First Bird?

Hi i'm new to this forum and I have a few questions! I am a full time Vet Tech student in Orange County CA and I am also a Pet Trainer at PetSmart.Going through my school program has helped me with exotics and I've decided I want to get a bird. I am kinda stuck between birds at the moment. I went to Magnolia Bird Farm in Riverside and I am on their waiting list for a hand fed Rock Pebbler Parakeet, which everyone so far has told me is a perfect fit and I love their personalities and their size and activity level! So if anyone has one, I'd love to hear about cage size and diets and such!
Another bird I was looking at would be an African Grey. I have heard that they are prone to behavioral issues and that they need a lot more time and attention, so I feel that as a student and such I would be biting off more than I can chew, plus the expense is always there. But I keep coming back to them so I started looking into adopting an older bird. Thoughts? I know there are some people that think "Starter birds" are not bigger birds. But I have a medical background and will be working in practice in less than a year, so I will be able to support it medically. Opinions and words of wisdom are appreciated!

welcome to the forum . Since you are a vet there would be no need to tell you about how to look after a bird. As far as rock pebbler parakeets go i am surprised that you chose one over something like a green cheeked conure as the activity level of rock pebblers in my experience are minimal. As for a rock pebbler being a good first bird: i think that a rock pebbler would be a great first bird due to thier easy to maintain nature. However i suggest that you have a look at some of the other small/medium sized parrots like Indian ring necks, conures, cockatiels and Quaker parrots. Anyway whatever parrot you choose i am sure you will have a companion for life, good luck. :41:

Welcome to the forums! You've chosen a very exciting career field, I wish you the best!

I'm sure you will be a wonderful guardian for any bird you decide on. Birds are very adaptable but the time you'll have available should definitely figure into your decision. African Greys are a species that require a lot of time and attention but with dedication and commitment you could probably make it work.

WilliamKenyon said:

welcome to the forum . Since you are a vet there would be no need to tell you about how to look after a bird. As far as rock pebbler parakeets go i am surprised that you chose one over something like a green cheeked conure as the activity level of rock pebblers in my experience are minimal. As for a rock pebbler being a good first bird: i think that a rock pebbler would be a great first bird due to thier easy to maintain nature. However i suggest that you have a look at some of the other small/medium sized parrots like Indian ring necks, conures, cockatiels and Quaker parrots. Anyway whatever parrot you choose i am sure you will have a companion for life, good luck. :41:

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I think knowing about birds from text books and such is totally separate from having the experience with them. I have worked with a few conures at my work and I know that they are a little noisy for where I'm living now, and that I want something a little bit bigger. I have also looked into Ringnecks, but I have been told by ringneck owners that they are somewhat demanding and can become "untamed" if they don't get constant handling. I like the minimal-ness of their activity just because it will be spending a lot of time doing homework with me but I do want to clicker train it and teach it tricks. And some of the pebblers I've met were just as goofy as conures, which I like.
Seeing as my bird experience is minimal, I figured that would be a rewarding (and responsible) choice! Any advice on first bird ownership or the possibility of adoption for a Grey as a first bird?

Allee said:

Welcome to the forums! You've chosen a very exciting career field, I wish you the best!

I'm sure you will be a wonderful guardian for any bird you decide on. Birds are very adaptable but the time you'll have available should definitely figure into your decision. African Greys are a species that require a lot of time and attention but with dedication and commitment you could probably make it work.

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That's my issue lol. I feel like I COULD make it work right now if I really shuffled my life around but I'm trying to think long term (working in a practice and being away at least 40 hrs a week plus family life and getting married in a few years etc!) I'm trying to make a (very!) informed decision on a possible life long companion

Also, I need some opinions on "crib cages". The lady in the nursery told me she recommends a smaller cage and 20x20 is range. Thoughts?
I found a cage locally for a normal cage, and it's called a Petco Mink Brown Parrot Habitat and its 1/2 in bar spacing, 30x30x43 cage size plus the bottom with casters and the play top and toy hook. Is this a big enough cage?

That larger cage is great, I've never heard of a "crib cage" but I'm assuming that means one that it's longer than it is wide? It's really a matter of opinion but it's going to depend on the type of bird you get, but bigger cage is always better in my opinion.

Hi and welcome. As a future vet tech, you're probably going to be offered a lot of birds that are given up for adoption for various reasons at the practice you end up working at (all my vet tech friends have animals, birds to cats to snakes, acquired just this way). If I was you, I'd probably wait and the perfect bird will likely drop into your life.

Use caution with the Grey. My Grey is one of the loudest birds in my flock and he could never, ever live in an apartment. He'd get us kicked out the first day! While they're generally known to be quiet birds, they aren't all. He is happy loud so it's not something I could (or would want to) change.

Good luck on your choice. I hope you'll come show him/her off when it happens.

Oh, and the "crib" cage is a smaller cage used for babies, who can be overwhelmed by being placed in a HUGE cage right after weaning. You use the "crib" cage (cute name) until they're feeling confident about moving around and getting to their food and water and have gained better balance and control. Just like with your kid, you'll know when it's time for the bigger "bed."

Hi, and welcome. Rock Pebblers are beautiful, but I think you 'might' find a better fit with one of the quieter conure species, Indian Ringneck, or even Poicephalus parrots. As far as your concern of IRNs 'going wild' on you, that is not IMHO near as much of a possibility as it is with a Rock Pebbler. I think a very tame RP at best might sit on you and like to hang out, but won't be as "parrot-like" for a pet as you might want. My mom has a Princess of Wales, which is in the same genus Polytelis. Patches was a hand fed baby, but despite handling and attempted taming by the breeder, Patches (at 9 years old) is still as hand shy as he's always been. Though he'll step up for my mom, he definitely doesn't want to be petted. Also, being a ground species, he prefers 90% of his out of cage time doing everything on the ground. Playing, foraging, running around. Not a playstand, has to be the floor.

The reason Polytelis species (Rock Pebbler, POW, Barrabands) are seen more often as aviary birds rather than "pet" birds is that they are probably better suited for it. Don't get me wrong, Patches talks surprisingly well, is a funny little clown, extremely active, but there is only so much human interaction that he will accept. Same with her Bourke's parakeet. Another one seen more often in aviaries. As far as you saying the RP you've met are as goofy as a conure... While Patches is definitely goofy, it's just different than with a conure. Patches can act goofy, but doesn't necessarily want you to join in. A conure wants you to get involved in 'their' action. The Australian parakeets are "apples and oranges" from conures.

Also, when I was a bird newbie, I didn't quite understand that certain species are more inclined to be interactive or hands on pets, while others aren't. I fell in love with the Australian Hooded Parakeet (yet another Australian parakeet species in this story), a rare species, and a gorgeous bird that I thought I absolutely NEEDED. I ended up finding one, a hand fed, but he never tamed down to the point of being a real pet. He passed away young, but had he lived, he might have been able to tame about as much as Patches, but I wouldn't expect more.

Since you did mention IRN, there are many owners on this forum who can tell you more about them and your concern of them going wild. They're very popular that's for sure. Beautiful color mutations available too. Good luck whatever you choose.

Hiya!

I tried to decide between an IRN and African Grey. I'd have taken either that I found and clicked with. Henry came to me 8 months old and well socialised - so I got lucky there.

He is not at all clingy, he can be out on his play areas around the house and I can do my own thing - helpful given he has a thing about attacking pens and I'm often working from home. He will snuggle under my chin in the evenings, or cheek to cheek.

He is SO playful - he cracks me up all of the time with his toys! He's bluffing a little, but if you're firm and consistent it really isn't that big of a deal. In saying that, I he crashes on my shoulder if I have my nose in a book, or doing any desk work not involving pens.

He is very, very chatty and very, very easy to teach. He already says 'Whatyadoing? Hey baby, whoopsadaisy, weeee! Good Boy, peekapeekapeeka, peek a boo, and bye bye, as well as various tones, beeps and alarms from the cellphone. But if the house is quiet, he is settled too.

I've had a 10 day trip in Perth when he was a newish arrival - he stayed at a bird sitters and was no problem when he came home. Recently there was a spew bug through the house and it was minimal care only for a little over a week - he hasn't held a grudge. When I'm out for the day, I'll leave a kebob/foraging wheel/box/puzzle thingee of some kind, and he's happy hanging out in there.

My husband deals with big birds because of his mother and mother in law - they both have 'toos. He was apprehensive about a grey at home because he's not confident with the bigger ones - but now we've got Henry he's coping much better with the 'toos.

I'm trying to think of some negatives. I honestly can't.

Even my 4 & 6 year old handle him confidently.

He's that awesome, and I'm yet to regret not having a grey. They day might come when I have both though!

Thank you for all of your input! It sounds like I should look into a Ringneck as well. This is a big decision and I want to make the right one for me and for the bird. I've seen tons of videos of silly ringnecks lately and I'm always laughing out loud! I'll look through some other threads to see if I can get some more feed back on them. The conures I've met are very goofy and fun, but I want something a little bit bigger.

They'll be well worth looking at! When they're loud, they're really earpeircingly loud, but at least in our house it's more of a warning call and it's obvious what sets him off. It's not a common thing

Make sure you let us know how you get on, I'm looking forward to the updates!

I just want to add that my IRN is quite different from Itchy's in terms of clinginess - as all birds will be when it comes to particular traits. My conure is the independent one who is fine being on her own and doing her own thing, and when she wants cuddles she seeks me out. My IRN is literally glued to me and has a strong desire to be with me at ALL times. Occasionally he's fine doing his own thing, but if he's out and I'm near I can guarantee you he'll be on me or around me.

I also find IRN's need an environment where they can be out constantly, or at least very interactive. Shiko gets on average 4 hours a day out of his cage out and about with me, and on weekends or certain days we try to make it around 8. He's far happier on the days he's out more because he loves flying, loves exploring, and his mind is so inquisitive that he needs constant entertainment. He is also a very flock-orientated bird, so he very much so desires loads of interaction with those around him. I can rarely do anything by myself with him because he's all about mom, hahaha.

I find a lot of people look into Ringnecks because of their voices, and while they are adorable, they're also incredibly intelligent and they may need the same kind of dedication you would invest into a larger bird. So if you're looking for a highly intelligent companion who might need lots of interaction, IRNs are definitely worth looking into [emoji4]

itchyfeet said:

Make sure you let us know how you get on, I'm looking forward to the updates!

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I will definitely keep updating! I will probably need all the help I can get with the feathered little one!

Dinosrawr said:

I just want to add that my IRN is quite different from Itchy's in terms of clinginess - as all birds will be when it comes to particular traits. My conure is the independent one who is fine being on her own and doing her own thing, and when she wants cuddles she seeks me out. My IRN is literally glued to me and has a strong desire to be with me at ALL times. Occasionally he's fine doing his own thing, but if he's out and I'm near I can guarantee you he'll be on me or around me.

I also find IRN's need an environment where they can be out constantly, or at least very interactive. Shiko gets on average 4 hours a day out of his cage out and about with me, and on weekends or certain days we try to make it around 8. He's far happier on the days he's out more because he loves flying, loves exploring, and his mind is so inquisitive that he needs constant entertainment. He is also a very flock-orientated bird, so he very much so desires loads of interaction with those around him. I can rarely do anything by myself with him because he's all about mom, hahaha.

I find a lot of people look into Ringnecks because of their voices, and while they are adorable, they're also incredibly intelligent and they may need the same kind of dedication you would invest into a larger bird. So if you're looking for a highly intelligent companion who might need lots of interaction, IRNs are definitely worth looking into [emoji4]

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Out of cage time won't be an issue, he will be out the whole time when I'm home. I live with my parents still and someone is home all day at least, but my mom isn't a big fan of birds (and actually, I'm surprised that she's been so open to having a bird in the house in the first place!), she will keep her distance until he is a little more trained and not as clumsy and she said she is willing to hangout with him, but doesn't want to become his favorite person. Eventually tho, when I have a full time job in a day practice, I'm not sure how uncomfortable(?) the bird will be going from lots of interaction now, to not a lot when I'm working 40+ hrs a week.
I have had mixed feelings from other forum members on different forums about ringnecks as a first bird and some people say that they are too demanding to be a first bird. I love the talking/mimicking ability, and I'm assuming with screaming, its the same as training a dog not to bark for attention. I'm glad I have a positive reinforcement training background! I'm trying to think long term also, since I have read multiple books and websites saying that they are not suited for apartment life, that might be an issue when I move out and such.
I'm still reading and doing my homework on the species so I'll keep asking questions and such! I've been on the waiting list for a Rock Pebbler since May, so I think that's why I have been looking into other species. I'm kind of thinking, "maybe that's not the right bird since it's taking so long" but maybe the right one just hasn't come along yet

I speak from personal experience, when I say if you want a grey, wait until you have your family, and your family life allows you to spend the time you need with a grey. I had a grey many years ago, and then we had a surprise pregnancy. I was so worn out taking care of a newborn, and when I tried to nap, my poor neglected grey would cry out and keep me awake. So he went to go live with friends who had teenage kids. Now he's the center of attention at all sorts of youth group meetings at their house and gets the socialization and attention he needs.

I just adopted an older grey, and the family that relinquished her was in the same boat I was in. They got her when it was just the two of them. Now they have 3 kids age 4 and under and the bird ended up locked in its cage more than it should.

My youngest is now 5, and normally, I wouldn't recommend a grey with kids this young, but she was a very unique grey, very mellow and highly socialized/ desensitized.

Just food for thought because it broke her owners heart to give away "her first child" so that she could have the life she deserves.

Have you been to Omar's Exotic Birds? They have 4 stores in SoCal, (2 in Orange County). Check out what they have now. OMAR'S Exotic Birds :: Babies in Our Stores This IMO is an excellent bird store with knowledgeable staff and birds bred by the owner or obtained from responsible breeders. If you haven't been to one of their stores, they have all the babies out on stands or in bins and you're welcome to handle them.

They have a female Meyer's parrot . I love Meyer's, and they're quiet enough. I think one might be ideal for what you're looking for too. A few IRN's looks like, and Moustache and Alexandrine which are related to the IRN. Brea store has a 5 year old Grey.

RavensGryf said:

Have you been to Omar's Exotic Birds? They have 4 stores in SoCal, (2 in Orange County). Check out what they have now. OMAR'S Exotic Birds :: Babies in Our Stores This IMO is an excellent bird store with knowledgeable staff and birds bred by the owner or obtained from responsible breeders. If you haven't been to one of their stores, they have all the babies out on stands or in bins and you're welcome to handle them.

They have a female Meyer's parrot . I love Meyer's, and they're quiet enough. I think one might be ideal for what you're looking for too. A few IRN's looks like, and Moustache and Alexandrine which are related to the IRN. Brea store has a 5 year old Grey.

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I went the brea store recently and saw the grey they had but he had a sign on him that said he was aggressive and would bite :/ they had a macaw and some caiques but no ringnecks or other smaller birds that peaked my interest

GreyNickels said:

Just food for thought because it broke her owners heart to give away "her first child" so that she could have the life she deserves.

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Thats such a good point! I didn't even think of that. that would be absolutely heart breaking:11:

I just talked to one of my mom's friends and he's had IRNs before and his brother used to have a rock pebbler. He did say that rock pebblers can revert to their "wild ways" very easily and it is nearly impossible to tame them again. Anyone else have an experience with this? I read that this is true of IRNs but any additional info would be great!