Owning a parrot can be a rewarding experience. However, if you live in an apartment, don’t rush to the pet store just yet.
Some vital considerations before buying a parrot include noise level, messiness, second parrots or predatory pets, your availability, and, of course, no-pets policies.
Below, we’ll discuss all these things and share a list of the best parrots for apartments, so let’s dive right in!
1. Parrotlets
If you’re looking for clever, playful, and curious birds, consider parrotlets. These parrots bond with their humans and crave attention. Experts recommend getting two, so they’re not alone while you’re out of the home.
These parrots have big personalities, can live up to 15-20 years in captivity, and they’re usually 4.5-5 inches long.
The reason why they’re great for apartments is that they’re quiet, especially if you keep them entertained. However, they can become loud if they feel neglected.
Luckily, they can also amuse themselves with shredding toys, bells, ladders, puzzles, and a few perches, among other bird enrichment toys.
- Cage size: Minimum 18x18x18 inches
- Diet: High-quality pellet mix supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables daily
Interesting: Many people mistake parrotlets for parakeets, but they’re not the same. While similar, parrotlets and parakeets have their differences.
2. Bourke’s Parakeets
Bourke’s parakeets, also known as pink parakeets, have a quiet demeanor. They make very little noise, but they’re quite energetic. These birds reach 7-8 inches in length and have a lifespan of 15-25 years.
They enjoy people’s company and produce lovely sounds, so they’re ideal for apartment living.
- Cage size: Minimum 24x18x18 inches
- Diet: Seed mix designed for small parrots supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables daily
3. Lovebirds
The genus Agapornis encompasses nine different lovebirds, including masked, peach-faced, and Fisher’s lovebirds. These birds have a kind personality and can live up to 10-15 years. They’re compact and need another lovebird for companionship, making them one of the most popular pet birds.
If you have a full-time job, we suggest getting a pair, but keep in mind that they won’t pay much attention to you.
Lovebirds usually whistle, squeak, and sing as they explore their surroundings, but don’t worry; they won’t produce too much noise.
- Cage size: Minimum 24x18x18 inches for a pair
- Diet: High-quality pellet mix supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables daily
Note: Some owners clip their bird’s wings for safety reasons (flying into objects around the home, escaping, etc). However, we advise against it because the pros outweigh the cons. The same goes for spaying or neutering a bird.
4. Budgerigars (Budgies)
Everyone loves budgies because they’re small, easily trainable, social, and affectionate. These small-sized birds can grow up to 7-9 inches in length and live up to 7-15 years.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America says that they have a wide range of singing styles. They’re not as noisy as other parrots but chatter and chirp regularly.
They can also learn many words and simple tricks with training. So, if you’re looking for pet birds that can talk, consider budgies.
One important note is that they’re territorial birds, so only bonded ones can live in the same cage.
- Cage size: Minimum 20x18x18 inches for one or two budgies
- Diet: High-quality seed mix supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables daily
5. Barred Parakeets
Barred parakeets, also known as lineolated parakeets, have a life expectancy of 10-15 years. They’re smaller than budgies and have a friendly personality. Many owners say they’re entertaining birds that grow 6-6.5 inches long.
They produce soft and gentle sounds and chatter instead of screeching because they enjoy mimicking sounds and phrases. However, they’re better at mimicking sounds than speaking.
- Cage size: Minimum 24x18x18 inches
- Diet: High-quality pellet mix supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables daily. You can occasionally surprise your feathered friend with pet bird treats.
Bonus: Meyer’s Parrots
If you’re searching for friendly and calm birds, consider Meyer’s parrots. They’re great for families and apartments because they’re small, about 8-9 inches long, and can live for 25-30 years when cared for properly.
These parrots make various sounds like chirps, whistles, clicks, and high-pitched squeaks. They can also learn a few words but aren’t talking pet birds. Sometimes, they mimic sounds from electrical devices, like beeps or alarms.
- Cage size: Minimum 24x24x24 inches
- Diet: High-quality pellet mix supplemented with fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional nuts or seeds as treats
IMPORTANT: Parrots that aren’t suitable for apartment living include:
- Alexandrine parakeets
- African gray parrots
- Eclectus parrots
- Cockatoos
- Amazon parrots
- Macaws
- Ringneck parakeets
These birds, while lovely, require more space and make more noise than other parrots.
Should You Get a Parrot in the First Place?
Parrots make good pets, but before you rush to the pet store or aviary, take a moment to consider a few factors when choosing a pet bird.
First off, does your apartment complex allow pets?
Sneaking a pet into a no-pets-allowed apartment can cause serious trouble. With that being said, check your lease and talk to your landlord about their pet policy. Once you have permission, you’re good to go.
If owning a parrot is against the rules of your apartment complex, don’t worry! You can always befriend crows outside your home by leaving out seeds and fruit regularly, and no, I’m not kidding!
Crows get a bad rep for being noisy and destructive, but they’re one of the smartest birds on the planet.
Next, think about your budget.
Owning a parrot involves more than just learning about birds and their seeds and buying a cage. You’ll need to budget for fresh produce, toys, vet visits because health issues in birds aren’t uncommon, and unexpected expenses.
What about your availability?
Think about how much time you can spend caring for your pet bird each day. Some birds need more attention than others, but all need daily interaction to be happy. If you have limited time, consider a low-maintenance bird like a parakeet.
Where you get your bird matters, too!
While having a pet bird isn’t immoral, some breeders illegally capture and sell birds, which makes certain bird species endangered. That’s why you should ask breeders about the bird’s origin. Or adopt from shelters to help prevent this issue.
Lastly, consider your household dynamics.
If you have kids or other pets, choose a bird that’s compatible with them. Some birds get along well with others, while some prefer to be alone. Making sure they’re a good fit can prevent future problems and heartache.
Final Tips
The parrots listed above make perfect pets for apartment owners, but you should make sure your space can accommodate a cage large enough for the parrot’s comfort.
Moreover, ensure there’s enough room for the parrot to fly when out of the cage. Finally, prepare for regular cage cleaning as well as home cleaning because most birds molt at least once or twice a year.
