European starlings, with their iridescent plumage and lively personalities, often capture our attention in the wild. But have you ever wondered if these intelligent birds could make a good pet? While perhaps not as commonly considered as parrots or canaries, starlings possess a unique set of traits that make them both fascinating and challenging companions. This article dives deep into the realities of keeping starlings as pets, exploring the good, the bad, and even the sometimes-ugly aspects, to help you determine if a starling is the right bird for you. We’ll draw upon experiences and observations to provide a comprehensive overview, ensuring you’re well-informed about what it truly means to welcome a starling into your home.
The Allure of Starlings: Appreciating the Positives
Starlings present several appealing qualities that contribute to their potential as pets. One of the most significant advantages is their relatively gentle nature, particularly when compared to parrots and other hookbills. Their beaks, designed for probing and foraging rather than cracking seeds, mean that their bites, while noticeable, are far less painful. A starling’s nip is unlikely to break the skin except in very sensitive areas, making interactions generally safer, especially for households with children. This softer bite is a considerable relief for those who might be intimidated by the powerful bite force of parrots.
Furthermore, starlings are not naturally destructive chewers. Unlike birds that need to constantly gnaw to maintain beak health or out of boredom, starlings don’t have the same inclination to destroy furniture or belongings. This can be a significant advantage for owners concerned about property damage, although, as we’ll explore later, they have their own unique forms of “redecorating.”
When it comes to vocalizations, starlings offer another pleasant surprise. While not silent birds by any means, their calls tend to be less ear-splitting than those of many parrots of similar size. Birds like lovebirds, conures, and cockatiels are known for their high-volume calls, whereas starlings, while capable of a wide range of sounds, generally operate at a lower decibel level. This doesn’t mean they are quiet – they are quite chatty and can be vocal – but their sounds are often described as more melodic and less jarring, making them potentially more suitable for apartment living or noise-sensitive environments. However, individual starlings can learn and mimic a variety of sounds, so their specific vocal repertoire can influence their overall noise level.
Despite their sometimes-wild reputation, companion starlings are not typically aggressive or overly territorial. While spring hormones can bring out territorial behaviors, such as wing-waving displays and “angry songs,” this is generally less intense than the territoriality seen in many parrots or even some solitary passerines. Starlings tend to posture and “poke-lunge” to establish boundaries rather than engaging in outright physical aggression. Careful supervision is always necessary, especially during breeding season, as smaller birds could be injured. However, starlings are generally more inclined to coexist peacefully, preferring to establish space and avoid conflict, making them potentially compatible with multi-pet households under careful management.
Starlings strike a good balance in terms of temperament, often described as being somewhere between highly demanding parrots and more laid-back birds. They are intelligent, inquisitive, and trainable, capable of forming strong bonds and learning tricks. They possess good memories and distinct personalities, making them engaging companions. Yet, they are often considered less temperamental and neurotic than some parrot species, offering a rewarding interaction without the intense emotional rollercoaster that can sometimes accompany parrot ownership. In this aspect, they might share similarities with cockatiels, known for their affectionate and relatively gentle nature.
Hand-raised starlings often develop deep bonds with their human caregivers, becoming very attached and seeking close proximity. Importantly, this bond typically avoids the problematic over-bonding and sexual fixations that can occur with parrots. While starlings may exhibit some sexual behaviors towards humans, it’s generally less intense and disruptive. They are often described as “Velcro birds,” enjoying being near their owners and reminiscent of loyal dogs in their desire for companionship and flock integration.
Furthermore, starlings are less prone to developing the “one-person bird syndrome” common in parrots. While monogamous in the wild, they seem to accept multiple humans and even other pets as part of their flock. They don’t typically display intense mate jealousy or aggression towards strangers, often choosing to flee rather than fight when faced with unfamiliar people. This flock-oriented nature makes them more adaptable to households with multiple people and less likely to become exclusively attached to a single individual. Spring hormones can influence this dynamic, but even then, starlings are generally more bark than bite in their territorial displays.
Undesirable behaviors like feather plucking, learned screaming, and cage aggression (in the parrot sense) are also less common in starlings. This contributes to a more peaceful and less stressful home environment, particularly for owners sensitive to noise or destructive habits.
One of the most captivating aspects of starlings is their remarkable mimicry ability. They are accomplished mimics, readily incorporating a wide array of sounds, tunes, and even words into their vocalizations. They rival many parrots in their mimicking talent and may even surpass some in their ability to accurately reproduce sounds. While individual aptitude varies, many starlings learn to hum tunes, whistle melodies, and even speak phrases, sometimes using words in contextually appropriate and amusing ways. This talent for mimicry adds an entertaining and interactive dimension to their companionship.
Finally, starlings have a unique hormonal cycle that is relatively easy to manage. By controlling their photoperiod (light exposure), owners can effectively regulate their breeding hormones. A consistent 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycle promotes a normal yearly cycle, while a 13-hour light/11-hour dark cycle can often prevent them from entering “yellow-beak mode” (breeding season) indefinitely. This is because starlings’ breeding hormones are triggered by shorter days, unlike many birds where longer days stimulate breeding. While a breeding cycle is necessary for molting, it’s manageable, and the ability to shorten or skip the intense hormonal period offers a significant advantage for pet owners seeking to minimize hormonal behaviors. It’s worth noting that consistent sleep and minimal disturbances during their dark period are also crucial for maintaining hormonal balance.
The Downsides of Starling Ownership: Navigating the Challenges
Despite their many positive attributes, starlings also present certain challenges that potential owners must consider. One common observation is their tendency to be less active than some other bird species. Many starlings, particularly in captivity, can become “perch potatoes,” showing limited interest in flying for exercise or engaging with toys. While they might enjoy shredding paper or exploring pockets, their general activity level can be lower, requiring owners to be proactive in encouraging exercise and mental stimulation.
Although their bites are not as damaging as those of hookbills, starlings are not entirely bite-free and can inflict pain. They are more akin to parrots than pigeons in their willingness to bite out of defensiveness or anger. A poke to the eye, whether out of curiosity or aggression, could be dangerous, highlighting the need for caution and trust-building, especially when allowing them near the face.
Training starlings to be “gentle-beaked” appears to be difficult, if not impossible. Unlike some birds that can learn to modulate their beak pressure, starlings tend to use their beaks with consistent intensity. While their bites are not severe, they are not shy about using their beaks to express displeasure, reinforcing the need for respectful handling and understanding their communication cues.
While not destructive chewers, starlings have other ways of causing mischief. They are adept at shredding paper and can quickly dismantle books or documents left within reach. They also possess an uncanny ability to find and exploit weaknesses in fabric, turning cloth items, especially knit fabrics, into tatters. This necessitates bird-proofing the environment and keeping valuable or delicate items out of their reach.
Starlings often exhibit moodiness in the evening as they prepare for sleep. They can become vocally fussy and prone to nipping or poking at anything that comes near them. This “bedtime grouchiness” is a common trait and something owners should be prepared for, adapting routines to minimize disturbances during their pre-sleep period.
Cuddling is generally not a starling’s forte. They are not typically tactile birds and don’t enjoy being petted or handled in the same way as some parrots or other companion animals. While they can form close bonds and may tolerate or even enjoy sitting near their owners, physical handling and petting are usually not appreciated. Building trust can lead to a point where they might allow close proximity and even “kisses,” but they generally dislike being grabbed or restrained.
Harness training can also be more challenging with starlings compared to parrots. Their body language and instincts differ, making it harder to teach them to cooperate with putting on a harness. While not impossible, it may require more patience and different training techniques.
Starlings are enthusiastic bathers and require frequent access to water. Their bathing habits can be quite messy, involving a lot of splashing. This can be problematic without a dedicated bird room or easy access to a bathroom for bath time, requiring owners to be prepared for potential water messes.
They also appear to have sensitive respiratory systems, particularly to dust. They are prone to sneezing and nasal discharge, and frequent bathing is thought to be important for respiratory health. Maintaining a clean and dust-free environment is crucial for their well-being.
Diet is another area that requires significant attention and effort. Starlings have specific nutritional needs that are not met by typical seed-based bird diets. Expert recommendations often include a finely ground, moistened mixture of high-quality dog or cat food (chicken-based) combined with poultry layer mash or parrot pellets, supplemented with egg and applesauce. However, concerns about commercial pet food quality are prompting some owners to explore homemade mash mixtures as a base diet. Regardless of the chosen diet, preparing starling food is more involved than simply scooping dry seeds, requiring time, effort, and careful attention to nutritional balance. Food spoilage is also a concern, and starlings can be messy eaters. Many owners prepare food in batches and freeze it for later use.
Furthermore, starlings are prone to developing beak overgrowth and foot scale issues (hyperkeratosis) if their diet is not properly balanced, particularly concerning vitamin A and calcium/phosphorus ratios. Molting irregularities can also affect foot health. This underscores the importance of a carefully formulated and consistently provided diet to prevent these health problems.
The Truly Unglamorous Side: Dealing with Starling Poop
Perhaps the most significant “ugly” aspect of starling ownership is their prolific pooping habits. Starlings poop frequently, often every 5 to 10 minutes, and seemingly without much regard for location. While some degree of toilet training is possible, achieving parrot-level potty training is unrealistic for most starling owners. They can learn to associate commands with pooping in designated areas, especially for treats, but they are unlikely to consistently seek out specific spots on their own.
Despite some training efforts and designated T-stands, a considerable amount of poop will inevitably end up on floors, walls, and perches. Daily cleaning and scrubbing of their environment become a necessity. Starlings do not hold their poop overnight and while they are fastidious about keeping their bath water clean, almost everything else is considered fair game for droppings. This constant need for cleaning is a significant commitment for starling owners.
Adding to the mess, starlings are “Velcro birds,” meaning they often want to be close to their owners. This can result in bird droppings frequently adorning clothing, another less-than-glamorous aspect of starling companionship.
Interestingly, while starling poop is plentiful, some owners find it less bothersome than the pooping habits of smaller birds like budgies, which may require even more frequent cage cleaning. However, the sheer volume and frequency of starling droppings remain a major consideration for potential owners.
Conclusion: Is a Starling the Right Pet Bird for You?
Starlings offer a unique blend of intelligence, mimicry, and affectionate companionship, alongside a relatively gentle nature and manageable vocalizations. They can form deep bonds with their owners and provide years of engaging interaction. However, they also come with considerable demands, including specific dietary needs, potential for messiness (especially with poop and bathing), and a need for consistent care and attention.
Ultimately, deciding if a starling makes a “good pet” is a personal one. If you are prepared to embrace their unique quirks, manage their dietary and hygiene needs, and appreciate their distinct personality, a starling can be a deeply rewarding and fascinating companion. However, if you are seeking a low-maintenance pet, are highly sensitive to mess, or prefer a cuddly bird that enjoys physical handling, a starling might not be the ideal choice. Careful consideration of both the positive and challenging aspects outlined here is crucial before welcoming a starling into your life.
