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Birds: a UK guide to care, health, law and costs
A UK guide to keeping birds: what they need, how long they live, health and cost, the law and what to do in an emergency.
This is general information for the UK. It is not veterinary or legal advice, and every animal is different. Speak to a vet about your pet's health, and check current rules on GOV.UK, or with your local authority. The Be Pet Wise app can also show rules for other countries.
At a glance
| Typical lifespan | Budgerigars 5–10 years; larger parrots can live for decades |
|---|---|
| Daily time | Daily out-of-cage time, interaction and cleaning |
| Space | A large cage or aviary; flight matters |
| Best for | People who can offer company, noise tolerance and long-term commitment |
Care and food
Choose the largest cage or aviary you can, with perches of varied sizes, toys and daily flying or out-of-cage time. Feed a balanced diet (quality pellets or a good seed mix plus fresh vegetables) and avoid all-seed diets. Birds need 10–12 hours of quiet sleep and protection from draughts.
Character and suitability
Many pet birds are social and intelligent, and can be noisy, messy and demanding. Budgerigars and many small birds do best with company of their own kind. Parrots can bond strongly, need mental stimulation, and may scream, chew or pluck feathers if bored.
Health and lifespan
Respiratory problems, obesity from seed-only diets, feather plucking linked to stress or boredom, and infections such as psittacosis (which can pass to people) are among the issues. Birds hide illness, so a fluffed-up bird sitting low on the perch needs prompt attention from a bird-experienced vet.
Allergies
Feather dust and dander can trigger allergies and lung problems in some people, particularly with cockatoos and African greys. Good ventilation and cleaning help but do not remove the risk.
The law in the UK
Birds are covered by animal welfare law. Some parrot species require paperwork such as CITES certificates for sale, and wild-caught trade is heavily restricted. Non-native species must not be released into the wild. Ask the seller for provenance and check requirements with Defra or APHA.
What it costs
Budget for a large cage or aviary, food, toys, vet care from an avian-experienced vet, and time. Larger parrots can live for decades and require lifetime plans.
Emergencies: when to call a vet
Treat as urgent: a bird fluffed up on the cage floor, tail bobbing with breathing, bleeding that does not stop, egg-binding in females, or exposure to fumes from non-stick (PTFE) cookware, self-cleaning ovens, aerosols or smoke, which can be fatal.
Adopting or buying
Rescues rehome many parrots and budgerigars. Consider the lifespan and noise before you commit, and buy only from reputable, legal sources with a clear history for the bird.
Frequently asked questions
How long do pet birds live?
It varies widely: budgerigars often live 5 to 10 years, cockatiels 15 to 20, and large parrots such as African greys and macaws can live for several decades.
Do birds need company?
Many species, including budgerigars, are flock birds and are happier with company. Parrots need daily interaction and mental stimulation.
What should birds not be exposed to?
Fumes from non-stick (PTFE) cookware, self-cleaning ovens, aerosols and smoke can be fatal to birds.
Can I keep a parrot in a flat?
Sometimes, but noise, space and neighbours matter. Check tenancy rules and consider whether you can meet the bird's needs for company and out-of-cage time.
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Open Be Pet WiseBrowse all guidesReviewed 2026-09-20. General information for the UK, not veterinary or legal advice. See a vet for any health concern.