I’ve been thinking about getting a pet bird for a while, but the problem is I don’t have any experience with birds whatsoever. I definitely want to do my homework first before I just go out and purchase something.
Where should I start?
I suggest you start with http://www.the-oasis.org/suitable1.php
Then decide how interactive a bird you want (parrot vs. finches or doves), how long you can commit to take of one, how much room and money you have for it, how much noise you can tolerate, and what kind of personality traits you’re after (do you want a bird that snuggles? Sings? Talks? Plays with you?).
A few you might consider are:
finches – tiny, low maintenance, but not personal
http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/finches/a/zebrafinches.htm
Budgies (aka parakeets, in the US):
http://www.parrotparrot.com/articles/aa081399.htm
lineolated parakeets – small, quiet, easygoing, cuddly:
http://www.parrotchronicles.com/mayjune2003/lineolated.htm
Pyrrhura conures (e.g., green-cheeked and maroon-bellied) – the quiet conures, playful and cuddly:
http://zoologica.wordpress.com/2008/09/11/living-with-a-maroon-bellied-conure/
lovebirds:
http://www.avianweb.com/lovebirdpets.html
cockatiels – the classic beginner’s bird:
http://www.cockatielcottage.net/
poicephalus (e.g., Senegal or Meyers):
http://proaviculture.com/poicephalus.htm
pionus: larger, gentle, quiet. Less playful or cuddly
http://www.avianweb.com/pionus.htm
diamond dove:
http://www.diamonddove.info/bird04_Living.htm
There are more, but I can only include 10 links.
If you’re serious about it, you should also read a book like:
Mattie Sue Athan – Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot (or Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior)
Nikki Moustaki – Parrots For Dummies
Depending which type you decide on, there may also be good books on that particular species.
Go to a pet store and buy some books I have a cockatiel and they are ok but can be mean and they like to bite you can also go to a shelter and ask questions they might have some good answers
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if you want a quiet and none talkative bird you should get a budgie if you want a talkative active bird you should get a finch and if you want and easy tamed bird you should get a cockatiel but if you don’t want to play around with your bird you should get a lovebird but if you go with my choice i would go with a budgie they are very cheap you can tame them and teach them to talk very easily also they are very fast breeders and they are never bored or rarley ever bored if care for them well
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12 year breeder and bird expert of canaries finches budgies and cockatiels
I suggest you start with http://www.the-oasis.org/suitable1.php
Then decide how interactive a bird you want (parrot vs. finches or doves), how long you can commit to take of one, how much room and money you have for it, how much noise you can tolerate, and what kind of personality traits you’re after (do you want a bird that snuggles? Sings? Talks? Plays with you?).
A few you might consider are:
finches – tiny, low maintenance, but not personal
http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/finches/a/zebrafinches.htm
Budgies (aka parakeets, in the US):
http://www.parrotparrot.com/articles/aa081399.htm
lineolated parakeets – small, quiet, easygoing, cuddly:
http://www.parrotchronicles.com/mayjune2003/lineolated.htm
Pyrrhura conures (e.g., green-cheeked and maroon-bellied) – the quiet conures, playful and cuddly:
http://zoologica.wordpress.com/2008/09/11/living-with-a-maroon-bellied-conure/
lovebirds:
http://www.avianweb.com/lovebirdpets.html
cockatiels – the classic beginner’s bird:
http://www.cockatielcottage.net/
poicephalus (e.g., Senegal or Meyers):
http://proaviculture.com/poicephalus.htm
pionus: larger, gentle, quiet. Less playful or cuddly
http://www.avianweb.com/pionus.htm
diamond dove:
http://www.diamonddove.info/bird04_Living.htm
There are more, but I can only include 10 links.
If you’re serious about it, you should also read a book like:
Mattie Sue Athan – Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot (or Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior)
Nikki Moustaki – Parrots For Dummies
Depending which type you decide on, there may also be good books on that particular species.
References :
cockatiel, or parakeet. Both very cute. i have two cockatiels. They are soo sweet! They can learn to whistle songs. You must teach them how tho.
Well, before i got mine, you must read about what the bird needs, what food, what makes them happy, what upsets them, how to bond with one, how to teach one to whistle…and all of that stuff
My cousin has had 12 birds before me, and so she told me some things about her birds (cockatiels, parrots, parakeets, finches, etc.) She let me hold a cockatiel, and apparently, my birds LOVE to get head rubbed. they just luv it. both of them. There are different types of cockatiels though. I have a pied cockatiel, and a mixed on that is part pied. there is also a pearl one. that is the white one.
It is best to choose a sweet, and nice bird. not one that is too jumpy, or fisty (biting, flying everywhere, chirping madly) You need to choose a calm one, one that will let you touch him/her. you can also choose an aggressive bird, because those are the easiest to teach. (how to fly, and whistle) -maybe even tricks. I’ve had 3 birds so far. But, one died from sickness. So, i have 2 birds now. both cockatiels. I have experience. If you have anymore questions, then just ask me. Hope you found some of this info useful!
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well a good bird is a canary but you kneed to keep it warm during the winter you can really just go on the computer and type in canary facts
http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/canary.aspx
here is a site to help you
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What level of conpanionship are you expecting from your new pet.
Parrots make fantastic companion animals when they are properly cared for.
They are a little different from cats and dogs, though!
Parrots enjoy spending as much time as possible outside of their cage with you. The minimum time a companion parrot spends outside of it’s cage each day is 4 hours- but larger, more intelligent parrots (like African Grey Parrots, Cockatoos and Macaws) need more time each day.
Parrots can be noisy- this is generally directly related to the size of the bird (smaller bird = less noise) and they LOVE to chew things up! They need plenty of toys to keep their intelligent minds active, and most of all- they need love!
Although it seems like a lot of work- you will be rewarded by a fantastic companion- depending on the species- cheeky, affectionate, playful, and a tonne of fun!
Parrots are not the easiest pet to care for- and you will need to do a bit of research (I highly recommend buying a book on the species you are interested in, and also a book on parrot behaviour and training before you adopt a bird so you know how to care for it correctly from the start, and have the best possible knowlege before you even bring your new pet home) but once you know what you are doing, and see what fantastic pets they are- most people become addicted to them! They certainly are special pets.
If you want a companion parrot, you are best off starting with a ‘beginner’ parrot- depending on how much time and money you want to invest.
Go for a handreared pet over an aviary bird- handreared birds are born to be handled.
Budgie: Great little birds although they can be difficult to find handreared. These little parrots are very popular as first time pets and are very affectionate little creatures. If you are not planning on spending plenty of time with your Budgie you are much better off getting a pair- these birds thrive on companionship.
Noise wise, Budgies are pretty low level and one of the easier parrots to care for. They are the only parrots who dont use their feet to eat.
Parrotlets, Linoliated Parakeets: I havent met these personally, but they are now becoming very popular pets. Small and sweet, these birds are relatively low maintenance like the Budgie (as far as companion parrots go) but they have big personalities- well worth researching into.
Cockatiel: These birds are the ‘next step up’ larger, noisier, and more difficult to care for, they are also much more interactive, and have a better vocal capacity. ‘Tiels are also very popular pets, and very interactive with their owners. Fantastic choice for a first companion parrot if you are prepared to invest the time and effort into them.
Conure: Smaller species, like the Green Cheeked Conure are better suited to beginner parrot keepers. These are the clowns of the bird kingdom and are well known for their affectionate nature. The smaller species of Conure are less noisy- the loudest of the species are the Nanday and Blue Crowned Conures. Different species have different abilities, personalities, and care needs.
My first companion parrot was a Green Cheeked Conure and I dont regret the decision- he is a fantastic pet.
Quaker: These little birds are very intelligent- brilliant talkers, and great pets. Generally not as affectionate as the Conures, Quakers are popular companion parrots because they are a big bird in a little bird’s body. They are known as the ‘Poor man’s African Grey Parrot’ due to their intelligence and speaking ability. My other parrot is a Quaker- absolutely adore her.
Indian Ringneck: Also a popular choice. IRNs tend to make a bit more noise than the other species, and are the largest of the species I have listed. These birds are not particularly affectionate, but enjoy being held and the occasional pat/scratch. Excellent talkers, and beautiful looking birds that are avaliable in a variety of colours.
Their larger cousin, the Alexanderine Parrot is also a popular pet- but their large beak is a little scary!
If you are not looking into a companion parrot and prefer a pet in a cage, I would recommend choosing a pair of finches, budgies, or a canary.
Good luck
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Do your homework then it go’s to what you want to pay.Then look at the birds in that price list pick the bird you want.Just about all the small birds is good for a first timer.61 yrs ex.
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Quaker parrots are great birds they are smart don’t get to big can be very tame and talk alot.but ther bite can heart very bad. they are also pretty. they are about 300 dollars
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i own a quaker
I have a cockatiel, and she was a hand fed baby when i got her, and she is the sweetest bird you could imagine. Does not bite and never has. The secret to buying a bird is to make sure it’s young, and to buy a hand fed baby, meaning as soon as they can after birth, humans take them from the mother, and hand raise, and feed them. Makes a big difference in there temperament. They will also bond with there human caretakers much faster, and your right, do your homework before buying and after. Some points to remember, the bigger the cage the better, and try to get it off its seed diet as soon as possible, a pellet diet is recommended plus fresh fruits and veggies. Do your homework on all aspects. Diet, cage type, where to locate the bird in the house, etc. good luck with your new friend.
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