Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Your First Parrot

How can you make a responsible choice as a beginner?

Are you thinking about keeping parrots but unsure which species to choose first? You are not alone. Beginners often find that there is a huge range of species to choose from, while the advice they receive can be contradictory. This article will help you understand the most important factors and make a responsible decision, whether you dream of a small parrot or a large species.

The most common advice: “Start with a budgie!”

On bird forums and in social media groups, beginners are often told: “Start with a budgie or a cockatiel!” These can indeed be rewarding species to keep, they can teach you a great deal, and they may adapt well to life indoors. However, this does not mean that they are the only suitable choices for a beginner. The real question is not where a species sits on an imaginary scale of difficulty, but whether you can meet all of its essential needs over the long term.

With proper preparation, a companion of its own species, sufficient space and carefully planned housing, a Pyrrhura conure or even a small macaw can be a suitable first parrot. Larger species are not more demanding simply because they are “for experienced keepers”; they require more space, stronger equipment, greater tolerance for noise and more extensive long-term planning.

Videos and reality – a “talking parrot” is not always a good idea

Many people begin with a firm idea: they want a talking bird that is friendly and affectionate, yet neither too loud nor too large. It is easy to fall in love with an African Grey, Amazon or macaw after seeing a charming video, but short clips rarely show the full reality. Sexual maturity, natural contact calls, chewing, the need for a companion of the same species and possible behavioural problems are all part of keeping parrots. You can avoid much of the uncertainty by choosing according to the species’ needs and the conditions you can actually provide, rather than according to online videos.

First look at your home – what can you provide for the birds?

This is the most important question. Whichever species you are considering, first ask yourself:
- Can you provide the bird with a companion of its own species?
- Can you provide a suitably sized aviary or safe daily free-flight opportunities?
- Will the birds’ natural calls be acceptable to your family and neighbours?
- Can you provide a varied, species-appropriate diet and an enriching environment?
- Is there a calm, well-lit and safe place for them in your home or garden?
- Who will care for them if you need to travel or are temporarily unable to look after them?
If your answers are realistic and carefully considered, you are much more likely to make a responsible choice – even as a beginner.

Small or large parrot? The environment matters more than size

A smaller species, such as a Green-cheeked or Black-capped Conure, is easier to accommodate than a large macaw, but that does not make it less demanding or a “practice bird”. It still needs a companion of its own species, daily exercise, a varied diet and an enriching environment. With appropriate care, these parrots can be curious, intelligent and active companions.

Galah Cockatoos, small macaws and especially large macaws require more space, greater tolerance for noise, stronger equipment and more extensive long-term planning. However, this does not mean that every larger species is automatically a poor choice for a beginner. Someone who prepares seriously, develops sound theoretical knowledge and can meet every requirement of the chosen species may successfully begin with a small macaw.

Summary – a good decision is based on knowledge and realistic expectations

There is no universally “beginner-friendly” parrot species. A parrot that is a suitable first bird for one person may be too loud, too strong or too demanding for someone else. The key is to assess your circumstances realistically and not make a decision based only on the bird’s appearance or its behaviour in a short video.

Several species may be suitable as a first parrot if you prepare properly and can meet all of their needs over the long term. It is equally important to recognise when none of them would be a responsible choice under your current circumstances.