Owning a pet bird is a completely different experience than owning a cat or a dog. Many think it is difficult to form as close of a bond with a bird as you can with other types of pets, but that is certainly not the case.

Birds have the potential to truly be your friend for a lifetime, with some species capable of living up to 100 years. They have much more to offer than pretty colors and entertaining noises; they are social, intelligent and very responsive to their owners. Every bird is different, and it is important to find the one that fits best with your lifestyle as a pet.

Four popular pet birds

Parakeets make a wonderful pet for first-time bird owners due to their smaller size, hardy disposition and beautiful array of colors. There are many types of parakeets, but the most common is the budgerigar or “budgie.” These birds are playful, affectionate and intelligent without the time and maintenance requirements of the parrot. The average lifespan of a parakeet is 12 to 14 years.

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