🦜 Best Parrots for Beginners in the UK: A Complete Guide for First-Time Bird Owners
Published by Parrot Speak | UK’s Trusted Parrot Breeder & Seller
Introduction
Thinking about owning a parrot for the first time? You’re not alone. 🦜 Best Parrots for Beginners in the UK Thousands of UK families and individuals are discovering the joys of keeping parrots as pets—and it’s easy to see why. Parrots are intelligent, social, and visually stunning. But not every parrot is a good match for beginners. That’s why we at Parrot Speak have created this in-depth guide on the best parrots for beginners in the UK.
Whether you’re a single pet owner in London or a family looking for a vibrant new member in Manchester, this guide will walk you through with 🦜 Best Parrots for Beginners in the UK
- The best parrot species for first-time owners
- Key personality traits and care requirements
- How to choose the right parrot for your lifestyle
- Where to buy beginner parrots in the UK
- And how Parrot Speak supports you every step of the way
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of beginner-friendly parrots! 🦜✨
Why Parrots Make Great Pets
Parrots aren’t just birds—they’re intelligent companions with the ability to mimic words, recognize faces, and form emotional bonds with their owners. Here’s why so many UK homes are choosing parrots over cats or dogs:
✅ Intelligence
Parrots are problem-solvers. Many can learn tricks, talk, and even respond to their names. 🦜 Best Parrots for Beginners in the UK
✅ Long Lifespan
Depending on the species, parrots can live 15 to 80 years, making them long-term companions.
✅ Low Odour & No Shedding
Unlike furry pets, parrots are cleaner, don’t shed fur, and have little to no odour.
✅ Smaller Living Space Needs
Many beginner species do well in flats or smaller UK homes, as long as they get daily out-of-cage time.
Top 7 Best Parrots for Beginners in the UK
At Parrot Speak, we’ve matched hundreds of first-time parrot owners with the right birds. Here are our expert-approved top beginner-friendly parrots:
1. Budgerigars (Budgies)
Ideal for: Kids, apartment dwellers, total beginners
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Size: Small (18 cm)
Budgies are the #1 beginner parrot in the UK—and for good reason. They’re:
- Low-maintenance
- Affordable
- Easy to train
- Playful and social
They can mimic simple words and enjoy human interaction, especially when hand-tamed.
Available now at Parrot Speak: Hand-reared budgies in vibrant colours!
2. Cockatiels
Ideal for: Families, gentle handlers
Lifespan: 15–25 years
Size: Small to medium (30–33 cm)
Cockatiels are gentle, affectionate, and love whistling tunes. Males often learn to mimic sounds and enjoy head scratches. 🦜 Best Parrots for Beginners in the UK
They’re one of the best parrots for beginners UK-wide because of their:
- Friendly personality
- Low noise level
- Great with children
Tip: Males are more vocal; females are calmer.
3. Green-Cheeked Conures
Ideal for: Young adults, active owners
Lifespan: 20–30 years
Size: Small to medium (26 cm)
If you want a playful and goofy parrot that forms a strong bond, a Green-Cheeked Conure is perfect. They’re: 🦜 Best Parrots for Beginners in the UK
- Quieter than most parrots
- Intelligent and trainable
- Full of personality
They do need attention and toys, but they’re far more manageable than larger species.
4. Quaker Parrots (Monk Parakeets)
Ideal for: Talkative households, first-timers who want a “talking bird”
Lifespan: 20–30 years
Size: Medium (29 cm)
Quakers are famous for their talking abilities. With daily interaction, they can build a large vocabulary and mimic household noises.
UK law now allows Quakers in most areas, making them a rising beginner favourite.
5. Senegal Parrots
Ideal for: Calm homes, people wanting quiet birds
Lifespan: 25–30 years
Size: Small to medium (23 cm)
Senegals are affectionate and more reserved. They’re perfect for UK owners who want a low-noise, low-drama parrot that still bonds deeply. 🦜 Best Parrots for Beginners in the UK
They also don’t require constant stimulation, making them suitable for people who work regular hours.
6. Indian Ringneck Parrots
Ideal for: Committed beginners, speech enthusiasts
Lifespan: 25–35 years
Size: Medium (35–40 cm)
Indian Ringnecks are stunning and have an advanced ability to speak. Though slightly shy at first, they can become affectionate with time and training.
They are slightly more demanding than budgies or cockatiels, but still manageable for beginners willing to put in the effort. 🦜 Best Parrots for Beginners in the UK
7. Lovebirds
Ideal for: Singles or couples, small homes
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Size: Small (15 cm)
Lovebirds are compact, colourful, and—true to their name—bond very closely with one person. They’re ideal for people who want a loyal companion bird.
Note: Despite the name, lovebirds don’t need to be kept in pairs if they bond with a human.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Species | Size | Lifespan | Talkative? | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budgie | Small | 10–15 yrs | Basic words | Very low | All beginners |
| Cockatiel | Small-Med | 15–25 yrs | Whistles, few words | Low | Families |
| Green-Cheeked Conure | Small-Med | 20–30 yrs | Limited talking | Moderate | Active adults |
| Quaker | Medium | 20–30 yrs | Very good | Moderate | Talkers |
| Senegal | Small-Med | 25–30 yrs | Occasional | Low | Quiet homes |
| Indian Ringneck | Medium | 25–35 yrs | Excellent | Moderate-high | Speech lovers |
| Lovebird | Small | 10–15 yrs | Minimal | Low | Small homes |
What Makes a Parrot Beginner-Friendly?
🧠 Temperament
Beginner birds should be naturally friendly or easily tamed.
🔊 Noise Level
Quiet or medium-noise parrots are best for flats or shared housing.
🧹 Easy Maintenance
Birds that don’t require complex diets or daily training are ideal for beginners.
❤️ Bonding
First-time owners often enjoy birds that naturally bond without being clingy or aggressive.
Choosing the Right Beginner Parrot for Your Lifestyle
Before buying a parrot, ask yourself:
- How much time do you have daily for interaction?
- Do you prefer a talkative or quiet bird?
- What’s your living situation—flat, house, kids at home?
- Do you travel often or stay at home?
- What’s your long-term commitment ability (lifespan)?
Parrot Speak offers a free consultation to help match you with the perfect parrot. 🦜 Best Parrots for Beginners in the UK
Where to Buy Beginner Parrots in the UK
Avoid online classifieds or pet shops that don’t specialise in birds. Many of these parrots are:
- Unhanded or poorly socialised
- Prone to health issues
- Not ethically sourced
Instead, choose a specialised UK breeder like Parrot Speak.
Why Buy From Parrot Speak?
🟢 Hand-Raised Birds
Our parrots are raised around people, making them tame and affectionate from day one.
🟢 Health-Checked & Certified
Each bird is vet-checked and comes with a health certificate, care guide, and food starter pack.
🟢 Beginner Support
We guide first-time owners on cage setup, feeding, training, and more.
🟢 Ethical & Legal
All our birds come with proper documentation, including CITES (if required) and purchase agreements.
🟢 Nationwide Delivery
Live in London, Leeds, Glasgow, or Birmingham? No problem. We deliver safely across the UK.
What You Get When You Buy from Parrot Speak
- 🐦 A healthy, tame parrot suited for beginners
- 📦 Delivery or pickup options
- 📄 Health certificate & documentation
- 📘 Printed care guide
- 🎁 Starter pack (toys + food)
- 📞 Lifetime support via WhatsApp or phone
Essential First-Time Parrot Supplies
Before your bird arrives, make sure you have:
- ✅ Spacious cage (size depends on species)
- ✅ Perches and chewable toys
- ✅ Seed + pellet mix + fresh food
- ✅ Stainless steel food/water bowls
- ✅ Travel carrier
- ✅ Natural disinfectant for cage cleaning
We provide complete beginner kits at Parrot Speak—ask us when ordering!
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Conclusion: Find Your First Feathered Friend with Parrot Speak
Starting your journey as a parrot owner is exciting—but choosing the right species and a reputable breeder is essential.🦜 Best Parrots for Beginners in the UK
At Parrot Speak, we’ve helped hundreds of UK homes bring joy and colour into their lives with the perfect beginner parrots. Whether you’re drawn to the friendly Budgie, the loving Cockatiel, or the entertaining Quaker, we’ll match you with a bird that fits your lifestyle and experience level.
👉 Ready to meet your first parrot?
Visit our website or contact us today to reserve a hand-raised beginner parrot from Parrot Speak—your trusted UK parrot partner. 🦜 Best Parrots for Beginners in the UK
