Thinking about buying a bird?

Question

Thinking about buying a bird?

Answer 1

Definitely a parakeet (budgie) or cockatiel. Most other small birds aren't as affectionate, and a first-time bird owner shouldn't get a larger bird.



Let the bird pick you, instead of vice-versa....meaning let the bird make the first friendly move. Make sure it acts normally when it's with other birds, but also is easy to handle and isn't afraid of you.



Male cockatiels sing beautifully and can talk a little, but need encouragement.



There are amazing findings recently about budgies re: intelligence and talking ability....you just can't understand them without a lot of effort.



Adopted older birds are fine IF they interact with you ok. Many birds in shelters are there because of changes in their homes, NOT because of behavior problems.



Pet shops rarely sell hand-raised babies, which is what you want. Hand-raised birds will cost a little more, but are well worth it.

Answer 2

Prettykittys answer said just about everything

Answer 3

Budgies are great pets, there natural clowns and like doing tricks. There easy to train and if you have patience you can teach them to talk but they do squawk a lot

Answer 4

Maybe a parakeet? I had one they are very pretty, and colorful birds. They can get a bit noisey at some times though!:)

Answer 5

a sun conure is a tropical looking bird

Answer 6

budgies, canareys and finchies are the best to start that how i started! lovevirds are cute and cuddley!

Answer 7

First I agree with many here and yet at some things I disagree. Remember that you want a bird for you. Someone elses bird and/or experience may not portray the same outcome with you. ALL birds are awesome in their own way!!! I use to joke that I was goin to be the "crazy lady with all the cats" Not any more - its birds birds BIRDS!!!!

Keep goin with your trying to educate yourself. But don't be weiry of these "horror stories" about pet stores. I work at Petco and yes all pet store chains have their issues, but if you walk into a pet store, check out the birds for curiosity and fall in love with one then its ment to be. We have a saying that you don't pick out the bird the bird pics you!!! ANd this is true. I see many people come in and want to play and touch the birds and the birds can pick up and sense what kind of person you are and if your a match for them. Let this also be a play in the fact that if you check out a couple and they don't take to you - don't be discouraged!!

I have a place near that specializes in just birds. They have a sitting are like a small living room where you can sit and interact with a bird to see if you match or clash.

Birds no matter what type need time, love, and attention. If you just like to hear the sounds of birds chirping get a canary. If you want something you can play with and interact with their are many to choose from.

I personally have had cockatiels, a parotlet, and I now have a Sun Conure. All are wonderful - in their own manner.

And ALL birds can be loud!!!!! Even finches cen get theri vocals goin.

Good luck and i am kinda curious as to what u decide so if you have any more q's or make a decision hit me up on the IM.

Answer 8

depends on your needs if you have lots of time and love to give i would start with a parakeet or cockateil. but if the bird is just to look at a finch or canary would be better.

Answer 9

try a parakeet. there are many different typs and if the do bite (hardly ever) it does not hurt. they are colorful and are easy to take care of and love to be handeld. (good foor first time bird owner)

Answer 10

Once again I hate to have to disagree with EVERYONE, but I have no choice. A sanctuary is NOT a good place to get a bird IF you are a 1st time bird owner. Birds in sanctuary's are there for a reason, and the reason is because they have SO many issues that they are considered not suite able for pets anymore. I have to add that they acquire these behaviors from people who want to get a bird but lack the knowledge it takes to properly care for them. Second hand birds are best suited for people who have extensive knowledge and experience with all types of birds and bird behaviors.

As far as recommending a cockatoo to a first time bird owner... I'm APPALLED!! Yes, Too's CAN BE very sweet and loving, but please go to http://www.mytoos.com so you can see what happens to most cockatoo's that we try to make companion parrots.

The best place to get a bird is, was, and will ALWAYS be a breeder! Pet stores are CRAP! All major pet store chains are the worst possible place to get any animal!

My best advice to you is to first research as many species as you can...and research them in depth. A parrot is a commitment you will likely pass on to your children when you die, as the larger species are capable of living up to 120 years or more. You need to look for more than just color and handle ability, but also the care requirements, and if you are capable of providing for all the needs of the bird for it's entire life.

Once you narrow down the species that you find most compatible with your lifestyle, both now and future, then you need to shop around for a reputable breeder that will help you pick out a specific bird with a personality that matches what you are looking for.

Birds can (and do) make wonderful companions for people, but it takes a lot of work and dedication to get there. Not everyone is suited for birds, and when people rush into buying a bird because they think they can handle it, the birds suffer dearly.So please just take your time, and research, research research!!!

After you go to the mytoos site, just google companion parrots and you will find a wealth of info that will all be useful to you.

Good Luck!

Answer 11

Well you know it all depends on how much you want to spend, and how many years you want to dedicate to having a bird since some birds can live over 80 years. I do not recommend getting a very large bird you should start small, Cockatiels are affordable and easy to work with, but with any bird you decide to get get one that is a baby, make sure whoever you get it from is a reputable breeeder, and dont go to a pet shop to get a bird. Most people who work at a pet store dont know a while lot about birds.

Once you decide on what bird you are going to get, learn as much as possiable about the type of bird your getting, educate yourself about their diet, safe toys, and proper cage size.

We here at Borrowed Rainbow give educational presentations to educate people about owning a bird. You are always welcome to contact us if you ever have a question or need help.



Sapphyre

Certified Avian Specialist

www.borrowed-rainbow.com

Join us at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BorrowedRainbowAviary/

Answer 12

If it's a first bird, I reccomend a parakeet. they are easy to tame, easy to care for and will be your best friend. The Exotic birds, like parrots require a lot of attention, and care. They also live longer than most people so you will have it for the rest of your life.. With parrots, you really have to think ahead. They are really expensive and require expensive toys and cages. My parrot's cage costed more than the parrot!



Also, parakeets are one of the less noisy birds. Parrots and even love birds are loud pretty much all the time until they go to sleep...They will make your neighbors hate you..After you have smaller birds and you really like them, and think you can handle a bigger bird and can afford it, then I say go for it, but do a lot of research first.. Good luck!

Answer 13

Budgies are good starter birds if you want something colorful and friendly.



Make sure you buy from a reputable breeder or a rescue society. Birds in pet stores are often subjected to unimaginable cruelty while they are being shipped from their home to other countries. They also frequently have health problems that can lead to early deaths. They also often have behavior problems.

Answer 14

I have an umbrella cockatoo and they are one of the most affectionate birds you will ever encounter. She naps with me in bed and cuddles and she watches tv with me all the time. She is even more affectionate than my dog. I strongly suggest getting a cockatoo of any kind as a chick and hand feeding it, you will develop such a strong bond with him/her by doing so. However, they are known to live 50+ years so it'll be pretty much a life long committment when buying one. If they are ever removed from their original owner they become so heartbroken and can die from it.

Answer 15

Hand raised cockatiels are great. They easily learn to mimic sounds around your home. Mine did the phone, the microwave and the door bell. He also said PRETTY BIRD and sat on my finger. I believe the males are the best talkers. Good luck on your pet!

Answer 16

try adopting one instead of buying . . . your local spca will be able to help you find a suitable bird for your lifestyle. you must consider how long the bird will live too. Some parrots live up to 70 years. That's a LONG commitment.

Answer 17

if you really wanna but it's a lot of a responsibility plus birds can get enoying!!!

Answer 18

some are beutiful and colorful but very expensive.