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In India, people have been inclined toward birds for a long time. Birds are very popular as pets in India. They are adorable, interactive, intelligent, and friendly- well-suited companions.
And they are very affordable!
Usually, on Sundays, I go to the Galiff Street pet market. I already have about ten love birds and budgies, but I still love watching them out there and keep myself updated with the prices of different bird breeds.
People often think twice before buying a pet bird in India because only a few of them are legal.
Can I keep birds legally in India?
The Wildlife Protection Act says that no one can keep wild birds native to India as pets. Anyone caring for such birds must hand them over to the forest department or release them in forests, lakes, and parks.
In India, local birds are not supposed to be kept as pets. However, exotic birds such as foreign parrots, budgerigars, and cockatoos can be kept as pets. It is common for people to keep parrots as pets, but this is illegal, as is maintaining mynas and finches that are trapped in the wild and sold in markets.
List of birds that are allowed as pets in India
| Bird Species | Approximate Price Range (INR) |
|---|---|
| Love Birds price in India | Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,500 |
| Cockatiel price in India | Rs. 800 to Rs. 2,500 |
| Budgerigar price in India | Rs. 150 to Rs. 600 |
| Zebra Finch price in India | Rs. 100 to Rs. 300 |
| Conure price in India | Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 |
| Dove price in India | Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 |
| Macaw price in India | Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 1,50,000 |
| Parrotlet price in India | Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 8,000 |
| Canary price in India | Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000 |
| Mandarin Duck price in India | Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 3,000 |
| Golden Pheasant price in India | Rs. 800 to Rs. 2,500 |
| Rainbow Lorikeet price in India | Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000 |
| Palm Cockatoo price in India | Rs. 1,50,000 to Rs. 4,00,000 |
| Toucan price in India | Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 5,00,000 |
Here is a list of the best birds as pets. Some people may find the pet bird they’ve chosen too noisy or time-consuming for their lifestyle. Then, they get frustrated and give the birds away. That’s why it’s so important you get the best pet bird for you.
Note: Parrots are controversial! You CANNOT buy any random parrot and keep them as pets. That’s why we are not writing about parrots here. We have a separate article on which parrots are legal in India.
Love Birds
Love birds, also called pocket parrots, are available in different species.
The three most popular species prove excellent companions for human families of bird lovers. I am a proud owner of four lovebirds! They are pretty attention seekers and make cute noises when alone and hungry.
- Love bird pairs can cost around ₹1000 to ₹2000 in India.
- Love birds can live for 5-10 years.
- Love birds are native to Africa.
For more, read Love Birds Price in India, Lifespan, Types, Legality and Faqs
Cockatiel
Cockatiels are small exotic parrots with various colour patterns, head crests, and the capability to mimic speech. They are the most minor cockatoo family and exhibit many of the same features and habits as the more giant bird.
Cockatiel bird prices in India range anywhere between ₹2000 to ₹20000.- Cockatiels live an average of 10-15 years.
- Cockatiels originated in Australia.
Here is an article about Cockatiel birds, including a detailed price.
Budgies or budgerigar
Budgies, also known as parakeets, are the smallest exotic parrot species. They are extremely friendly, easy to tame, and mimic human voices.
- The budget price in India can range between ₹250 to
₹ 3,000. - Budgies live for around 5 to 15 years in captivity.
- Budgies originated in Australia.
For more info, read Budgies Price in India, Varieties, Lifespan and Profile
Zebra Finch Bird
Due to availability and price, zebra finches are the most popular finch species. It is an excellent choice for a first-time bird owner. Zebra finches are typically kept in pairs and entertain themselves without a lot of interaction with their owners. This species is a good choice if you have little spare time with your pet bird.
- Zebra Finch can cost around ₹500 to ₹1000 in India.
- Zebra finches have a life span of 2 to 5 years. Yeah, sadly, they don’t live long.
- Zebra finches are native to Timor Island.
For more, read Different Types of Finch Bird Price in India, Lifespan, and Profile
Conure bird
There are about 15 types of Conures, e.g., Green-Cheeked Conure, Sun Conure, Queen of Bavaria Conures, etc. Because of their loving personalities, these bold and beautiful birds are popular pet companions.
- Conure birds can cost around ₹10000 to ₹3000 in India.
- Conure birds’ average lifespan is above 20 years (with proper care).
- Conure birds are native to Mexico and Argentina.
Dove (Columbidae) birds
Doves are ideal for someone who wants a bird but cannot accommodate the needs of a parrot (noise, one-on-one social interaction). Their interactions are fun to watch, and some consider their cooing pleasant.
- Dove birds can cost around ₹2000 to ₹10000 in India.
- Dove birds’ average lifespan is 12 to 15 years.
- Native: Global.
Macaw birds
Macaws’ big size and vibrant colours make them hard to overlook. These social birds can create a racket when they feel so inclined, and their clownish ways are sure to draw attention. Although their large beaks can be intimidating, a well-socialized macaw can be a friendly and affectionate companion. They are very costly as well.
- Macaw birds can cost around ₹30000 to ₹300000 in India.
- Macaw birds’ average lifespan is more than 40 years.
- Macaw birds are native to Latin America and the Caribbeans.
Parrotlet birds
(Not to be confused with parrots, which are illegal, though some foreign parrots are legal in India)
Highly intelligent, affectionate, and undeniably cute, these little birds have diligently worked their way into bird lovers’ homes and hearts worldwide.
- Parrotlet birds cost around ₹5000 to ₹10000 in India.
- Parrotlet birds’ average lifespan is more than 40 years.
- Native: Central America and South America.
Canary birds
The Canary is a pleasant companion bird with cheerful behaviour. It communicates with a melodious song that is soft and pleasant. The canary has been carefully bred to be available in various colours, sizes, and singing varieties. The canaries are inexpensive birds you can get at almost any pet store.
- Canary bird price in India starts from ₹5000.
- Canary birds’ average lifespan is more than 10-12 years.
- Canary birds are native to the Canary Islands.
Mandarin duck
Mandarin Ducks are small, exotic-looking ducks found in lakes and parks, usually with nearby trees. Mainly found in pairs or singly, but will gather in larger flocks over the winter; perches readily in trees over water.
- Mandarin Ducks will cost around ₹50000 to ₹200000 in India.
- Mandarin Ducks’ average lifespan is 12 years.
- Mandarin Ducks are native to East Asia but have established feral populations throughout Western Europe.
Golden pheasant
Golden pheasants are hardy and cold, heat tolerant, easy to tame, and will impress your friends. Goldens are notorious for flying off, so you must place netting over the pen. They also like to dig out, so fencing should go 20″ into the ground.
- Golden pheasant birds can cost around ₹15000 and above in India.
- Golden pheasant birds can live for 6-10 years.
- Golden pheasants are native to China.
Rainbow lorikeet
Rainbow lorikeets are sweet-natured, vibrantly brilliant, long-lived, medium-sized parrots that get just over a foot long from the beak to the tail feathers. They are busybodies who like to be in the midst of the action. And, like a young puppy, this bird encourages play whenever its favourite person is around. This bird is not shy and will tell you when it needs attention. If you’re looking for a laid-back bird, this may not be right.
- Rainbow lorikeet birds cost around ₹40000 per pair in India.
- Rainbow lorikeet birds’ average lifespan is ten years.
- Rainbow lorikeets are native to Central and South America.
Palm Cockatoo
It is a distinctive dark cockatoo with a genuinely massive bill. Inhabits rainforests and woodlands of New Guinea and the northern Cape York Peninsula. A large patch of bare red skin on the cheeks and a long black crest is distinctive. Use sticks to “drum” on trees during territorial displays. In-flight, note the all-black tail (Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo has bright red tail panels). Voice a sharp whistle or squeak, lacking the mournful, drawn-out wailing quality of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo.
- Palm Cockatoo birds cost around ₹50000 to ₹200000 in India.
- Palm Cockatoo birds’ average lifespan is more than 60 years.
- Palm Cockatoo birds are native to Central and South America.
Toucan
Toucans make excellent pets. They are friendly, cuddly, playful, intelligent, and curious about their surroundings. They like to play with toys and their owners and will give you hours of excellent companionship. They will sit on your shoulder, cuddle on your lap, and, when contented, will purr like a kitten.
Toucans have many advantages over parrots as pets. They do not scream or make other obnoxious, loud noises. Since their beaks are not powerful, they cannot bite hard and have difficulty squeezing a grape. They also cannot chew furniture or other objects of value. Like cockatoos, they do not have feather dander and will not “dust up” the house.
- A pair of Toucans will cost around ₹15-20 lakh in India.
- Toucan birds’ average lifespan:20 years.
- Native: Central America and South America.
What are real people on Reddit saying about the best pet birds for beginners?
Conclusion
We hope to have helped you know more about pet birds. Check the list of common pet birds in India because the local birds are illegal to keep.
If you are a first-time pet bird owner, we have mentioned guidelines for beginners to check to ensure you have made an informed decision.
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FAQs
Is it legal to keep birds as pets in India?
In India, as per the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), exotic birds that are not native to India can be kept as pets, while the local birds are categorized under wild animals and are illegal to keep as pets. In short, We cannot keep local birds as pets, but foreign exotic birds like Cockatoos and Budgerigars can be kept as pets.
Are parrots legal in India?
No, parrots are native birds of India and cannot be kept as pets.
Is Love Birds legal in India?
Lovebirds originated in South Africa & Madagascar and are not native to India. They are not covered under the Indian Wildlife Act but are banned from trade in India.
Can we keep Peacock at home in India?
No, since the Peacock is included in the Schedule I species in the Wildlife (Protection) Act and is also the National bird of India, keeping the peacock at home as a pet is illegal in India.
How to make a bird like you and form a bond with you?
Usually, pet birds are easy to connect with their owners, but some may take longer to like you. To form a bond with your pet bird, approach them slowly, use soft speech and comfort, and offer their favourite treat.
What are the best pet birds for beginners in India?
You can consider finches or canaries if you have no experience with birds before.
What is the punishment for keeping illegal birds in India?
If the bird is categorized under Schedule 1, the accused can be punished with seven years of imprisonment or a penalty of up to Rs. 25,000 or both.
Do I need a license to own a pet bird in India?
No, you do not need a license to own a pet bird in India. However, if you plan to sell or breed birds, you may require a license from the local authorities.
What are some common pet bird species in India?
Some common pet bird species in India include budgerigars (parakeets), cockatiels, lovebirds, African grey parrots, and macaws.
Can I keep a wild bird as a pet in India?
Keeping free wild birds such as parrots and pigeons as pets in India is illegal without the required permits and licenses.
Can I import pet birds into India?
Yes, it is possible to import pet birds into India, but you must follow the procedures and requirements set by the Indian government. Importing certain bird species may also require additional permits and licenses.
What should I do if I find a lost or injured bird in India?
If you find a lost or injured bird in India, it is best to contact local animal welfare organizations or bird rehabilitation centers for assistance. It is illegal to keep wild birds as pets without the proper permits and licenses, and attempting to care for them without the necessary knowledge and experience can harm the bird.
I am a pet expert dealing with Cats, Dogs, Birds, Rabbits and Aquarium fish for the last 10 years. Now it is time to share my knowledge with you. I am very passionate about sharing everything that I learned so far about pet care. Watch my Youtube channel Petfather
African grey parrot is legally in India ?
Yes, because it is a foreign species it is allowed. Only desi bird species including Indian parrots are not allowed as pets.