Hello All!
Super new to the forum but I am glad there is a good place to ask questions! I am in the process of researching the possibility of getting a new bird. I have read a couple posts (including the stickies) about requirements and information on possible birds for my lifestyle but I wanted to hear from others who keep them and hopefully it will help me decide what I should do.
My Lifestyle:
- I work early mornings to mid afternoon. I'm usually gone 8-9 hours for work, leave when its still dark outside, return in the mid afternoon.
-Spend my evenings doing chores and work around the house, on nights when chores are not an issue I spend time hanging out and playing video games.
-I have a roommate who works an opposing schedule from me, she is also interested in getting a parrot so we would be working together on this she also works 8 hour days as well, but at different times from me.
- I have a dog, GSD, she is curious but generally well adjusted to small animals and is very easy to distract and work with when treats are brought out, she has lived with a small dogs, kittens, cats, snakes, and rodents. I know that these are super different from birds. I have never seen her exhibit prey drive towards birds.
- I'm very willing to spend my spare time in the evening training and working on building trust and hanging out before I (or the bird) go to bed. I am pretty confident that I can spend 3-4 hours in the late afternoon/evening with my bird should I get one.
- I live in an apartment, have neighbors and would like a bird that is not "screechy" but I know that birds chirp, make noise and "talk" (both literally and figuratively) Pet parrots are explicitly allowed on my lease (just need to put in a deposit)
- We cook every other evening for the most part, from time to time I burn incense and candles but I am prepared to cut that out for health purposes should I get a bird. I smoke but that is done outside on the balcony.
-My home tends to have some level of noise, when I am gone I leave a podcast or some other form of music/sound going for my dog so that she has some white noise going on around her. I've heard that this can be alright for birds as well?
I've been researching and definitely do not feel that I would have the level of confidence needed for a large parrot. I had been researching budgies, conures, lovebirds and parrotlets for temperament and keeper experiences and all of these were interesting to me for various reasons.
I am looking for a bird that is sociable to people, inquisitive and curious. I would gladly get two of whatever bird I choose but I would prefer one as I would like the chance to bond with the bird and get to build a friendship, I also do not want to have to worry about possible caging trouble, fights or other social issues with two birds.
I am hoping that you guys can give some suggestions and insight from your experiences and help me out with making this decision. There is no rush here on my end. I am still in the process of making my decision so that I can begin the process of purchasing supplies and accessories. I want to have a cage fully setup and furnished with adequate perches and toys before I bring a little one home.
Lastly if I decide that I am going to go forward with purchasing a bird I want to make sure that I go through a reputable breeder and I am hoping that forum members can give me some information on that as well.
Thanks so much for reading and for any responses that I get.
Super new to the forum but I am glad there is a good place to ask questions! I am in the process of researching the possibility of getting a new bird. I have read a couple posts (including the stickies) about requirements and information on possible birds for my lifestyle but I wanted to hear from others who keep them and hopefully it will help me decide what I should do.
My Lifestyle:
- I work early mornings to mid afternoon. I'm usually gone 8-9 hours for work, leave when its still dark outside, return in the mid afternoon.
-Spend my evenings doing chores and work around the house, on nights when chores are not an issue I spend time hanging out and playing video games.
-I have a roommate who works an opposing schedule from me, she is also interested in getting a parrot so we would be working together on this she also works 8 hour days as well, but at different times from me.
- I have a dog, GSD, she is curious but generally well adjusted to small animals and is very easy to distract and work with when treats are brought out, she has lived with a small dogs, kittens, cats, snakes, and rodents. I know that these are super different from birds. I have never seen her exhibit prey drive towards birds.
- I'm very willing to spend my spare time in the evening training and working on building trust and hanging out before I (or the bird) go to bed. I am pretty confident that I can spend 3-4 hours in the late afternoon/evening with my bird should I get one.
- I live in an apartment, have neighbors and would like a bird that is not "screechy" but I know that birds chirp, make noise and "talk" (both literally and figuratively) Pet parrots are explicitly allowed on my lease (just need to put in a deposit)
- We cook every other evening for the most part, from time to time I burn incense and candles but I am prepared to cut that out for health purposes should I get a bird. I smoke but that is done outside on the balcony.
-My home tends to have some level of noise, when I am gone I leave a podcast or some other form of music/sound going for my dog so that she has some white noise going on around her. I've heard that this can be alright for birds as well?
I've been researching and definitely do not feel that I would have the level of confidence needed for a large parrot. I had been researching budgies, conures, lovebirds and parrotlets for temperament and keeper experiences and all of these were interesting to me for various reasons.
I am looking for a bird that is sociable to people, inquisitive and curious. I would gladly get two of whatever bird I choose but I would prefer one as I would like the chance to bond with the bird and get to build a friendship, I also do not want to have to worry about possible caging trouble, fights or other social issues with two birds.
I am hoping that you guys can give some suggestions and insight from your experiences and help me out with making this decision. There is no rush here on my end. I am still in the process of making my decision so that I can begin the process of purchasing supplies and accessories. I want to have a cage fully setup and furnished with adequate perches and toys before I bring a little one home.
Lastly if I decide that I am going to go forward with purchasing a bird I want to make sure that I go through a reputable breeder and I am hoping that forum members can give me some information on that as well.
Thanks so much for reading and for any responses that I get.