When faced with dog or cat allergies, many parents believe that a bird is the next-best pet to get. But many parents misjudge the ability of a young child to properly treat a bird.

Children under age six should not be responsible for the care of a bird. They can "help" but a parent or older sibling should be the primary caregiver for the bird. Children younger than six should only handle birds under supervision, also.

So what are the best kinds of birds to get when you have kids in the house?

• Budgie
• Cockatiels
• African greys
• Canaries
• Love Birds
• Finches

You should never allow your child to torment the bird by trying to scare it or poking things at it while it is in the cage. If you believe your child may do this, it is probably best to not get a bird until your child is older and unlikely to do this.