Choosing your first parrot can feel overwhelming because every species has different needs, personalities, noise levels, and care requirements. At The Parrots Exotic Store, we believe the best parrot for first-time owners should match your lifestyle, available space, experience, and daily routine. Generally, Conures, Pionus Parrots, Quaker Parrots, Cockatiels, and Budgies are excellent beginner-friendly options. However, larger species such as African Greys, Cockatoos, and Macaws can demand significantly more time, experience, and specialized care.
Before choosing a bird, consider how much attention you can provide, how much space you have, and what type of personality you want. Most importantly, choose a species that you can responsibly care for for many years.
Top 5 Best Parrot Species for First-Time Owners
The ideal beginner parrot is usually social, manageable in size, adaptable, and easier to care for than larger, more demanding species. With that in mind, here are five species we recommend considering.
| Rank | Parrot Species | Typical Cost | Noise Level | Lifespan | Care Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Conure | Varies by bird | Moderate to High | 20–30 years | Moderate |
| 2 | Pionus Parrot | Varies by bird | Low to Moderate | 20–30 years | Moderate |
| 3 | Quaker Parrot | Varies by bird | Moderate | 20–30 years | Moderate |
| 4 | Cockatiel | Varies by bird | Low to Moderate | 15–25 years | Easy to Moderate |
| 5 | Budgie | Varies by bird | Moderate | 7–15 years | Easy |
1. Conures
For many new bird owners, Conures are one of the best bird choices for beginners. These parrots are affectionate, playful, intelligent, and highly interactive. In addition, their smaller size makes housing, feeding, and everyday handling more manageable than with a Macaw or Cockatoo.
Conures also develop strong bonds with their owners. Because they enjoy social interaction, they can be an excellent choice for households that have time for daily engagement.
However, Conures can be vocal. Their energetic personalities also mean they need plenty of toys, enrichment, and supervised out-of-cage time.
At The Parrots Exotic Store, we recommend planning your bird’s setup before bringing a Conure home. A properly sized cage, quality food, interactive toys, perches, and cleaning supplies all contribute to a healthier routine.
2. Pionus Parrots
Pionus Parrots are another strong option for first-time owners, particularly for people who want a calmer companion. Compared with many similarly sized parrots, Pionus birds are often considered relatively quiet and easy-going.
Their personalities can be affectionate without being constantly demanding. As a result, they may fit well into homes where owners want companionship without the intensity of some larger parrot species.
Pionus Parrots still need mental stimulation, balanced nutrition, exercise, and regular social interaction. Even so, their generally steady temperament makes them a compelling choice for someone asking, “What parrot should I get?”
3. Quaker Parrots
Quaker Parrots are known for their intelligence, personality, and impressive talking abilities. For a first-time owner interested in a bird that can learn sounds and words, this species deserves serious consideration.
Their manageable size is another advantage. Although Quakers are small compared with Macaws and Cockatoos, they still have bold personalities and can become very attached to their owners.
Because they are intelligent, however, Quakers need regular enrichment. For example, rotating toys, introducing simple foraging activities, and providing opportunities for social interaction can help keep them engaged.
4. Cockatiels
Cockatiels remain one of the easiest parrots to care for for many new bird owners. They are generally gentle, personable, and easier to house than larger parrots.
Their smaller size also makes everyday care more straightforward. Furthermore, Cockatiels can form strong bonds with their owners while still being somewhat less intense than larger companion parrots.
For beginners who want a friendly bird without immediately taking on the responsibilities associated with a large parrot, a Cockatiel can be an excellent starting point.
5. Budgies
Budgies are small, active, intelligent, and widely considered beginner-friendly birds. They also require less space than larger parrots, which makes them practical for many households.
Despite their small size, Budgies can learn sounds and words and often enjoy interacting with people. Moreover, they can be a great introduction to responsible bird ownership.
Still, a Budgie should not be treated as a low-maintenance pet. Daily care, a suitable cage, fresh food and water, enrichment, and veterinary attention remain important.
Which Parrots Should First-Time Owners Avoid?
Not every beautiful or intelligent parrot is a suitable first bird. In fact, some species can be challenging even for experienced owners.
African Greys
African Greys are famous for their intelligence, complex personalities, and exceptional talking abilities. Nevertheless, that intelligence also creates significant care requirements.
These birds need extensive mental stimulation and regular interaction. They may become stressed or develop unwanted behaviors when their social and enrichment needs are overlooked.
For that reason, we generally recommend African Greys to owners who already understand the demands of companion parrots and can dedicate substantial time to their care.
Cockatoos
Cockatoos are affectionate, expressive, and extremely social. At the same time, their need for attention can be intense.
Noise is another important consideration. Depending on the species and individual bird, Cockatoos can be much louder than many beginners expect. Their emotional sensitivity, long lifespan, and enrichment needs can also make them challenging for inexperienced owners.
Macaws
Macaws are spectacular birds with incredible intelligence, color, and personality. However, their size alone creates additional responsibilities.
A Macaw needs a large, secure enclosure, substantial toys, appropriate nutrition, and enough room for exercise and movement. Additionally, their powerful beaks mean that cages, toys, and household environments need to be chosen carefully.
Therefore, Macaws can be wonderful companions for the right household, but they are rarely the easiest starting point.
What Supplies Does a First-Time Parrot Need?
Once you decide which beginner parrot species is right for you, the next step is creating a safe and enriching environment. Fortunately, getting started becomes much easier when you organize the essentials in advance.
1. A Properly Sized Cage
Your parrot’s cage should provide enough room for movement, wing stretching, climbing, and toy placement. Bar spacing is equally important because the gaps must be appropriate for the bird’s size.
At The Parrots Exotic Store, you can browse our Parrot Premium Cages to choose a suitable enclosure for your bird.
2. Quality Parrot Food
Nutrition plays a major role in long-term bird care. A balanced diet should be selected according to your parrot’s species, size, and individual needs.
For food, treats, enrichment items, and related supplies, visit our Parrot Food and Play Accessories category.
3. Toys and Mental Stimulation
Parrots are intelligent animals, so enrichment should be part of their daily routine. Chew toys, shredding toys, foraging toys, climbing toys, and interactive accessories can all provide useful stimulation.
In addition, rotating toys helps prevent the environment from becoming repetitive.
4. Perches
Different perch sizes and textures can encourage healthy foot movement and provide comfortable resting areas. Avoid relying on a single perch type throughout the cage.
5. Cleaning Supplies
Regular cage cleaning helps maintain a healthier living environment. Food debris, droppings, feathers, and worn bedding should be managed as part of your normal care routine.
6. Safe Food and Water Bowls
Use sturdy bowls that are easy to clean and difficult for your bird to tip over. Fresh water should also be available every day.
First-Time Parrot Owner Checklist
Before bringing your bird home, make sure the basic setup is ready.
- Appropriate cage with safe bar spacing
- Multiple suitable perches
- Balanced species-appropriate food
- Fresh water bowls
- Several safe toys
- Foraging and chewing opportunities
- Cage-cleaning supplies
- Safe out-of-cage area
- Regular veterinary care plan
- Daily social interaction and exercise routine
Most importantly, prepare the environment before the bird arrives. That way, your new companion can settle into a consistent routine from day one.
How to Choose the Right Parrot for Your Lifestyle
The best parrot for first-time owners is not automatically the smallest bird or the species that talks the most. Instead, the right choice depends on your daily schedule and expectations.
If you want an energetic, social companion, a Conure may be a strong fit. By contrast, a Pionus may appeal to someone looking for a calmer personality. Meanwhile, Quakers are attractive to owners who value intelligence and talking ability.
For smaller spaces, Cockatiels and Budgies can be practical options. However, you should still consider noise, cleaning, daily interaction, and the bird’s expected lifespan.
We also recommend thinking about your schedule realistically. If you spend long periods away from home, a highly social species may require additional planning and enrichment.
Why Buy Your First Parrot From The Parrots Exotic Store?
At The Parrots Exotic Store, we understand that buying your first parrot is about more than choosing a species. You are also preparing for years of companionship, routine, nutrition, enrichment, and ongoing care.
That’s why we focus on helping customers understand the complete setup. From selecting a bird to preparing the cage and choosing food and accessories, our goal is to make the process easier for first-time owners.
You can browse available parrots and then build your bird’s environment around its specific needs.
Moreover, we encourage new owners to think beyond the initial purchase. A parrot’s cage, diet, enrichment, cleaning routine, and social needs all matter just as much as the species itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best parrot for a first-time owner?
Conures, Pionus Parrots, Quaker Parrots, Cockatiels, and Budgies are all worth considering. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your lifestyle, space, experience, and the amount of daily interaction you can provide.
Which parrot is the easiest to care for?
Budgies and Cockatiels are generally among the more manageable choices for beginners. Even so, every parrot requires proper nutrition, enrichment, hygiene, social interaction, and veterinary care.
Are parrots good pets for beginners?
Yes. Many parrot species can make excellent companion birds for beginners when owners understand their long-term needs. However, choosing a species that matches your lifestyle is essential.
Which parrot is the best talker for beginners?
Quaker Parrots can be a strong choice for beginners who want a talking bird. Cockatiels and Budgies can also learn sounds and words, while African Greys are known for advanced talking ability but require significantly more specialized care.
How much does a beginner parrot cost?
The total cost depends on the species and the setup required. In addition to the bird itself, budget for a suitable cage, food, toys, perches, cleaning products, veterinary care, and ongoing supplies.
What should I buy before bringing my first parrot home?
Start with a properly sized cage, food and water bowls, species-appropriate food, safe perches, toys, cleaning supplies, and an appropriate out-of-cage area. Ideally, have everything ready before your bird arrives.
Final Thoughts: What Parrot Should I Get?
Choosing your first bird should be based on compatibility rather than appearance alone. For many beginners, Conures, Pionus Parrots, Quaker Parrots, Cockatiels, and Budgies provide a more manageable introduction to parrot ownership.
At the same time, larger and more demanding species can be rewarding for experienced owners who have the necessary time, space, budget, and commitment.
At The Parrots Exotic Store, we believe informed decisions lead to better long-term relationships between parrots and their owners. Explore our available birds, prepare the right environment, and choose the companion that best fits your lifestyle.
