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National Pet Bird Day

Show some love to your feathered friends this National Pet Bird Day - create a special bonding experience with fun games and activities!

Thursday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 17

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAnimals

SUBCATEGORYBirds

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate National Pet Bird Day on September 17 with some special treats and fun activities for your feathered friends. This day has been around since the early 2000s to recognize the wonderful relationship between humans and birds, both wild and domesticated! Whether you own a parakeet, cockatoo, macaw or any other type of bird, this is an excellent opportunity to show how much they mean to you.

TIMELINE

National Pet Bird Day Timeline

Domestication of Birds Begins

Birds began to be kept as pet companions, especially parrots, by affluent society members in many parts of Europe.

Budgerigar Breeding Starts

Sir George Grey, the Governor of South Australia, begins breeding budgerigars, also known as budgies or parakeers, which become very popular pet birds.

Parakeet Popularity in America

Parakeets become the most popular pet bird in America due to their relatively low cost, small size, and friendly nature.

Emergence of Bird Shows

Bird shows become popular, promoting bird pets and providing a platform for pet bird owners to meet and share information.

Endangered Species Act Amendment

The Endangered Species Act is amended to include birds, influencing pet bird trade and championing the importance of bird conservation.

National Pet Bird Day Established

National Pet Bird day is established to promote bird ownership and recognize the bond between humans and their feathered friends.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Pet Bird Day

Buy your bird a special treat

Show your pet bird just how much you love them by getting them a special treat for National Pet Bird Day. Anything from fruit and vegetables to nuts and seeds should do the trick.

TAKE

Take your bird for a walk

Most pet birds enjoy fresh air and sunshine, so take them outside on a leash or in a cage and let them explore their surroundings.

MAKE

Make new toys for your bird

Spend some time making new toys for your pet bird. It's easy to make toys out of paper towel rolls, cardboard boxes, twigs, and other household items.

ORGANIZE

Organize a playdate

If you know other people with pet birds, organize a playdate so that all the birds can socialize together. Just be sure to keep an eye on them in case any territorial disputes arise.

Go bird watching

Go to a local park or nature preserve and take some binoculars so that you can observe the wild birds in their natural habitat. This is also a great way to teach your pet bird about the different species of birds living in the world.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Pet Bird Day

Pet birds require minimal upkeep

Unlike larger animals, pet birds don't require too much maintenance or expense. All they need is food, water, cage cleaning, occasional vet visits, and lots of love! This makes them great pets for people who don't have a lot of free time.

Pet birds are interactive

Having a pet bird is like having a constant companion, as they can often be very interactive and engage in activities with their owners. From singing along to music to playing with feather toys, these feathered friends can bring joy and laughter into your life!

Pet Birds Have Their Own Personality

No two pet birds are exactly the same - each one has its own unique personality that you can bond with over time. It's like having a living work of art in your home, both visually stunning and filled with personality!