Do you believe in "starter" birds?

kitt

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Mar 27, 2011
426
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Michigan
Parrots
Ava(peach faced lovebird) and my very first bird
Leroy (black headed caique) my little moody bird
Dusty (hahns macaw) my clown
In my situation....I would have to say "yes" but everyone is different...
In my case I was terrified of birds until a little lovebird came along and stole my heart.
I knew nothing about bird care but dived in with her....she taught me a lot...I never knew you could get so much love from a bird...then I decided I wanted to try a bigger bird so I studied all I could about caiques (not much out there) and got my Leroy...he in turn taught me too but I credit ava for teaching me a lot....I don't think I personally would have been ready for Leroy if I hadn't had ava first...
 

suebee

New member
Jan 13, 2011
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i'd say it would depend on the person, rather then the bird! all i have read on nut, sene's would make her sound ideal as a first bird, but her behaviour, nearly put me off birds all together

no where did it state, she would become a pyscho aerial killer, out stubborn a diva on a bad day, and destroy furniture, dacor an what ever she can get her beak on!

but i won't change her, she is what we have made her i think as i do let her run riot
 

Nakiska

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May 30, 2011
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Washington
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4 Cockatiels 2 males Chicken Little & Charlie, 2 Females Chiquita and Sweet pea. Yellow Sided Green Cheek Conure -Franklin and our now tame, rescued feral Pigeon - Belle.
I absolutely believe in "starter" birds, but I also believe there are exceptions the rule...so to speak. I believe in starter birds because they can build confidence, you learn about their body language, likes, dislikes, care and health and well being and commitments of bird ownership.

However, I'm a strong believer that more than thinking...a certain breed makes a better starter bird then another bird may be...it's MOST important to find a first bird that chooses YOU. And even THEN...there is NO GUARANTEE. Great "starter" bird or not, if that bird decides for no particular reason at all that he or she just flat out does not like you...bird ownership can be totally miserable.

Although this hasn't happened to me (knock on wood) I've known people it has happened to...and sadly...they "hate" birds now and don't at all understand the joy I am experiencing. Then again, probably better for the birds that these individuals "don't like" birds anymore. ;)

In my opionion handfed/tame Conures (especially green cheek variations) and Cockatiels make great starter birds. I think if you are thinking of working up to a large parrot a conure is your best choice for a starter bird as they seem to have large parrot personalities in a little body and their bites won't take off a finger ;)

Have a great day,

Toni
 

kitt

New member
Mar 27, 2011
426
0
Michigan
Parrots
Ava(peach faced lovebird) and my very first bird
Leroy (black headed caique) my little moody bird
Dusty (hahns macaw) my clown
i'd say it would depend on the person, rather then the bird! all i have read on nut, sene's would make her sound ideal as a first bird, but her behaviour, nearly put me off birds all together

no where did it state, she would become a pyscho aerial killer, out stubborn a diva on a bad day, and destroy furniture, dacor an what ever she can get her beak on!

but i won't change her, she is what we have made her i think as i do let her run riot

In all my reading on caiques....and I studied for months before I got him...Nowhere did it say anything about jekyl/hyde behavior.....oh man, have I ever learned to read that bird.....
When I say good morning to him, I always say "Good morning, who do we have today? Leroy or Lucifer?."
I couldn't love him more then I do...he keeps me on my toes and has taught me a lot about birds and myself and how to over come my fear of him when he is having a "lucifer" day. He just wants to be loved and cared for, no matter who he is that day.
 

suebee

New member
Jan 13, 2011
2,394
3
i'd say it would depend on the person, rather then the bird! all i have read on nut, sene's would make her sound ideal as a first bird, but her behaviour, nearly put me off birds all together

no where did it state, she would become a pyscho aerial killer, out stubborn a diva on a bad day, and destroy furniture, dacor an what ever she can get her beak on!

but i won't change her, she is what we have made her i think as i do let her run riot

In all my reading on caiques....and I studied for months before I got him...Nowhere did it say anything about jekyl/hyde behavior.....oh man, have I ever learned to read that bird.....
When I say good morning to him, I always say "Good morning, who do we have today? Leroy or Lucifer?."
I couldn't love him more then I do...he keeps me on my toes and has taught me a lot about birds and myself and how to over come my fear of him when he is having a "lucifer" day. He just wants to be loved and cared for, no matter who he is that day.


lmao yup they do! my man upset the nut today so she bit him, an he shooved her in room with me, an shut the door! grrr she was in full dirty looks an will bite mode, i got a loverly bruise on back of my hand an all tut
spent most of the evening head rubs an sayin NO BITE!! lol
think i sent her to bed pacified :)
 

Atwee921

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Apr 22, 2011
911
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Maine, USA
Parrots
Sprite the cinnamon green cheek conure.
I dont think that anyone should start off with, say a macaw or cockatoo. But I dont think you have to get a budgie or tiel to start off. I'd say it depends on the person and their situation.
 

Hochimama

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May 5, 2011
200
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Malaysia
Parrots
{used to have} Fisher LoveBird, PeachFace Lovebird, Albino Indian RingNeck {used to have}
absolutely yes ~~ at least you get to know the basic care and attention for birds ~~ how to deal with their sickness or etc etc ~~ unexperienced owner would best not to start with big birds like macaw .. amazon or grey. Budgies and cockatiel would be my recommendation to any new starter ~~
 

AmazonServant

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Jun 24, 2011
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Interesting question, I've been thinking about this myself lately, seeing people post recommendations for people new to birds to get a smaller one first. I have to say it seems a bit insulting to these smaller birds - to be purchased and cared for as practice and preparation for the bird that person really wants. I think it's a good idea to suggest lower maintenance (smaller, quieter) birds to first-timers, but not really as "first birds," more just because I think some people want their bird to be impressive and pretty and might not even consider that a smaller bird can also be intelligent and a great pet - a pet to have instead of that macaw and not in preparation for it. In my family, we got a pionus and then an amazon a couple years later. I guess you could consider the pionus a "first" bird, but she does bite and her behavior is not as good as the amazon's. Pretty much everything I know about taking care of birds comes from my experience with my amazon. I've had some behavioral and screaming issues with her in the past, but that would have happened whether or not I'd had a "practice" bird of my own first (the pionus doesn't like me much). I think that lots of warning about screaming, biting, and constant need for attention is really what's needed for potential new parrot owners, not the condescending suggestion that they get a practice bird first to prove that they're worthy.
 

Nimwey

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Jul 27, 2011
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Karlstad, Sweden
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Eight year old female Meyers Parrot and three year old male Scarlet Macaw.
I'm being lazy and am just copying what I said on another board recently. :p

Nah - if someone really wants, say, an Umbrella Cockatoo, I'm not going to tell them to get a Cockatiel or some other more "low maintenance-bird", and then they get can their U2 when they have some experience - from the Cockatiel.

1) An "easier to care for-bird" like a Budgie or Cockatiel won't help someone understand or deal with an Amazon, Cockatoo or Macaw very much.
2) Even the small birds live for a very long time. 15 years, perhaps more, for some budgies, and Cockatiels can reach 30 and beyond. What happens to the birds? You can't get rid of them when you finally "feel ready" for the more difficult birds, and you can't "stack up" on more difficult species until you reach your goals, especially not if you have two of each kind. It will soon be a lot of birds.
3) Get what you really, really "burn" for (don't know if that's just a swedish expression ;) ). Too many people get animals they don't really want, and tire. Or just keep yearning for the species they really want.

So get knowledge some other way, in my opinion. I do not believe dealing with Budgies, Cockatiels or other smaller birds help you to understand or deal with an aggressive male Amazon or Too, for example.
 

Mayden

New member
Apr 22, 2010
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UK.
Parrots
Merlin & Charlie (Senegals)
Hm, to an extent.

I eventually want a blue&gold macaw. I currently have a senegal and 5 budgies. Merlin is by no means anywhere near as destructive, or as 'difficult' as a macaw would be. (Not saying he isn't difficult) but he has given me a better idea of what a macaw would be like. I'm learning from Merlin what I need to watch out for, such as types of things he's going to want to chew at, with a bigger and more demanding bird who is a little more intimidating than a senegal.

I have, however, wanted a senegal for years and he is by no means my "starter" bird. I jumped from budgies to a cockatoo, but I only felt confident enough to do that as I'd spent time handling larger birds such as greys and amazons and the odd macaw. &that experience, more than having any 'starter' bird, I think, is much better. That way if you have a 'starter bird' who is patient, quiet ish, well behaved and easily trained etc. You'll struggle when you get your new bird who has the opposite personality. But if you've handled tons of different birds and been bitten by big horrible beaks and you've actually done the research and the hands on experience with those types of birds... that experience is invaluable and you'll have no /need/ for a starter bird.

If you really want a Hyacinth macaw and you've never owned a bird before, then do your research, spend you time with macaws and if you can, the type you want, and spend hours learning about them, seeing what they're like, how they chew, how they scream, how cuddly they can be, get bitten once or twice. THIS makes you ready to be a macaw owner, not handling a little green cheek conure. etc.

So yeah... I don't believe in starter birds for the sake of preparation, but I do think that they can be a helpful guide but they do not mean you are ready for the 'next step up'.

At all.
 

HRH Di

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Jan 9, 2010
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Max - Alexandrine, Jade - Red-Front Macaw, Ruby - CAG
If one goes into any new experience with as much research and background as possible and, most importantly, an open mind and flexible spirit, it doesn't really matter what bird one gets first.

My problem with "starter" birds is that there can be an attitude of "throw away" birds. Even if the new parront doesn't realize it or intend for it, it can be there. Even budgies can live for 10 years and most parrots have a life expectacy of 30-50. That's like raising a child. The key is education and willingness to adapt. That said, get the bird you want but be absolutely sure you know what you're getting into.
 

Conurekidd

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Mar 30, 2011
343
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Southern Calif
Parrots
YC Amazon Sampson

Sun Conure Bella

Cinn Green Cheek Conure Rexx
Well people don't understand larger bird care.
If you have a passion for birds a starter bird WON'T get the boot.
And when I say starter I mean easier. Sun conures will destroy everything. More than my zon. Shes also louder than him too. You need experince in parrot care first before adopting a large parrot. It's experince and you have to have it. If not going in blind. So many problems can occur. I know some have done this with no problems but don't give it a chance. So to answer your question I do. Essp since I volunteer at a rescue and we see more macaws amazons and cockatoos than conures sennies tiels or any other low maintaince parrot. Go volunteer at a rescue. Youv posted a thread so many diffrent times on getting either a grey macaw or amazon. You need to make up your mind.
this a permante decision an will affect the bird life. Your 13 and have a chance to do something very responsible. Not cause your age. Because of your experince!
 

sabrecat666

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Jul 20, 2011
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Parrots
Guido - Jenday Conure, Nunzio - GCC and Kiwi - IRN
I dont think that anyone should start off with, say a macaw or cockatoo. But I dont think you have to get a budgie or tiel to start off. I'd say it depends on the person and their situation.

Speaking only for myself, I know I should have started with a 'tiel and not Guido. Dont get me wrong I love my little guy and would still take care of him and make sure he was content and secure even if he hated my guts ,which he doesnt fortunately.

I say this mainly because I am paranoid that I am doing everything wrong with Guido making it so that he will never consider me his friend and let me pick him up or be able to train him. Thats probably not the case, but it still worries me.

Cockatiels, at least my experience with my daughters 'tiels, seem a LOT more forgiving in that regard than Guido.
 

sixshades

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May 19, 2011
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Midori - Cinnamon GCC
Absolutely! I was afraid of birds until Midori came into my life. If she had been a different bird, she could have put me off birds all together.

I will say I'm glad I went with my gut and got a MEDIUM sized bird as a first bird! I knew I wanted a 'keet, but if I'd gotten a tiny first, I would have been afraid of him! Being afraid of beaks, it really helped to be able to see exactly where her beak was, and know that if I have to, it's big enough to hold to keep from getting a bad bite. At the same time, if I'd gotten anything larger, I wouldn't have been brave enough to risk a bite. It used to scare me if birds touched me with their beak at all.. now I feel comfortable enough with Midori to let her mouth all over my fingers, ear lobes, nose, eyelid-- Oh, wait, no, I do draw the line there. lol

Midori (Conure) has never drawn blood. Jack, (Budgie) on the other hand, is a scary little thing that I can only hold with gloves!
 
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Amber

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Jun 1, 2011
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I don't believe in the term/label 'starter birds'. That makes these birds sound like less then the larger birds (macaws etc) which is not true, as they are just as wonderful and captivating to have. I DO believe though, that some species are more suitable for the inexperienced. They are better natured and easier to handle in general then many of the more 'advanced' birds. However it still comes down to the individual bird within that species. It's easy to say "All GCC make great first birds" but then to find your GCC is a lot more demanding then his or her peers. Variations within species are immense.

I love Alex, I wouldn't trade him for any other bird. Or anything, ever. I had dreams of a macaw one day, but after my experiences with him I'm so struck with conures that I'll probably just keep going with them. They are wonderful birds for the novice or advanced keeper. Their are 'easier' birds like the GCC to the more 'advanced' queen of baverias. I think Jendays and suns would sit somewhere in between. Alex is perfect for me, he challenges me just enough, but not too much that I'm in over my head or get frustrated. We're a good match. If I was to in the future ever get a more demanding bird I feel like I would have the necessary experience thanks to him. On that note, I would probably be in over my head with Alex if it wasn't for my previous experience with my mother's cockatiels (and even limited contact with a friends hyacinth) as he is quite demanding for a Jenday. So yes, easier to keep birds are best to start with, as they enable us to learn so much. Then we can apply that knowledge to a larger and/or more agressive or otherwise demanding bird.

Size also plays a large part (no pun intended). A smaller bird is much easier to handle, bites are much easier to manage, and you're not going to need stitches or surgery if he goes for your face. Even the best natured bird has bad times, and it's necessary to learn how to deal with them on a smaller size scale rather then having your cheek ripped open by a macaw. Or arm. Hers someones macaw scars for an idea of the pain! File:Macaw bite.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Edit: I also belive their are other ways of gathering the necessary experience if you have your heart set on a larger, more demanding bird. Talk to a breeder, assist them afew days a month, get the basics down. Try fostering a bird of the species (or a related species) you are looking at if possible. Some sanctuaries foster out birds to temporary homes due to lack of space. I'm assuming you have SOME hands on experience here? If so, ask if you can foster! Often they will walk you through 'bird care 101' for large birds to build up on your knowledge. Remember, keeping a bird for a few weeks is VERY DIFFERENT to a lifetime though. once the 'honeymoon' period wears off and that bird settles in, woah boy, things can get pretty bad pretty fast. You also don;t get to experience the hormonal maturation stages etc while fostering. But it can give you an idea if this is the right species for you, and if you are ready to manage that bird. You might even find the perfect rescue bird through this! So it's something to consider.

I also think some people here have valid points. A budgie will not prepare you for a macaw. A conure might though. But using birds for practice is pretty shoddy. You pick a bird for life, as a companion and to love, not as a stepping stone. Sure he might give you the experience for your dream bird on the way, but that shouldn't be the sole reason for his existence.
 
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Conurekidd

New member
Mar 30, 2011
343
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Southern Calif
Parrots
YC Amazon Sampson

Sun Conure Bella

Cinn Green Cheek Conure Rexx
I honestly believe amazons have the worst bite. Them and cockatoos. Iv been bite by all 3. Toos zons and macaws. Going the worst being cockatoo then zon then macaw. Also little tiel bites or green cheeks are acually worse than a macaw.
Macaws pressure bite and there lundge is predictable. I used to have to remove babies from there nest when time came. And the amazons were the hardest to get to.
But my worst bite came from a too through a cage. White birds blend in with anything!!
Didn see em I went to un lock the lock and the boogar got my hand through the cage.
As for the macaws iv been latched on with there bite gained pressure as I attempted to remove him. No more than scratch and bad bruising. As for the too and zons. I'll have scares the rest of my life!!
 

nofearengineer

New member
Sep 8, 2010
575
1
Parrots
Gandalf - CAG (1997-2010) R.I.P. my baby boy.
Bitty - CAG (2 yrs old? and working on spoiling her rotten)
Absolutely, with one caveat. The term "starter" is a bit misleading. A "starter" home for instance, is one that will be re-sold not too far in the future. "Starter" should not mean "disposable."

That being said, there's no denying that a Cockatiel is easier to take care of than a Solomon Island Eclectus, less expensive (and therefore more accessible to younger parronts), and easier to conscientiously rehome should it become absolutely necessary.

The term shouldn't be taken as an insult to these birds...they're all wonderful fids, each with their own personality and potential.
 

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