Indecisive on Species

BirdyBird · Apr 28, 2012

There are some sweet handfed babies in this great shop, The Parrot Perch, right near my home. Among the babies are Cockatiels, Budgies and Lovebirds. (Peach-faced, Black-masked and Fischer's) Which do you recommend? (I am a beginner!

) Of course, I will also talk with the breeder for her opinion, and handle each of the babies to see if one just "clicks", but I wanted some experienced opinions, too.

I like cockatiels, but I think I would prefer one of the other 2 species. A Lovebird seems like it may be more aggressive, and quite a bit louder as well. Also, is there any major differences (besides color) between peach-faced, black-masked and Fischer's lovebirds? Do you recommend lovebirds?

I have been leaning towards getting a budgie, but I'm seriously wondering if they'll be as much of a joy to own as one of the others. Does a hand-fed budgie make an affectionate and interactive pet if enough time is spent with it?

Thanks everyone! I hope to hear from you!

QuackQuack · Apr 28, 2012

Of the 3, I think lovebirds will be both the loudest and beakiest. This is not to say they wouldn't make you a lovely pet just a comparison. I vote budgie because handfed budgies while rare are total gems! People just don't know what they can be when they meet untamed parent raised paired budgies!

Featheredsamurai · Apr 28, 2012

I have never met a hand fed Budgie, but I just adore cockatiels if you get them young. I worry about injuring budgies because of their small size.

Also, lovebirds from what I've read can give a nasty little bite.

BirdyBird · Apr 28, 2012

Yes, I've heard lovebirds can be very nippy, and they bite very hard for such a small bird! It's very exciting...I will probably choose a budgie, I find them so adorable! But, I don't know...if I fall in love with a cockatiel, I won't hold back!

QuackQuack · Apr 28, 2012

Just see who you click with and let that guide you!

Featheredsamurai · Apr 28, 2012

Ask if they will let you handle the birds you are interested in, that often helps in deciding who will win over your heart

FutureDVM · Apr 28, 2012

I would personally probably choose a lovebird, but the decision is really up to you. I used to have a hand fed peach faced lovebird and she was a fantastic little bird. However, lovebirds definitely have a strong bite, so you need to work with them a lot to prevent nipping.

If you do end up deciding on a lovebird, I would probably try to get a male if possible. The females are known to be quite hormonal and moody at times. When my old lovebird started laying eggs, she became really cage aggressive and would always bite if you tried to get her out. She was great once out of the cage, though. With males, you don't have to deal with nesting behavior, so they can be a bit easier to manage.

All in all, I think you'll be happy with which ever species you choose. Budgies and cockatiels can make great companions, especially when they're hand fed. I think you should pick the bird whose personality fits best with what you're looking for.

sssaucey · Apr 28, 2012

I have a peachface lovebird and I am really happy that I got her, she's great she does get nippy but has never fully bitten me yet. I have had her for almost a year, she's just a really fun little bird.

so my vote is for a lovie

Mayden · Apr 28, 2012

My first bird was a budgie and she was an absolute star. I most certainly wish I could have her back. (She passed away from a stroke.)

Hand fed or not, as long as you spend lots of time and patience on the bird, you'll surely develop a bond. Most budgie's are easy to tame especially when they're young (all bars on their head).

A lot of people recommend males, but my Wonsy was a female and she was just the sweetest. I got her on her own and she was just... my world. She was most certainly a joy to own. (and the poops are tiny too!

)

Joeyx · Apr 28, 2012

i'd go for a lovebird, hands down.

just make sure you get a properly weaned and social male lovebird. female ones tend to
get veryyyy aggressive when hormones kick in and males just seem to have less problems
from what i hear, lol.

tlouiselle · Apr 28, 2012

A hand raised budgie is a WONDERFUL bird to own. I LOVED mine and have known many friends with them. They are sweet, comical, chatty, quiet, and not demanding. My first bird was a budgie and I loved her to pieces. They have such personalities. They will follow you around the house and sit on your shoulder to be with you. Be ready to share your plate of food with them because they will walk from plate to plate and take what they want for dinner if you will let them. I love the sound of their chirps too. They are so sweet.

tlouiselle · Apr 28, 2012

Also don't forget that cockatiels are a little dustier. If you have allergies it may not be a good match. I love them too though. I have an eclectus who I love to pieces but if I get another bird it will be a cockatiel or a budgie because they are sweet, low maintenance, and quiet. I always wanted a lovebird when I was younger but never had the chance to own one so I only know what I have heard. Every bird has its own unique personality too so don't just listen to the stereotypes. Try to watch them and interact with them before you decide on the perfect one. They are all wonderful choices for a first bird and the fact that they are hand raised is a bonus

MikeyTN · Apr 28, 2012

Handfed Budgies are just as sweet as any other handfed bird!!! My top choice would be a Cockatiel because of their personality. My last choice would be a Lovebird, if you keep the Lovebird flighted and you want to get other types of birds, they will attack them! Lovebirds don't play well with other species of birds! A handfed Lovebird is wonderful as the ones I've raised in the past flies to me on command. But they upset my best friend as they terrorize other birds...Budgies and tiels are more of a communal birds.

sssaucey · Apr 28, 2012

Ya my lovie doesn't seem to be very accepting of other birds, I played a video of other lovebirds talking and she flew to my laptop and started freaking trying to attack them. So no friends for her lol, but if I play a vid of larger birds she reacts in a completely different way

henpecked · May 1, 2012

I would agree with MikeyTn. You can't go wrong with a young/handfeed tiel. Generally hens are not as vocal as the males.

evesta · May 1, 2012

I know it wasn't on your list but check out linnies too! I couldn't find hand fed budgies but could find hand fed linnies. I like them because they look and act more like a bigger parrot but are more laid back and quieter than other birds. They are sweet little clowns that like to hang upside down and explore everything. You can also keep more than one together and they will stay tame and sweet! Oh, and they also come in lots of colors, mine are turquoise. :blue2:

Indecisive on Species

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