Newbie here, researching...

So, I've been reading and reading and reading about adding a bird to our family. We have three young kids so that limits us quite a bit, not to mention, we have never owned a bird before. So, I've basically narrowed my search down to a Linnie, or maybe a budgie. However, I really like the Linnie's from what I've read. One issue I'm having is getting my eyes on one. I've searched and searched, but I have not found any breeders in our state, Colorado. I'm thinking that having a bird shipped to us from another state is probably a really bad idea considering, 1)I've never met a Linnie, and 2)we are new to being bird owners! Also, it seems scary to have a bird shipped, but maybe I'm wrong?

Anyone know of any hobby breeders or the like in Colorado? My internet search is coming up blank. Are they that rare? Also, am I even barking up the right tree with this type of bird? This will be primarily my bird, but I would like the entire family to interact with it, under supervision, of course. We are home most of the day, only gone for 2 hours or so a day. We also have dogs, but they spend time outside and we also have kennels that they sleep in or some times I just put them in their houses for a variety of reasons so they are very accustomed to it.

Advice? I don't want to make a wrong decision here and I'd appreciate any advice you have!

If you are anywhere near Loveland, make a visit to.
Avalon Aviary: Bird Supply Store and Parrot Breeder in Loveland, Colorado

Great rescue resource, many wonderful birds needing a forever home!

Welcome to the forums and best of luck with your search for a new addition!

Linnies are beautiful birds, other than that I know very little about them. Budgies are wonderful little parrots with a lot of character. Have you considered cockatiels or conures?

Welcome!
Good for you, that you're reading and reaching out!
Some advice I always offer to newcomers... take any issue or topic which interests you, and use the Search Tab to read, read, read about it. I do that a lot. The people here are an amazing source of information, advice, and support. I'm glad you found this place!
I admire budgies so much! 100% parrot in an itsy-bitsy package!

Welcome to the forums! I applaud your instinct to research before bringing home a totally new companion. Not familiar with your prospective species but many here have great experience.

I have never shipped by air but have concerns, though many have with great success.

Flboy said:

If you are anywhere near Loveland, make a visit to.
Avalon Aviary: Bird Supply Store and Parrot Breeder in Loveland, Colorado

Great rescue resource, many wonderful birds needing a forever home!

Click to expand...

Thank you! I'll check them out, not too far. Their website seems outdated so I wasn't sure it was worth the trip, but I'll go ahead and visit. Thanks again!

GaleriaGila said:

Welcome!
Good for you, that you're reading and reaching out!
Some advice I always offer to newcomers... take any issue or topic which interests you, and use the Search Tab to read, read, read about it. I do that a lot. The people here are an amazing source of information, advice, and support. I'm glad you found this place!
I admire budgies so much! 100% parrot in an itsy-bitsy package!

Click to expand...

Thanks for the comment. I've started! One piece of advice I picked up is that I should maybe not try so hard to find a specific species of bird, but find the right personality, the right individual. The poster said it more eloquently, but I get the point and think it makes a great deal of sense. I was still hoping to find a Linnie to meet, but maybe with my personal visits to some local places, I'll have that opportunity.

Allee said:

Welcome to the forums and best of luck with your search for a new addition!

Linnies are beautiful birds, other than that I know very little about them. Budgies are wonderful little parrots with a lot of character. Have you considered cockatiels or conures?

Click to expand...

Thanks for the comment! Yes, I've researched cockatiels and conures, and I can't put my finger on it, but I'm just not as drawn to the cockatiel. I don't know why?!?! The conures yes. I'm just a little concerned about those because I read so often that they are not beginner birds. However, I love that they are cuddly and that's something that draws me to them. I just fear they are too hard for a newbie. I understand if I look at conures, I should look for green cheeks, correct? I read they might be easier than some of the other types. Opinion?

triplejranch said:

Allee said:

Welcome to the forums and best of luck with your search for a new addition!

Linnies are beautiful birds, other than that I know very little about them. Budgies are wonderful little parrots with a lot of character. Have you considered cockatiels or conures?

Click to expand...

Thanks for the comment! Yes, I've researched cockatiels and conures, and I can't put my finger on it, but I'm just not as drawn to the cockatiel. I don't know why?!?! The conures yes. I'm just a little concerned about those because I read so often that they are not beginner birds. However, I love that they are cuddly and that's something that draws me to them. I just fear they are too hard for a newbie. I understand if I look at conures, I should look for green cheeks, correct? I read they might be easier than some of the other types. Opinion?

Click to expand...

Not every bird is for everyone that's for sure. I don't dislike any bird species, but I don't really get drawn to tiel's either. They are great little birds, but we all have different tastes!

Something I think is important to note when talking about a beginner bird, is that the term is a little miss-leading. While there are some species that are definitely much more challenging, the real thing to consider is the overall package, because they all require the love and attention, and they can't ever be viewed as a stepping stone.

That said, I think visiting a local rescue is always a great idea. You can learn a huge amount from reading, but there really is no substitute for the hands on approach, and its a great way to get a better feel for what *you* are really looking for and find appealing in a companion parrot.

That, and "clicking" with a particular bird, especially one that chooses you, can be such a strong deciding factor. You may find you absolutely fall in love with something you had never considered. And the thing with parrots is that regardless of common species quirks, every individual is *so* unique that it's often a case of the individual bird being the perfect fit, not the type.

I think you are doing an amazing job taking the time to be thorough, and research and ask questions! Keep asking them, you can never have too much information and we are always happy to help however we can! You sound like you are well on your way to becoming a wonderful Parront!

triplejranch said:

Flboy said:

If you are anywhere near Loveland, make a visit to.
Avalon Aviary: Bird Supply Store and Parrot Breeder in Loveland, Colorado

Great rescue resource, many wonderful birds needing a forever home!

Click to expand...

Thank you! I'll check them out, not too far. Their website seems outdated so I wasn't sure it was worth the trip, but I'll go ahead and visit. Thanks again!

Click to expand...

Website is a shame, tell them so! I did in June, but! They no longer keep the rescues in a seperate place., now in the back of the store. Don't be shy, rummage through the whole place! You will be blown away! 30+ residents!

If you are drawn to conures I think that sun conures would be better for beginners because as long as noise isn't an issue they are much less nippy than greencheeks. I think both are great for your first bird I got a Greencheek for my first bird and I haven't had any issues except that they are very nippy but you can fix that.

Welcome. Take your time, your bird will be with your family for yearts maybe man mmany years. Best is if the bird picks you. You will know it if it happens, the bird will seem like he has known you for years, and settle right on your hand , arm or finger. Possibly snuggle in/on you. Its not mandatory, and certainly relationships can be formed with love an attention with amost every type of bird, its just when a bird picks you, its that much easier to go forward. So consider buddgies, but be open to other species. don;t over look ones like yellow wing , or canary wing parrots ( formal name Brotogeris ) who are also small, buggie sized birds with big bird personalities, fairly common now. Green cheek conures are super popular now, and they are great birds, but you have ot be a conure person to do well with them. They are related to the Macaw family and are like tiny macaws in how they act. Caiques are small and cute, but are not a first time bird for most. Lovebirds same thing, and they seem to do better in pairs. Buddgies are a really good choice, and are true parrots in every sense of the word. You should see and hear what some of our members have done with their buddgies and how much they have fallen in love with theirs. Jim, speak up here about BB bird ( OP look for AMYMyBlueFront on here, he has both a blue front amazon and a buddgie, and will tell you how much he loves both). But be sure you and the family are ready to take on adding a new child to the family, because to be really well socialized and help each parrot realize their full potential, thats how they should be treated. They need time and attention, in addition to food and clean living conditions, and are more of a commitment then say a cat or a dog or hamster. Look thru some of the long running threads on here, like the one from Galeriagail , or AmyMyBlueFront, or even my own, Right Now Salty is.... to get an idea of whats possible with a parrot, and what it takes to get them like that. Good luck and feel free to post as many questions as you like, this board is a priceless resource for prospective new owners.

I would 100% suggest a green cheek conure, except despite my lovely Darwin and all of our amazing times together she did have one extremely fatal flaw that seems very common across the conures. She was EXTREMELY one-person, I was the ONLY one allowed to touch her or cuddle her or do anything. With all the children, despite my personal love of them, I would steer clear of the conures.

I have heard great things about linnies though, but unfortunately no, they are no very common birds. Perhaps a parrotlet would be a good bird (same size range), much more easily obtained. You would have an easier time finding an excellent breeder nearby and people to help you here.