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Pet birds, finches to conures

Small birds are social, loud in their own ways and long-lived. Here is each one’s cage, bar spacing, daily time, cost and lifespan.

  1. 01Zebra finchHands-off: best watched · 30×18×18 in cage
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $321–$694
    Daily
    15–30 min
    Lives
    5–10 yr
  2. 02CanaryHands-off: best watched · 30×18×18 in cageCanaries are legal to keep in every US state with no permit needed.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $386–$768
    Daily
    15–30 min
    Lives
    8–12 yr
  3. 03BudgieTolerates brief handling · 30×18×18 in cage
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $457–$985
    Daily
    30–60 min
    Lives
    8–12 yr
  4. 04CockatielEnjoys handling · 24×24×30 in cage
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $588–$1,246
    Daily
    45–90 min
    Lives
    10–20 yr
  5. 05ParrotletEnjoys handling · 24×20×30 in cageParrotlets are legal to keep in all US states without a permit. Buy captive-bred birds; the Wild Bird Conservation Act bars most imports of wild-caught parrots.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $580–$1,174
    Daily
    45–90 min
    Lives
    15–20 yr
  6. 06LovebirdEnjoys handling · 36×24×24 in cage
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $569–$1,180
    Daily
    60–120 min
    Lives
    10–15 yr
  7. 07Green-cheeked conureEnjoys handling · 30×24×36 in cageGreen-cheeked conures are legal to keep in all US states without a permit. Buy captive-bred birds; the Wild Bird Conservation Act bars most imports of wild-caught parrots.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $770–$1,607
    Daily
    90–180 min
    Lives
    15–25 yr

What is the easiest pet bird for beginners?

Zebra finch: rated beginner, about 15–30 minutes of care a day, and $321–$694 for the first year.

What is the cheapest pet bird to keep?

Zebra finch, at $321–$694 for the first year including the setup. The animal itself is usually the smallest part of the cost.

Which pet bird lives the longest?

Green-cheeked conure, at 15–25 years. Before you buy a pet bird, plan for the whole of that.

How this list is built: Every bird we cover, beginner species first, then by daily care time. First year is the essential setup plus a year of food and supplies, at typical US prices; vet care is extra. Every number comes from the animal's own guide and its sources. How we make these guides.