Best “beginner bird” suggestions

[DonnaBudgie]

Their curiosity can be dangerous, that's for sure, but that's one sign of a healthy, happy, self-confident bird. How old is he?

 

[GivemeSeedsorgivemeFlesh]

He's two years and four months.

 

[Vampiric_Conure]

Pionus Parrots, if you can find them, are very laid-back birds and good for the beginner. There are several species, but they're pretty much the same overall - laid back, independent, and happy with a few head scratches. They're not super cuddly birds - if at all - and some people dislike that about them. They're also hard to find. The white-capped and blue-headed are the most popular. But they're friendly, rarely bite, and are decent apartment birds.

 

[Birdherd603]

I've got a hand raised female cockatiel and she is great! not the most hyper active bird she just likes to chill on my shoulder or arm while I'm doing things. Fairly quiet when compared to other birds and while she does have dust it is nothing compared to other birds like chickens. I just run an air purifier in the room and haven't noticed any issues

 

[DonnaBudgie]

I've got a hand raised female cockatiel and she is great! not the most hyper active bird she just likes to chill on my shoulder or arm while I'm doing things. Fairly quiet when compared to other birds and while she does have dust it is nothing compared to other birds like chickens. I just run an air purifier in the room and haven't noticed any issues

I didn't know chickens were dusty. Messy for sure, but all birds are.

 

[clark_conure]

I don't agree with "starter bird" but I'd never buy an exotic so there is a level between mainstream and exotic. If you have the patience a budgie will be a best friend. Green cheeks and cockatiels are favorites of most. Easy to handle smart enough, (not that budgies aren't smart). But they are pick and place birds if they get somewhere you don't want they are small enough to just pick up and say nope. And both breeds are very hardy.

My best advice is to get the bird that picks you, you walk up and they come to the glass and cage bars and look at you. You can feel it. Usually these are the hand fed ones but not always. Both species I mentioned above birds are very social. I also have a quaker but that's a little more research for their needs. Just go to lots of shops and a bird will pick you and sit on your shoulder the first day if it picks you.