Here is a quick guide of the most common pet birds you can keep in Australia
Finches
Size; Up to 10cm Life expectancy; 5-10 years Do they like being handled? No Can they talk? No Quantity; At least a pair or 3 females; 1 male Appropriate food; GVG Finch Mix Requirements; Fresh water daily, fresh food when required & an adequate cage set up
Canaries
Size; Up to 12cm Life expectancy; 8-12 years
Do they like being handled? No Can they talk? No Quantity; At least a pair or 3 females; 1 male Appropriate food; GVG Canary Mix Requirements; Fresh water daily, fresh food when required & an adequate cage set up
Budgies
Size; Up to 18cm Life expectancy; 10-15 years Do they like being handled? If they are tame (hand reared, or baby) Can they talk? Not often or clearly Minimum number; 1 if it is hand reared and likes human interaction, otherwise 2 Appropriate food; GVG Budgie Mix or GVG Budgie Gold Requirements; Fresh water daily, fresh food when required, toys & an adequate cage set up
Cockatiels
Size; Up to 30cm Life expectancy; 15-25 years Do they like being handled? If they are tame (hand reared, or young) Can they talk? Occasionally Minimum number; 1 if it is hand reared and likes human interaction, otherwise 2 Appropriate food; GVG Small Parrot mix Requirements; Fresh water daily, fresh food when required, toys & an adequate cage set up
Lovebirds
Size; Up to 13-17cm Life expectancy; 10-12 years Do they like being handled? No Can they talk? No Minimum number; 2 Appropriate food; GVG Small Parrot Mix Requirements; Fresh water daily, fresh food when required, toys & an adequate cage set up including nest boxes
Lorikeets
Size; Up to 30cm Life expectancy; 15-20 years Do they like being handled? Yes Can they talk? Yes Minimum number; 1 Appropriate food; Nectar/rice formulas. NO SEED Requirements; Fresh water daily, fresh food daily, toys & an adequate cage set up
Conures
Size; Up to 25cm Life expectancy; 20-30 years Do they like being handled? Yes Can they talk? Some breeds of conure Minimum number; 1 Appropriate food; Pellets, fruit and veggies & GVG Small Parrot Mix as treat Requirements; Fresh water daily, fresh food when required, toys, an adequate cage set up & attention
Eclectus/Ringneck
Size; Up to 40cm Life expectancy; 40-50 years Do they like being handled? Yes Can they talk? Yes Minimum number; 1 Appropriate food; Pellets, fruit and veggies & GVG Parrot Mix as treat Requirements; Fresh water daily, fresh food when required, toys, an adequate cage set up & attention
Galah /Cockatoo
Size; Up to 40-50cm Life expectancy; 40-80 years Do they like being handled? Yes Can they talk? Yes Minimum number; 1 Appropriate food; Pellets, fruit and veggies & GVG Parrot Mix as treat Requirements; Fresh water daily, fresh food when required, toys, an adequate cage set up & attention
Macaw
Size; Up to 80cm Life expectancy; 60-80 years Do they like being handled? Yes Can they talk? Yes Minimum number; 1 Appropriate food; Pellets, fruit and veggies & GVG Parrot Mix as treat Requirements; Fresh water daily, fresh food when required, toys, an adequate cage set up & lots of attention
