About Birds and Tropical Birds

Birds as pets have been popular for over 5000 years. Amazon parrots were brought back to Europe in 1493 by Christopher Columbus. Song finches became very popular and led to the breeding of an amazing range of Canaries. Australian parakeets and in particular the budgerigar have become loved throughout Britain and Europe.

As with dogs as pets there are hundreds of types of birds suitable for housing in cages and in aviaries. From the small African finches and waxbills to the large Parrots and Macaws they give enormous pleasure to their owners with their song, mimic ability and vibrant colours.

Depending on your needs there is a bird for you. Small finches, Canaries, “Budgies” and Parrots are ideal indoor pets and all birds can be housed in purpose built aviaries.

If you get a bird as a pet, you should research fully the species requirements for food and housing. Birds are physiologically different to mammals, and many vets are not experts in their care. Medical care is best provided by a veterinary surgeon who specialises in birds.


Canary and Finch

The most popular bird for song is the Canary. There are many varieties available in colours from pale cream to nearly orange. The most widely praised canary for song is the roller canary and is probably the most widely kept. Although all cock canaries have an attractive song the roller canary is unrivalled in quality and range. British mules – a cross between a canary and goldfinch or other native species are also popular. However many canaries are bought as pets for their colour as well as their song.

Other popular small cage birds are Zebra Finches, Green Singing Finch, Waxbills, Bengalese Finch, Weaver Birds, Wydahs, and the Gouldian Finch probably the most colourful of all.


Budgerigars and other Parakeets and Parrots

There are over 350 different species of parrot found in tropical areas including Australia, Africa and South America. A few are popular as pets. The Budgerigar and African Grey Parrot are considered the best talkers.

Other popular birds are Cockatiels, Cockatoos, Lovebirds, African Ringnecks, Grass Parakeets, Plum Headed Parakeets, Conures, Macaws and Amazon Parrots.