choice is the wonderful singing canaries we have over 50 and the children will have an experience. Only the males sing.

Answer 4

I have been certified as a small pets expert, meaning I have all the knowledge necessary to care for all birds, fish, small animals, and reptiles. A bird is not the ideal pet for children; however, if you were to get a bird a parakeet as I saw listed would be my last suggestion. Parakeet's are extremely flighty (no pun intended) and are the most nervous of pet avians. If you were dead set one getting a bird i would suggest a hand fed cocktail, they are used to attention and would be less put off but a small child.

Answer 5

The best is a Cockatiel. I had five when i was younger, at different times. They sqwauk just a little bit but not much. See if the bird likes you and the family before buying it though. They are easy to handle and anything with cockatiels on them such as toys and food. They love children but they live longer than other birds.

Answer 6

The best bird in my opinion is a small toucan

BUT DO YOUR RESEARCH FIRST.

A common and popular small toucan is the Green Aracari

The base of their diet should be canatloupe or papaya, apples, bannanas, and grapes should be offered as well. Canatoupe or papaya everyday are a must. It must be diced small enough for them to swallow. this should be 75% of the diet the other 25% should be low iron softbill pellets.

They are great pets the green aracari usually costs $1,500 and a cage for it usually rums another $150.

They love to play with kids. My friend has one for her 5,6,and 8 year old kids and they love him.

The great thing about them is their beak isnt strong enough to break the skin.

I also plan to get one in a few months

For more information or to find a breeder go to www.emeraldforestbirds.com, or www.summersbirds.com

Best Of luck Joe

Answer 7

Birds are very filthy animals and with small kids, I wouldn't really recommend birds at all. I have two parakeets.

Answer 8

Unfortunately, I have to agree that no bird is a good choice for small kids. Consider a pet that is more tolerant and hands on for kids.

Answer 9

Well I should know I have 3 conures and a alexandrian parakeet. A green cheek Conure is the best thing for a family and they are terrific with kids. hey are also scientifically the quietist parrot in the parrot family. But you can teach them to talk. Mine says Hey baby. LOL

Answer 10

no bird. kids are murder (literally)on birds. ive had 3 birds and the kids just are too rough. wait until they are a little older to avoid a very uncomfortable talk with your 3 year old.

Answer 11

The best first bird is a Dove. They are so gental and sweet birds. I have lots of Doves been raiseing them for years and The first ones I got were so sweet they would come to you and sit on your shoulder and they bow to you and coo to you its so sweet.