Guide to Quiet Pet Birds For an Apartment

Birds are beautiful and often affectionate creatures. They make lovely companions and are often chosen as loving pets. It is even possible to keep smaller species of birds comfortably in an apartment. However, when you share a wall with neighbors, it's important to choose a bird that doesn't make too much noise.

If you've been dreaming of bringing home a feathered friend, the good news is that not all birds are loud enough to bother your neighbors. Choosing quiet pet birds can allow you to enjoy a bird in your apartment without waking up the building in the early morning. Let's explore quiet pet bird species you can choose from and important considerations for apartment birds.

Bird Sounds: Species and Temperament

The first thing to understand is that no birds are truly quiet. They chirp and call to each other all day, and locating calls are the loudest sound a bird can make. Quiet pet bird species tend to make softer sounds, but many can still emit a loud call when they want to find you, much like a dog that occasionally barks when they're lonely.

Just like a dog or cat, each bird's personality is unique. It can help to get to know birds and choose a particularly calm one (or two) before bringing them home. Some birds from quiet species are quite talkative, and some from loud species are quiet. Some like to cuddle and perch on you; some are more independent. Spend time with your little friend before making your final decision.

Space and Care

Birds also require more care than your average furry pet. They require a spacious cage, plenty of toys, and daily flying exercises inside the apartment, and they can make a pretty big mess (throwing food and toys outside the cage).

Be prepared for bird care before you commit. It can help to spend some time with other bird owners to see what the lifestyle is like. Each species of bird, much like different species of dogs, also requires the right balance of room, exercise, and stimulating playtime. They are also more likely to stay quiet if you have the time and talent to train birds for good behavior.

Quiet Pet Bird Species

Diamond Doves and Ringneck Doves

Doves are known for their gentle cooing sounds. They don't sing or make loud calls like other species of birds. Ringneck doves are a little larger and more talkative, while diamond doves are smaller and quieter overall. They can also be interactive but tend to be lower-maintenance and good for a beginner bird owner. However, it's best to have two, as they prefer to live in pairs.

Parrotlets

As the name indicates, Parrotlets are small parrots. They tend to be affectionate and active. They also have a much softer call and don't scream like full-sized parrots, which makes them apartment-friendly. They mostly softly chirp. They are also interactive, playful, and appreciate a lot of attention, which makes them good companions if you're looking for a new friend.

Cockatiels

Cockatiels have a lot of personality but don't make a lot of noise. They communicate in calls and chirps that are rarely wall-penetrating. A well-behaved cockatiel can make a good apartment bird. They are larger than songbirds and will need a large enclosure, but are also quite intelligent and can be fun to play with.

Canaries

Canaries like to sing, but their voices are not very loud. They are considered ideal for apartments and quiet bird lovers. These small birds may delight you with playful songs during the day. They come in a variety of sub-species and colors, giving you a wide range of canary types from which to choose. However, they like to throw seeds, so keep your broom handy around the cage.

Bourke's Parakeets

Australian Bourke's Parakeets are typically calm and quiet by nature. They can form a close bond with humans and make good friends. However, they need a larger space and prefer to fly for several hours a day. They are the most talkative in the morning and appreciate conversation. You'll want a big cage and a larger apartment if a Bourke's is to be your new feathered friend.

Senegal Parrots

Senegal parrots are among the most trainable pet birds. They can mimic your behavior and like to train new words and skills. At medium size, they need a certain amount of space and like to bond closely with one human, sometimes to the exclusion of others. Senegal parrots don't scream or screech often and may be silent when not chatting or learning. But it depends on the bird.

Pionus Parrots

If you want a larger parrot but don't want loud parrot squawks, consider a Pionus parrot. Blue-headed Pionus are known for their gentle and quiet nature. They are less likely to shriek or bite than other species of parrots while still being playful and smart. They do need a larger cage and appreciate a lot of out-of-cage playtime. All parrot owners should be prepared to commit time to training and play.

Choosing the Right Apartment Bird

When choosing the best bird companion to share an apartment with you, remember that quiet pet bird species is only a starting place. Individual birds can be loud or quiet, silent or talkative, distant or affectionate. Birds are individuals, and finding a quiet new friend will depend on their personality and how you spend time together. The best experience will come from choosing a quiet bird and then spending time and affection to help them learn good behavior.

Pet-Friendly Apartments in Abilene, TX

Looking for a pet-friendly apartment in Abilene, TX that welcomes pet birds? You've found us. Check out Country Club Villas Apartments for availability and spacious floor plans. Our pet policy recognizes birds as valuable companions, and we permit two pets (dogs, cats, or birds of any combination) per apartment. Whether you have one bird or two, you're sure to love it here.