Living in a small home doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joys of bird companionship. Many bird species are perfectly suited for compact living spaces, offering charm, intelligence, and companionship without requiring a large aviary.
Whether you’re in a cozy apartment or a tiny house, these feathered friends can bring life and joy into your home.
Here, we’ll explore 11 bird species that are ideal for small homes, providing practical insights into their care and characteristics.
1. Budgerigar
Budgerigars, often known as budgies, are among the most popular small birds for homes. With their bright colors and chirpy personalities, they are both attractive and entertaining. Budgies are social creatures, often enjoying the company of their human companions.
These birds require minimal space and thrive in smaller cages, making them suitable for apartments. A cage with dimensions of 18×18×24 inches can comfortably house a single budgie. Though they are small, budgies are intelligent and can be trained to perform simple tricks and even mimic words.
To keep a budgie happy, provide mental stimulation with toys and interaction. Regular cleaning and a balanced diet are essential for their health.
Budgies come in various colors, including blue, green, and yellow, allowing you to choose one that suits your aesthetic preferences. Their chirping can be a delightful background sound, adding life to any living space.
2. Canary
Canaries are known for their sweet songs and cheerful disposition. These petite birds are perfect for those who love melodious tunes, as male canaries are particularly renowned for their singing abilities. Canaries are relatively low-maintenance, requiring a small cage and basic care.
A cage sized 18×14×18 inches is adequate for a single canary. Unlike some other species, canaries are content with solitude and do not require constant companionship, making them ideal for busy households. They enjoy perching by windows where they can observe the outside world.
Feeding canaries a diet rich in seeds, fruits, and vegetables will keep them healthy and vibrant. Regular cage cleaning and fresh water are crucial for their well-being. With their bright yellow plumage, canaries can be a lively addition to any small home, bringing both color and sound to your living space.
3. Lovebird
Lovebirds are small parrots with big personalities. They are affectionate, and as their name suggests, they form strong bonds with each other or their human caretakers. These birds are social and do well in pairs, enjoying each other’s company.
A cage measuring 24×24×24 inches provides enough space for a pair of lovebirds. It’s important to engage them with toys and interaction, as they thrive on mental stimulation. Lovebirds can be a bit loud, so consider your noise tolerance if living in close quarters.
Feeding them a varied diet that includes seeds, fruits, and vegetables will ensure their health and happiness. Their vibrant colors and playful antics make them a charming addition to any home. Lovebirds can bring a lively atmosphere to small spaces, with their affectionate nature and interactive behavior.
4. Zebra Finch
Zebra finches are small and active birds that bring a lively presence to any home. Known for their energetic behavior, they enjoy flying and hopping around their environment. Zebra finches are social creatures, often kept in pairs or small groups.
A cage measuring 30×18×18 inches is suitable for a pair, allowing them ample space to move. These finches are relatively easy to care for, thriving on a diet of seeds and fresh greens. They are not particularly noisy, making them a good choice for apartment living.
Regular cleaning and fresh water are vital for their wellbeing. Zebra finches have a distinct call, which can be a pleasant background sound.
Their striking plumage, featuring bold patterns and colors, adds visual interest to their environment. With their dynamic nature, zebra finches can animate any small living space.
5. Parrotlet
Parrotlets, often called “pocket parrots,” are tiny birds with the personality of larger parrots. They are bold and curious, making them wonderful companions for those in limited spaces. Due to their small size, they require less room, with a cage of 18×18×24 inches being sufficient.
These birds are highly intelligent and benefit from regular interaction and training. Parrotlets can learn tricks and even mimic words, providing engaging companionship. Their small size doesn’t hinder their energy levels, so providing toys is essential to keep them busy.
Parrotlets thrive on a diet of seeds, pellets, and fresh produce. Regular cleaning and interaction are key to maintaining their health and happiness.
With their vivid colors and playful demeanor, parrotlets make a delightful addition to any small home, offering big personalities in a tiny package.
6. Cockatiel
Cockatiels are renowned for their friendly and affectionate nature. These medium-sized birds are highly adaptable and thrive in smaller living spaces. They are known for their unique crests and the ability to mimic sounds and songs.
A cage with dimensions of 20×20×24 inches is adequately comfortable for a cockatiel. They love interaction and can become quite attached to their owners, enjoying head scratches and playtime. Cockatiels can also whistle tunes, adding a musical element to your home.
Their diet should include seeds, pellets, fruits, and vegetables to keep them healthy. Regular cage cleaning is essential.
With their engaging personalities and charming appearance, cockatiels bring warmth and joy to small homes. They are a perfect choice for those seeking a companionable and entertaining bird.
7. Green-Cheeked Conure
Green-cheeked conures are small parrots with a playful and mischievous nature. They are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their human companions. Despite their small size, they have robust personalities and love to engage in playful antics.
A cage measuring 24×24×30 inches will provide a green-cheeked conure with enough space. They thrive on interaction and mental stimulation, so toys and activities are essential. Their vocalizations are not overly loud, which is an advantage for apartment dwellers.
Feeding them a balanced diet of pellets, seeds, fruits, and vegetables is crucial. Regular cleaning and social interaction will ensure their well-being.
With their vibrant plumage and entertaining behavior, green-cheeked conures are a delightful addition to small living spaces, making them a favorite among bird enthusiasts.
8. Lineolated Parakeet
Lineolated parakeets, or “linnies,” are small, calm birds known for their gentle nature. They are quieter than many other parrot species, making them ideal for apartments. Linnies enjoy interaction but are also content entertaining themselves.
A cage of 18×18×24 inches is adequate for a single linnie. They appreciate toys and perches to climb on, which helps keep them active and engaged. These birds are known for their sweet and soft vocalizations, adding a soothing ambiance.
Their diet should include pellets, seeds, fruits, and vegetables to ensure balanced nutrition. Regular cleaning and providing fresh water are important for their health.
With their subtle colors and tranquil demeanor, lineolated parakeets are perfect for those seeking a peaceful and charming avian companion in a small home.
9. Bourke’s Parakeet
Bourke’s parakeets are known for their gentle and peaceful disposition. These small birds are ideal for those who prefer a quieter pet. They are less active than other parakeets, often enjoying calm perching and observing their surroundings.
A cage measuring 24×18×18 inches provides enough space for a Bourke’s parakeet. Their soft pink and blue hues make them visually appealing. They are not particularly social, so they do well alone or in small groups.
Feeding them a diet of seeds and fresh produce will keep them healthy. These birds are less demanding in terms of interaction, making them suitable for busy households. With their gentle nature and attractive appearance, Bourke’s parakeets offer a serene presence to any small living environment.
10. Pionus Parrot
Pionus parrots are medium-sized birds with a calm and gentle temperament. They are perfect for those seeking a laid-back companion. Known for their subtle beauty and quiet nature, Pionus parrots are less demanding than some other parrot species.
A cage of 24×24×30 inches is suitable for a Pionus parrot. They enjoy interacting with their human caregivers but are also content to entertain themselves. These parrots have a distinctive musky odor, which some find pleasant.
Their diet should consist of pellets, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Regular cage maintenance and social interaction are important for their well-being.
With their serene disposition and elegant appearance, Pionus parrots add a touch of grace to small homes, appealing to those seeking tranquility in a pet.
11. Society Finch
Society finches are small, social birds that thrive in groups. They are ideal for those who enjoy observing bird interactions, as they are highly sociable and get along well with other finches. Their lively nature and charming vocalizations make them a joy to have around.
A cage measuring 36×18×18 inches is best for housing a small group. Society finches are low-maintenance and eat a diet of seeds and fresh greens. Their gentle chirping adds a cheerful sound to any home.
Regular cleaning and providing fresh water are essential for their health. With their sociable nature and delightful antics, society finches can enliven any small living space. They are perfect for those who appreciate the dynamics of bird communities.