Hen

Hen has a squat and rounded appearance. They stand less than 70 cm (tall and weigh approximately 2.6 kg on average. Males (called cocks or roosters) and females (hens) are known for their fleshy combs, lobed wattles hanging below the bill, and high-arched tails.

They breed in the spring and summer months. Egg laying is stimulated by the long stretches of daylight that occur during the warmer months; however, artificial lights placed in chicken coops can trigger a hen’s egg laying response throughout the year. The time between ovulation and egg-laying is approximately 23–26 hours.
They live together as a flock. Hens have a communal approach to the incubation of eggs and raising of young

Hens can be kept as pets, for breeding, egg laying and a food product. There are many different breeds that come in a variety of colors. They are commonly farmed all over the world.

Lifespan: Varies between 5 – 6 years.

Food: Hens have a varied diet. They are omnivores and will feed on small seeds, herbs and leaves, grubs, insects. Domestic hens typically fed with commercially prepared feed that includes a protein source as well as grains.

Finches

Finches are popular as companion pets because of their pleasant sounds and social interactions with their flock mates.

They are pleasant and friendly birds that love singing and entertaining.

They spend a large portion of their day vocally communicating with one another. Finches are herbivores and need fresh food every day.

These pets are not cuddly and do not like being handled. As very social birds who live in nature in large flocks, finches should always be housed with one or more other finches.

Lifespan: 5-7 years with proper care, depending on species.

Size: 3-6 inches long, head to end of tail, depending on species.

Food: Nutritionally complete and balanced pelleted food formulated for finches (making up 60 to 70% of their diet). Clean, fresh water should be changed daily. During breeding and egg-laying, finches require higher amounts of protein in their diets, which can be provided by offering commercially available “egg food,” small amounts of cooked eggs, or freeze-dried or live insects such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms two to three times per week.

Budgies / Lovebirds

The budgie (lovebirds) is often thought of as a “beginner” bird.

Budgies are one of the most common types of birds to keep as pets. They are exceptionally affectionate and friendly companion birds.

Budgies are among the most low-maintenance types of birds kept as pets, being among the smallest companion birds as well as relatively easy to train in their youth. When properly tamed and cared for, these birds can be extraordinarily friendly and affectionate.

Length: 6 to 8 inches

Physical Characteristics: Found in a variety of colors including neon green, white, yellow, blue, violet, and more with black bars on head, wings and back, etc.,.

Lifespan: When cared for properly a pet budgie has a life expectancy of 7 -15 years.

Food: A lovebird’s diet will consist of 1 1/2 to 2 ounces (45-60 grams) of feed daily for a single bird. A diet consisting of a small parrot mix along with a variety of supplements and vitamins is generally regarded as suitable; also, a formulated diet along with greens and supplements can be given.

African Lovebird

African Lovebirds are intelligent and affectionate birds. They are okay for beginners, but require a bit more work than other species. They have a large bill and a tail that is either round or square. The lovebird is a small stocky parrot between 5.1-6.7 inches (13-17 cm). Their average life span is between 5-7 years with some living even longer. These birds are very active, flying and climbing about, gnawing on wood or chew toys, and grooming themselves all day.

Lovebirds generally maintain their nails and beaks on their own through climbing and chewing. Lovebirds are very active birds, so a cage best suited to adequately house them must provide a lot of space. To have a tame lovebird, choose a young single bird. Young birds have an amazing ability to learn tricks and be affectionate, whereas adults are very difficult to tame and generally won’t learn a lot of tricks or imitate behaviours.

The basic cage care includes daily cleaning/changing of the food and water dishes. Plain newspaper can be used to line the bottom of the cage and should be changed daily to prevent diseases and illness.

Lifespan: Their average life span is between 5-7 years.

Food: A lovebird’s diet will consist of 1 1/2 to 2 ounces (45-60 grams) of feed daily for a single bird. A diet consisting of a small parrot mix along with a variety of supplements and vitamins is generally regarded as suitable; also, a formulated diet along with greens, fruits, and vegetable supplements can be given.

Pigeon

Pigeons are gentle, plump, small-billed birds.

Pigeons are smart, easy-going birds that quickly learn household routines. They do fine in homes with other pets and can live peacefully and unafraid with dogs and cats as long as they are kept safe. They are very emotional and do need a BFF, whether another bird or a human with whom they can spend the day.

It might surprise you to know that pigeons are considered one of the smartest species. They can count just as well as primates and can recognize words. They are one of only a small number of species to pass the ‘mirror test’ – a test of self recognition.

Pigeons are highly sociable animals. Both female and male pigeons share responsibility of caring for and raising young. Pigeons have excellent hearing abilities. They can detect sounds at far lower frequencies than humans are able to, and can thus hear distant storms and volcanoes.

Lifespan: Average life span is 6 years.

Food: Pellets should ideally represent approximately 50% of a pigeon’s diet along with small amounts of seed and fresh produce. Finely chopped vegetables and greens, plus smaller amounts of fruit, should be offered as part of a pigeon’s or dove’s daily diet. 

Cockatiel

There’s a reason why the cockatiel is one of the most popular companion birds because they can be both cuddly and bold. Cockatiels can also be curious and, at times, feisty. With a cockatiel in the house, you are likely to hear a repertoire of chirps and whistles.

Cockatiels are also talented whistlers, and male cockatiels in particular are known for their whistle serenades, which can be directed at their favoured person, their favourite object or their mirror reflection.

Cockatiels often enjoy spending their downtime snuggling on their favored person’s shoulder. A healthy, well-socialized cockatiel can make a great family pet and is also ideal for apartment living. Cockatiels can be kept both in indoor and outdoor.

The position of a cockatiel’s crest feathers can tell you its mood. Highly curious.- Straight-up crest feathers. Defensive cockatiel- hold its crest feathers flattened close its head. Relaxed cockatiel- slightly held back crest feathers, as well as fluffed cheek feathers.

Lifespan: Upto 10 years approx.

Food: A mixture of 75% grains and 25% seeds will be the mainstay of your cockatiel’s diet. Keep your cockatiel’s food bowl three-quarters full and refresh it daily. Fresh fruit such as berries, melon, papaya or kiwi.

Conure

Conures, which vary in size from small to medium, often charm people with their playfulness and inquisitive personalities. These small to medium parrots with long tail feathers range in size to just under 10 inches to just over 20 inches, depending on the conure species.

Conures are active birds and need a spacious cage to move about and to accommodate toys. They generally love to bathe — in their water dish, in the shower with their owner or via a spray bath. They need at least two hours of daily interaction with their humans.

It can be very playful, very cuddly and, at times, very loud. A conure is more inclined to be curious and bold instead of shy and cautious. It loves to be where its people are or on them; even going so far as to climb under their owner’s shirt, head poking out of the collar, during cuddle time. Some conures will dance back and forth, and might even mimic its person’s movements. Conures can also be taught to perform tricks on cue if trained using positive enforcement.

Lifespan: Upto 20 years.

Food: Pellets should make up 80-85% of your conure’s diet.

Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and sprouts, sweet potato, yams, carrots, pumpkin.

Fruits: Berries, apples, grapes, guava fruit, pomegranate, figs, papaya, bananas, pears, melons, plums, peaches, apricots, mango, kiwi, cherries, pineapple.

Quakers

They are small, companion parrots that are also commonly referred to as Blue Monk Parakeets or Blue Monk Parrots. Quakers are known as very confident birds that act as if they were much larger. They have very engaging personalities and are often thought of as comical due to their playful behaviour. They are small, sleek birds and have long tail feathers.

They are not particularly quiet birds and like to copy loud voices and sounds. They have a great capacity for mimicking human language and can be taught to talk at a very young age of about six months old.

Blue Quakers are high energy birds that love to play in and around their cage. They love chew toys, enjoy interacting with the humans in the house. 

Lifespan: Blue Quakers can live up to 20 to 25 years.

Food: Diet should be pellet based with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, nuts. Some seeds can be offered, but should only be a small part of their dining options. They can get bored with the same food every day, so variety is recommended.

Lorikeet

The Lory personality is intense, in general. This is not a shy species. The rainbow Lory is bubbly and enthusiastic, the “coach” of the bird world, encouraging play whenever its favourite human is around.

Lories are high-energy birds that need a roomy cage as well as plenty of out-of-cage playtime. This bird is for the more advanced bird keeper, and would do well in a one-bird household. Lories and lorikeets are extremely intelligent birds. They have a tendency to be quieter in comparison to other parrot species.

These birds are constantly busy and lively, allowing little time for rest. Their antics are extremely entertaining for most people. Lories are quite chatty, can learn to talk, but they tend to express themselves with a high-pitched shrill that might catch the attention of nearby neighbors.

Lifespan: Upto 30 years.

Food: Lorikeets and lories require more carbohydrates than other parrot species. These birds need natural complex sugars, which are found in nectar or fruit.

Fruits and vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and sprouts, sweet potato, yams, carrots, pumpkin, Berries, apples, grapes, guava fruit, pomegranate, figs, papaya, bananas, pears, melons, plums, peaches, apricots, mango, kiwi, cherries, pineapple.