10 Pet Birds That Require the Least Maintenance

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

bird and girl
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Birds make wonderful companions, but many people don’t have the time or energy for high-maintenance pets. Fortunately, several bird species are relatively easy to care for and can bring joy to any home. For those new to bird ownership or with busy schedules, these birds offer minimal grooming, feeding, and attention needs, making them perfect for those looking for companionship without the hassle of intensive care.

1. Budgerigar (Budgie)

Budgerigar (Budgie)
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Budgerigars, or budgies, are small, colorful birds that are known for being easy to care for. These cheerful companions can mimic sounds and even learn a few words, which adds to their charm. A diet consisting of seeds, fresh vegetables, and the occasional fruit treat keeps them healthy. Their care routine is simple—clean their cage regularly and ensure they have fresh food and water. Due to their small size, they require only a modest cage and are relatively neat. Their friendly nature and minimal care needs make them an excellent choice for beginners.

2. Zebra Finch

Zebra Finch
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Zebra Finches are small birds that are simple to look after, making them a great choice if you want a pet that requires minimal interaction. These birds thrive when they are in pairs, as they keep each other entertained and require less attention from their owners. Zebra Finches need seeds and fresh greens for their diet, and you only have to clean their cage a few times each week. These birds love to fly around their cage, so it’s essential to give them plenty of space to move freely. Besides that, these finches require minimal care and are simple to manage, which makes them ideal for a busy home.

3. Canary

Canary
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Canaries are lovely to see and bring joy to your home with their charming songs. Their independent nature is what makes them perfect for busy bird owners. Canaries are perfectly content to keep themselves entertained and don’t require a lot of direct interaction. A diet consisting of high-quality seeds and fresh fruit, along with regular cage cleaning, is everything they need to thrive. They like listening to music and chatting with people, but they don’t require much attention. If you want a bird that brings charm and personality to your home while being easy to care for, a Canary could be just what you need.

4. Cockatiel

Cockatiel
Anne-Stauf/Pixabay

Cockatiels, small parrots with lively personalities, are beloved for their affectionate nature and whistling abilities. These birds are easy to care for, needing only regular nail trims and cage cleaning. A diet of seeds, pellets, and fresh vegetables will keep them healthy and happy. Though they enjoy socializing with their owners, cockatiels are not overly demanding. A little daily interaction and time outside the cage for exercise will keep them content. Their upbeat disposition and straightforward care make them a top choice for bird lovers.

5. Society Finch

Society Finch
Stanbalik/Pixabay

Society Finches are social, low-maintenance birds that do well in pairs or small groups. Their calm and quiet nature makes them ideal for those seeking a peaceful pet. They require minimal care, including a spacious cage with clean bedding and a simple diet of seeds, greens, and water. These birds are not overly dependent on human interaction but enjoy chirping with each other, making them perfect for those who want to enjoy birds without a lot of daily care.

6. Lineolated Parakeet

Lineolated Parakeet
Los Muertos Crew/Pexels

Lineolated Parakeets, often called “Linnies,” are a gentle and quiet species, making them great pets for anyone seeking a calm bird. These parakeets are recognized for their quieter nature compared to many other species, making them a great choice for apartment living or close spaces. Linnies are straightforward to care for, requiring little grooming and enjoying a diet that consists of seeds, pellets, and the occasional fruit. They appreciate interaction but aren’t too demanding, often finding satisfaction with just a few hours of attention each day. Their calm nature and low maintenance needs make them a great choice for both new and experienced bird owners.

7. Lovebird (Peach-Faced)

Lovebird (Peach-Faced)
Jeffry Surianto/Pexels

Though small, Peach-faced Lovebirds have big personalities. They thrive in pairs, keeping each other entertained with minimal intervention from their owners. Their diet is simple, consisting of seeds, fresh fruits, and vegetables. These birds are easy to groom—just clean their cage regularly and provide fresh water. During out-of-cage playtime, they have fun without requiring much space. Their spirited personalities combined with easy care make them great companions for bird enthusiasts.

8. Diamond Dove

Diamond Dove
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Diamond Doves are tiny, calm birds recognized for their soft cooing sounds. Diamond Doves are different from many other pet birds because they don’t need much attention or interaction to be happy. They enjoy a roomy cage, an easy diet of seeds, and the companionship of fellow doves. Cleaning their cage is quite simple because they don’t make much mess, and their diet is easy to manage and affordable. These birds are ideal for those looking for a low-maintenance pet. Their soothing presence and easy care requirements make them perfect for bird lovers who enjoy a more relaxed experience.

9. Parrotlet

Parrotlet
Lucas Pezeta/Pexels

Parrotlets may be small, but they have bold personalities. They love exploring and can keep themselves occupied with toys and activities. Their diet is easy to manage—seeds, fruits, and vegetables suffice. Parrotlets are also low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, with cage cleaning being the main task. They enjoy interaction but are not too demanding, making them a great choice for those looking for a fun, independent pet.

10. Pionus Parrot

Pionus Parrot
FABIO SOUTO/Pexels

If you want a bigger bird that’s simple to take care of, the Pionus Parrot is a fantastic choice. Pionus Parrots are recognized for their gentle and serene nature, making them less demanding compared to other parrot species. They need a roomy cage, and a diet that includes pellets, seeds, and fresh fruits and veggies, but they don’t require as much attention or handling as other parrots. They have few grooming needs and are not likely to exhibit destructive behaviors, making their care straightforward. Pionus Parrots are great for those looking for a larger bird without the commitment of extensive care.

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