How much bird experience do I need before I can get a Galah?

I'm 21 years old and I've wanted a larger parrot for many years now. I've taken care of a little parakeet before and I have a baby cinnamon green cheek on hold at the bird store right now. But I have had a love for the Galah cockatoo for about 3 or 4 years now. There is a 6 month old girl at the bird store where my baby is and she just perks up every time I'm in the store to visit my baby. She watches me from her perch as I walk around the store. Every time I turn around, shes turned towards me and acts like shes about to take off to my shoulder.

When I pass her perch, she lifts her foot and wants to step up to me. When I do go over to play with her, she goes to my shoulder and just get so happy! Dipping and bobbing her head and turning around like shes dancing. Its adorable! She gives me kisses, makes quiet clucking sounds in my ear, preens my hair, and lets me preen her back. Another lady in the store saw the way we were interacting and thought she was my bird! She couldn't believe that I've just met her a few weeks ago.

My dad was with me one day and he had her up on his shoulder and she started walking down his arm and reached for me when I walked over to them.

She really solidified my love for the Galah cockatoo and if I did have more bird experience, I would take her home in a heartbeat! (Shes discounted because she is an older baby) How much bird experience did you guys have before getting your cockatoo? I KNOW I want one of these adorable birds in the future.





Here you can see her reaching for me, which is what she does EVERY TIME I pass her perch.

Two years ago I had no experience at all with birds, and no intention of being one of those crazy people who jumped straight in with a cockatoo as my first encounter. Then I met Alice and realised that, whatever the warnings, she was the bird I wanted to have in my life. If you click on my profile and read some of the threads I started back then, you'ĺl see I had a tough start and a steep learning curve: but I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. Alice wasn't a baby and had lots of issues, very fearful and nervey - so if this is a young bird you're looking at you may well have an easier experience than I did.

As far as beginner birds go, sure, there are some species that are easier - less needy, more forgiving of mistakes - but pretty much any parrot is going to live a few decades, so unless you see yourself having multiple birds, your first bird needs to be one you want to be with for its whole life.

The bottom line, if a galah - and in particular if it's a specific bird that you feel a connection to - is what you really want to have and you understand what the care involves, then my advice is to follow your heart.

I don't have a Galah and due to my Zons health issues I can't have a "dusty" bird in the house, so I won't get to experience life with a Galah, but it was on the top of my list before I got Zilla.

In my opinion it's a very special connection when a bird "chooses" you, and if you do your research and ask questions and do the best you can by whatever bird you choose to have in your life then you can do it!

This is the BEST place I have found for advice and getting multiple points of views and opinions on how to do the best I can do for my feathered friend.

Good luck whatever you decide! Only you can decide if this is the bird for you and if you're willing to go the extra mile for a bird that has "chosen" you.

I don't think you 'have to' necessarily start out small and then go big lol. Many people just get the parrot species (or whatever animal) that they really want. As long as a person is responsible about learning as much as they can about their animal even though it is labeled as not a beginner animal, and are dedicated when and if a challenge should arise, and are confident that they are up to it, then there is no reason someone needs to start small and then graduate .

Can you switch your deposit from the Green Cheek to the Galah if that's what you really want? After thinking about it, are you sure you're still excited about the GCC? Or are you looking at it for now as a stepping stone for learning? Please don't misconstrue that as as being a harsh comment, I'm genuinely curious. Conures are not all that "easy" either. They are closely related to Macaws, and although small, can have the same behavioral challenges as their bigger cousins. Just please think hard about whether you REALLY want to end up with the GCC for the next possibly 20+ years, in addition to the bird you really want . Good luck whatever your decision may be.

Jayyj said:

As far as beginner birds go, sure, there are some species that are easier - less needy, more forgiving of mistakes - but pretty much any parrot is going to live a few decades, so unless you see yourself having multiple birds, your first bird needs to be one you want to be with for its whole life.

The bottom line, if a galah - and in particular if it's a specific bird that you feel a connection to - is what you really want to have and you understand what the care involves, then my advice is to follow your heart.

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If i had to narrow it down, i would say the Galah is my absolute favorite bird as far as personality, size, and looks. I do have a connection with her AND she just happens to be a Galah! Crazy coincedince? Or ment to be? Once i gain interest in something, or a certain animal, i emmerse myself in research and i've read soo many articles and care sheets on them. I also know getting a bird(especially a cockatoo) is a big deal and i'm definately not taking this situation lightly haha. I'll check out your previous posts too, thanks!!

Amanda_Bennett said:

In my opinion it's a very special connection when a bird "chooses" you, and if you do your research and ask questions and do the best you can by whatever bird you choose to have in your life then you can do it!

This is the BEST place I have found for advice and getting multiple points of views and opinions on how to do the best I can do for my feathered friend.

Good luck whatever you decide! Only you can decide if this is the bird for you and if you're willing to go the extra mile for a bird that has "chosen" you.

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The owner of the shop told me we don't choose the bird, the bird chooses us! And i do feel like this girl, while sweet to everyone, has chosen me and she always makes to so hard to leave her at the store!

RavensGryf said:

I don't think you 'have to' necessarily start out small and then go big lol. Many people just get the parrot species (or whatever animal) that they really want. As long as a person is responsible about learning as much as they can about their animal even though it is labeled as not a beginner animal, and are dedicated when and if a challenge should arise, and are confident that they are up to it, then there is no reason someone needs to start small and then graduate .

Can you switch your deposit from the Green Cheek to the Galah if that's what you really want? After thinking about it, are you sure you're still excited about the GCC? Or are you looking at it for now as a stepping stone for learning? Please don't misconstrue that as as being a harsh comment, I'm genuinely curious. Conures are not all that "easy" either. They are closely related to Macaws, and although small, can have the same behavioral challenges as their bigger cousins. Just please think hard about whether you REALLY want to end up with the GCC for the next possibly 20+ years, in addition to the bird you really want . Good luck whatever your decision may be.

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If i'm taking responsibility of a precious life, of course i'm going to as much research as possible on it lol(i get so confused when people don't do this). I've been researching and learning about Galahs since i fell in love with them 3 or 4 years ago. This is just the first hands on experience i've had with one and now i know it is my dream bird.

To be honest, i was excited about the GCC because i've heard it was a good beginner bird.. But i absolutely agree with you and i will admit, i have become less excited about the conure once i've spent time with the Galah...

IMHO you sound like you already know what you're getting yourself into- and she's already decided as well [emoji6]

Chili was 6.5 months old when she came home (she's been with us for a year now) and I kid you not- she is just like having another toddler.

Destructive. Messy. Can be loud at times. Knows how to make up for it all with cuddles.

As long as you're prepared to spend the next few decades with a tiny pink toddler and will work out whatever issues arise, then go for it.

Laventura said:

To be honest, i was excited about the GCC because i've heard it was a good beginner bird.. But i absolutely agree with you and i will admit, i have become less excited about the conure once i've spent time with the Galah...

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...and that's okay . IMHO, I think you should only get the GCC if you truly want it as well as the Galah, otherwise I'd just switch the deposit right over to the one you really fell in love with!!

I've had a variety of species of parrots over a couple decades, but the beloved babies I ended up with are some of the lowest maintenance, easiest parrots out there lol! I'll personally be forever in love with the Poicephalus and Pionus genus . ps... that's not to say they're always angels lol!

Go and get that pink and gray baby!

getwozzy said:

IMHO you sound like you already know what you're getting yourself into- and she's already decided as well [emoji6]

Chili was 6.5 months old when she came home (she's been with us for a year now) and I kid you not- she is just like having another toddler.

Destructive. Messy. Can be loud at times. Knows how to make up for it all with cuddles.

As long as you're prepared to spend the next few decades with a tiny pink toddler and will work out whatever issues arise, then go for it.

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Destructive is fine. I have a year old Husky/Australian Shepherd(I guess I have a thing for Australian animals lol) mix puppy who will let me know if I'm not taking her out enough by shredding and/or getting into something..I just got her a new dog bed and we took a day trip to the beach... We also worked through some nervous/aggressive issues with her as a young puppy and now shes the sweetest dog I and anyone she meets has ever met. I love a good animal training challange

I can deal with a mess. And I think the galah screams are actually pretty cool and kinda cute and eagle-ish? lol.

I'm the kind of person who LOVES to take my dog everywhere with me(and she loves going!) So I would love a bird who I could take on adventures and who would love getting attention from all kinds of people Pink is one of my favorite colors too so, I won't get sick of that hahaha.

It is all about knowing what you are getting into and doing the research beforehand. Interacting with birds of that size with some behavioral problems would be good experience for you too. That way anything that pops up with her won't intimidate you in the future. It sounds like you want the galah way more than the gcc so I would definitely see if you could get the deposit switched over to the galah You have already done the research and it sounds like you guys have chosen each other already...

Lol I have TWO huskies- so both you and I must be suckers for all things destructive. [emoji6] There was a day I left those two free-roaming in the house for a few hours ....BIIIIIIG mistake....the poor ottoman looked like it had exploded when I got home [emoji33]

Socialization, teaching her to entertain herself, and getting her used to travel will be major things-- as soon as she's settled in to her new home, I would start working on a little bit of everything.

Chili is very social- she loves meeting new people, and everyone who comes over MUST say hello to her and hold her.

Have family and/or friends come over regularly and interact with her every time-- this will help later down the road; birds that are not properly socialized can become possessive, jealous, and can have a difficult time accepting new "flock members" (for example- if you have a new partner, roommate, etc).

However, she's terrified of the harness and is scared of the big outdoors in general, so out and about adventures don't happen every day. This might change in time since she's still very young...

I agree with what's already been said, you need to do your research, but you don't necessarily need "experience".

I had 2 budgies, then adopted a budgie and 2 weiros because their owner was getting evicted and needed a home for them. Then I saw my galah up for adoption and enquired and got....

When I picked her up, I was nervous. The main reason for my nerves is that she had come from having a "mum" who had tamed her and everything, and she could talk and she seemed sort of more like a person than "just a bird" who sits there chirping, so I was concerned that she'd get all upset about being "ripped from her home" and "wouldn't like me". Of course, that was nonsense, she isn't a person, she's a bird. She moved in, and it's all good.

I still don't consider myself to have much "bird experience". There is an awful lot that I am completely clueless about, but I know what I don't know, and I know enough not to kill anybody by doing something really silly through ignorance.

From reading what you say, I don't think you should have any qualms at all about getting the cocky. They are considered very 'easy' birds over here where they are common. Everybody had one. Everybody wouldn't get something that was full of drama and upset. They have their needs, and you have to learn what those are, but experience comes with ownership, the things that happen that teach you things.

What are you waiting for?. The two of you have clicked together. Don't let this bird go you will regret it.

Go for the Galah!! It sounds meant to be to me!!:22: You are already researching and reading everything so IMO you are ready...I mean the galah has picked you! Yes, it's a cockatoo...but at least it's not a U2 or an M2. You should go get that galah before someone else does! Especially if you know it's the bird you ultimately want. I mean, GCC's are great, but I wouldn't get it just for experience to work up to a galah. It wouldn't be fair to you or the GCC. So, go get that galah..

Laventura I think you should take her home with you and your other babies. I love animals here and I have 3 dogs, 2 cats, and Ziggy my crimson bellied conure. I love all my animals they are my life. Retired here and never married so no children except them. I couldn't imagine my life without them. I do hope you get her and take her home. Please keep us posted as it seems like she already likes you and has made her little mind up she wants to go home with you.

Ok So, I talked it over with my boyfriend. He understands that the bird and I have a connection and he sees that i'm more excited about the galah than i was about the gcc. The only thing hes weary about is how much more expensive the galah is compared to the gcc..(but spanned out 40 or so years it doesn't seem as bad lol) We talked it over and hes decided that hes ok with me getting the galah! I'm going to go to the bird store today to see if I can move my deposit over and see when she'd need to be paid off. Do stores usually offer a layaway program?

Thank you so much, everyone, for your advice and telling me about your personal experiences. Will definitely keep everyone posted!

I've a feeling there are lots of crossed fingers for you here... let us know what happens-

Oh I can't wait to hear...good luck and make sure you let us know! I so hope you can change your deposit!