Many people find red birds, like cardinals, very beautiful and want to keep them as pets. However, keeping a wild red bird as a pet can be challenging due to their specialized needs. While it may seem appealing to have a bright red bird in your home, there are important factors to consider before getting a red bird as a pet.
In this article, we will explore if keeping a red bird as a pet is feasible, legal, and ethical. We will look at the natural history and care requirements of popular red pet bird species. We will also examine the laws surrounding capturing and keeping native wild birds. Finally, we will weigh the pros and cons of red birds as pets to help you decide if one would be right for your family.
Are Captive Red Birds Legal?
The legality of keeping red birds as pets depends on the species and where you live. In the United States, it is generally illegal to keep any native wild bird species captive without special permits. This includes common red birds like cardinals, scarlet tanagers, and vermilion flycatchers.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it illegal to possess any migratory bird or their parts (feathers, eggs, nests, etc.) without a permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Most red bird species in North America are classified as migratory and protected under this law. Violating the MBTA can result in fines up to $15,000 and even jail time.
However, some introduced or non-native species like the red-crested cardinal may be legal to own without a permit depending on local laws. You should always check with your state wildlife agency before capturing, purchasing, or keeping any wild bird as a pet. It’s also vital to verify that the bird was legally obtained by a certified breeder.
Challenges of Keeping Red Birds
Even if certain red bird species can be legally owned, there are still many challenges that come with keeping them in captivity:
Specialized diets – Most red birds like cardinals eat specialized diets of seeds and insects. Providing the right balance of foods can be difficult in captivity.
Housing requirements – These active birds need ample space to fly as well as areas to perch and hide. Traditional cages are often inadequate.
Stress and health issues – Red birds are prone to stress, trauma, and disease when housed in captivity away from their flock. Their lifespan is greatly reduced as pets.
Noisy – The males’ loud song year-round can become annoying over time in a home.
Destructive – They chew, scratch, and destroy furniture, curtains, wallpaper, etc. This behavior is impossible to train out of them.
Lonely – Social flocking birds do not do well isolated in a home even with frequent human interaction.
These challenges mean that responsibly caring for a red bird as a pet requires specialized knowledge, facilities, time, and financial resources. Very few people can truly provide the adequate care they need to thrive. For most, a red bird will not make a good pet.
Pet Red Bird Species
While owning U.S. native red birds is illegal, there are three red bird species commonly bred as pets:
European Goldfinch
Overview – The European goldfinch is a popular caged songbird. Males have bright red faces. They are social, lively, and very vocal.
Care Tips
- Diet: Thistle seed, niger seed, romaine lettuce
- Cage size: 30″ W x 18″ D x 18″ H minimum for pairs
- Enrichment: Foraging toys, branches, baths
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Red Factor Canary
Overview – Selectively bred for their red color, these canaries are active and vocal. Their song is melodious.
Care Tips
- Diet: Fortified finch seed, greens, egg food
- Cage size: 20” W x 14” D x 14” H minimum
- Enrichment: Shredding toys, swings, mirrors
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
Red-crested Cardinal
Overview – A South American finch species with bright red plumage and crest. They have pleasant songs.
Care Tips
- Diet: Finch seed mix, fruits like banana
- Cage size: 30” W x 18” D x 18” H minimum
- Enrichment: Shredding toys, swings, branches
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
These pet red birds have easier care requirements and are legal with no permit needed. However, they still require sizable cages, specialized diets, veterinary care, and lots of interaction. Make sure you fully research the needs of any red bird species before getting one as a pet.
Pros of Keeping Pet Red Birds
Despite the challenges, some experienced bird owners may still find red birds rewarding pets under the right circumstances. Some pros include:
Beautiful appearance – Their bright crimson plumage can brighten up any room. Males and females have distinctive coloration.
Interesting behaviors – Watching them hop, climb, vocalize, forage, and play can be endlessly fascinating.
Pleasant sounds – Red birds like goldfinches and canaries have lovely, melodious songs. Their calls can be calming background noise.
Low maintenance – Compared to parrots, finches have simpler care and cannot bite hard. Their mess is also minimal.
Low cost – You can purchase a red finch for under $100. Their small seed diet is also inexpensive.
For experienced bird owners with realistic expectations, a red songbird can be an enjoyable pet. Make sure you select hardy species bred for captivity rather than fragile wild-caught birds.
Cons of Keeping Pet Red Birds
However, there are also downsides to consider before getting a red bird:
Fragile – Most finches and canaries are prone to injury, illness, and stress in captivity. Many die prematurely.
Messy – While less messy than parrots, they still scatter food, droppings, and feathers. This requires frequent cleaning.
Destructive – Red birds often chew up papers, fabrics, woodwork, wires, and more in your home.
Demanding – They need large cages, frequent feedings, baths, toy rotation, and hours of interaction daily.
Noisy– Constant high-pitched chirps and songs, especially in mornings, can frustrate owners.
Short-lived – With an average lifespan of 5-10 years, losing your scarlet pet will happen much sooner than expected.
While red birds may seem like easy starter pets, they do need advanced care to thrive. Make sure you can fully commit before deciding to get a red finch or canary.
Establishing Proper Red Bird Care
If you decide a red songbird is right for you, focus on providing the following essentials:
Spacious, secure housing – Get the largest cage possible, at minimum 20” x 14” x 14” for a single finch. Barcelona-style cages give more horizontal space.
Healthy diet – Feed a quality finch seed mix along with pellets, vegetables, fruits, sprouts, and calcium sources.
Foraging and exercise – Fill the cage with shredding toys, ladders, swings, and perches at varying heights to encourage activity.
Socialization – Spend at least one hour interacting, training, and playing with your red bird daily.
Avian vet care – Schedule annual exams, lab work, and be prepared to treat any injuries or illnesses promptly.
Flock or pair – House social red birds with another compatible finch so they are not lonely. Monitor very carefully for fighting.
With meticulous care and realistic expectations, a colorful pet finch or canary can be a lovely addition to your home. Be sure you are ready for the responsibility before making the commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a cardinal as a pet?
No, native North American cardinals are protected by law and cannot be kept as pets without permits that are almost never granted. However, the South American red-crested cardinal is sometimes available as a pet species.
What’s the easiest red bird to keep as a pet?
The red factor canary is likely the easiest red songbird species to keep as a pet. Canaries have been bred in captivity for centuries and adapt well with proper care.
Do red birds like to be held?
Most red bird pets do not enjoy being handled and prefer to interact on their own terms. Avoid grabbing them from their cage. Taming them to perch on a finger takes significant time and patience.
Can you keep red birds outside?
Finches and canaries are highly sensitive to drafts, temperature fluctuations, and weather. They should always be housed indoors in climate controlled conditions for health and safety.
What’s the best red bird cage setup?
Aim for the largest possible cage, at least 20” x 14” x 14”, filled with multiple wooden perches, feeding stations, foraging toys, a nest, and ample horizontal flight space. Ensure it is sturdy and provides UVB light.
Conclusion
While their colorful beauty is appealing, red birds like cardinals and finches may not make suitable pets for everyone. Their specialized nutritional and housing needs, tendency to be noisy, fragile health, and strict legal protections are important considerations. For an experienced bird enthusiast able to provide excellent lifelong care, a hand-raised, captive-bred red finch or canary can be an enjoyable companion. However, a red bird is a commitment not to be taken lightly. Ensure you thoroughly research proper care and fully prepare yourself before bringing one of these challenging yet charming songbirds into your home.
