Hate the Term "Starter Pet" but...

But between lovebirds, tiels, and parakeets, which would make a good "starter bird"?

I hate the term starter pet because it makes the animal seem disposable, which I assure you it's not. I'll take just as good care of this bird as I would any other pet. But anyway.

I've secured a good work contract after three months of broken ankle leave, and I would like to get in to birds. I don't have much experience with the big birds, but I've had friends with tiels before. They were cute, but not an in depth experience. (I was more focused on my friend.) We still talk; she used to breed birds, and she recommended either parakeets or tiels when I asked about Lovebirds.

I'd just like to clarify that I'm starting to save up, and will not be making any impulse purchases. Aiming to have everything together by December.

I am looking for a bird species, preferably middle aged, that would most likely appreciate cuddling, maybe talk, is on the quieter side (apartment living - I personally don't give a crap about noise), but most importantly, is intelligent and adaptable. Just like with my mac vs conure post, vocalization (talking) is just a bonus perk, not a requirement.

If they're prone to plucking, lemme know please.

For those of you who don't know, I'm considering a macaw for the long run - after I get my thru hikes out of my system, and while they must be an experience all their own, I'd appreciate if my first bird would be able to set me up to succeed with my next bird.

Due to work, I'll be postponing my big outdoor adventures for a few (5ish years). But they are going to happen, so help me.

This sounds horrible, but I'd like a short life expectancy. Again - not disposable - I know I'll end up super attached to him/her; I'll be their final home; all of my animals are family; but I'm really most interested in getting my feet wet as opposed to a lifelong commitment at the moment. I'm just good at remaining objective in the big picture. Hence me not having a big Mac. But life expectancy is more of a minor detail, since I can always just adopt an older bird.

I will not be even attempting to free-fly this bird. I don't even know if they make harnesses small enough for these fids. So traveling ability is a "meh". I do move houses on occasion, though - leases are weird - so I don't know if that affects anything. Getting a carrier for outside walks isn't out of the question, though.

Let the games begin.

Of the 3 you've listed I'd say a cockatiel would be HIGHLY qualified.

And yes, the term "Starter Pet" or "Starter Bird" is quite frowned upon. I'd be more than happy to change the title for you if you come up with something .... different???

Newbie Bird? I'll sleep on it and get back to titles after I've actually had REM sleep. (That's the cool thing about rats - super nocturnal.)

The only thing about cockatiels that scared me off was reading that they act like a lot like cockatoos. And I've heard some scary things in regards to Toos Gone Bad.

Hello There Fellow Vermonter (Saw you mention you were from VT in another thread)!

I would say a cockatiel for sure. Cockatiels are really nothing like owning a cockatoo when it comes to some of the behavior you may have read about on cockatoo's. I consider a cockatoo to be a very intense bird. .

I was looking for a small bird to adopt for my kids and a LOT of people recommended cockatiels because they have great temperaments. We didn't end up going that route but I have read a lot of great things about them and I think they make a great "First Bird".

And yes, they do make harnesses that fit cockatiels. I take all of my birds outside and on walks with me when the weather permits. You certainly should be able to do that with any bird you adopt.

Here is what one looks like: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/The-AVIATOR-Bird-Harness-Leash/dp/B000TEXPDG"]Amazon.com : The AVIATOR Bird Harness and Leash: Petite Red : Pet Halter Harnesses : Pet Supplies[/ame]

Also you can get a flight suit which is great so they don't poop all over you.

Avian Fashions - Home of the Revolutionary Bird Diaper, the FlightSuit!

The key to getting them into a harness or flight suit is to start young and follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer, to get them to adjust to them quickly and easily. It sounds like you love the outdoors so it would be great if you could take your feathered friend with you!

Good luck with your decision!

Yep, starter is one of the commonly used terms and I feel the same way about it. Seriously, what are you going to do when you're ready to "advance" to the next level of bird ownership? Will you get rid of your first bird? Will you get the big bird you really wanted then,and ignore your former buddy because he was just a stepping stone? Preposterous!!

My feeling is that considering the large chunk of your life that will be invested, you go for the bird you want in the first place. You may not start out as an expert but you will grow with the bird just as parents do with their kids (we hope!).

Interesting that you mention wanting a shortish life expectancy because that was also a consideration of mine. I'm in my 50's and expect I may have another 30ish years in me. Maybe a bit more, who can tell? Anyway it's almost certainly going to be less than 50 and I want to be able to care for my bird through his (or her) lifetime and hopefully not have to pass him to someone else at some point. For what it's worth, I went with the cockatiel. From all the online research I've done it seems that they are pretty much easy going and cheerful little guys relative to the others . And the little 'too crest sort of won me over as well. Makes him a very expressive bird, like the bigger birds in the 'too family.

I don't remember reading anything about tiels having 'too attitude though, or having the reputation of being "velcro" birds like the bigger 'toos. About the most negative things I've read about them is that they are dusty birds (why I named mine Dusty, haha) and that they are prone to night frights, so it's good to have a little night light for them. Not that I'm any kind of expert - by far! Dusty will be my first bird and as mentioned I'll have to learn a lot on the fly with my new little guy.

I vote hand-fed, socialized, raised-thoughtfully lovebird. I love all my parrots but my relationship with my two pet lovebirds, a 14-year-old hen, and an almost 6-year-old male, are the best avian relationships I've ever had after a lifetime of living with birds. They are so funny and interactive and brave. I really like that they both like other people, so I can hand them to guests who want to interact with my birds. They're such happy little birds and BOTH talk. Yes, even the female. She actually says more than the male does. They're so cute and cuddly. After a long, goofy play session, they like nothing so much as snuggling up to watch TV with me at night. They don't really like each other, so I have to have them out separately but I work from home, so there is always plenty of time for working their out time into my schedule, especially when the larger birds are out in the aviary for the day. And, I will say this. . . even though they are small, they are every bit as intelligent as my larger birds. They have proven that over and over again. Some people give lovebirds a bad rap because parent-raised ones are pretty difficult to tame down but if you get a lovebird from a good breeder who has put a lot of work into their early socialization with humans, I just think they are amazing pets. Good luck on your choice.

Totally second what OOwl said about lovebirds. Plus their body type is a little more robust, something that I personally like when I handle a bird. Can be cuddly, the type of bird that will sit in your sleeve or pocket, though mine was strictly a shoulder bird and wasn't big on snuggliness. Not prone to plucking. Can talk but I don't think it's too common.

If you can, see them all (budgie, lovebird, cockatiel) in person and watch how they move and interact. What species feels like home to you?

Pyrrhura conures (green cheeks, pearly, black cap etc) are all very quiet birds, appropriate for apartment. Same kind of temperament as the conures you were asking about. If they fit your dream bird, maybe you will not have to compromise/wait. Super cuddly, not prone to plucking. Usually velcro birds. Mine talks a lot.

Also quakers, if your state isn't one where they are banned. I LOVE quakers and would probably have one if I wasn't in a banned state. They can be pluckers and some have genetic disposition to mutilate (look up Quaker Mutilation Syndrome), can be cuddly. Velcro bird. Can talk.

All of these birds can easily live to 20 years, sometimes 30. However, especially budgies and cockatiels, you can probably easily find one that is an older friendly pet.

And small bird on leash outside, I've seen more cockatiels on leashes than any other kind of bird. If you walk with bird in front of you on your hand, it protects them pretty well and you have full vision of what is around them.

Anyway, have fun with whomever you choose! I promise they can all be awesome and completely fulfilling

Oh, senegals too are definitely worth a look. Apartment friendly noises. Bold, pushy, curious attitudes. Some are snuggly. Not sure about talking ability.

Have you checked out any of the members of the Brotogeris family of parrots?
Small (arounf 6-7" long), noted for loving and actually seeking out human contact, with some talking abilities ( much better at doing whistles and songs), not crazy expensive, and lots of BIG bird in a small body.
My Maxe hit all your bells and whistles. Here is a few links to spececies specific details. I found the published on-line descriptions to be exact regarding attitudes, abilities, so read up if they sound cool.
https://www.beautyofbirds.com/brotogeris.htm

Brotogeris Breeder - Canary-wing and Orange-chin Brotogeris Parakeets for Sale

Max was a Canary ( or Yellow )Wing Parrot. At one point these little guys were the most imported bird into the United States, but times and tastes change ( just like GCC's seem to be the small bird of choice recently).

Cockatiels hit them too, and are super cute to me.

Max:

Come on guys Budgie are the cuties little birds

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtP_zQXgwYQ"]Joey, the smartest talking Budgie EVER! - YouTube[/ame]

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itt0tqf6OYY"]GREATEST TALKING BUDGIE BIRD GRAYSON SUPERBIRD! - YouTube[/ame]

First off, OMG I'm not the only Vermonter here. That's a rarity. I'm actually only a whopping half hour from you, in Rutland. Technically I'm a NC transplant, but whatevs.

Christinenc2000 said:

Come on guys Budgie are the cuties little birds

Joey, the smartest talking Budgie EVER! - YouTube

GREATEST TALKING BUDGIE BIRD GRAYSON SUPERBIRD! - YouTube

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But do they cuddle?

There's so much information here, and I would like to thank each of you individually, but where to begin?

I have no hesitations to big commitments (long lifespans). The only reason I'm worried about life expectancy is because, like I've repeatedly said, I am hell bent on thru-hiking the Triple Crown. That's happening, so help me, if I have to sell a kidney I will. My main concern is that, while I have already found arrangements for my dogs and cat to be fostered by a long-time friend - my rats are all ancient and will be gone soon - I don't know how the bird would handle 6+ months of me vanishing - three times in a row and spending winters with me, even if it got to bond with my foster beforehand. I can't imagine it would be positive. Also, who the heck would foster a bird for that long? It's not an animal most people have experience with, otherwise I wouldn't be on a forum just for birds.

I have a rescue coworker who has a nine birds, ranging from macs to I'm not even sure what - pretty sure I saw a tiel; I'm going to see if she'll let me interact with a few up them the next time I'm over. The noise of all of them, though, is absolutely deafening. No exaggeration. I'm secretly hoping that's just because I'm a stranger and there's nine of them.

I've got a cuddly and flighted 'tiel, who is harness trained to the aviator. Only one of my three to be so consistent with it, too. She's my eldest bird at the grand old age of 9, with plenty of go left in her. Birds don't really come in 'short term', certainly not like rats, from my limited knowledge of them. (hubby had them as a teen - they used to accompany our dates in his pocket).

I'm gonna go ahead and be the black duck...

I tried Tiels.... they were way worse than my U2. Given, my U2 is a rare one and not a crazy demented biter/screamer/plucker.

I previously had budgies/parakeets and tiels... I'd highly recommend parakeets over tiels. JMHO based on my limited experience.

*go-go gadget flamesuit!*

OOwl said:

I vote hand-fed, socialized, raised-thoughtfully lovebird. I love all my parrots but my relationship with my two pet lovebirds, a 14-year-old hen, and an almost 6-year-old male, are the best avian relationships I've ever had after a lifetime of living with birds. They are so funny and interactive and brave. I really like that they both like other people, so I can hand them to guests who want to interact with my birds. They're such happy little birds and BOTH talk. Yes, even the female. She actually says more than the male does. They're so cute and cuddly. After a long, goofy play session, they like nothing so much as snuggling up to watch TV with me at night. They don't really like each other, so I have to have them out separately but I work from home, so there is always plenty of time for working their out time into my schedule, especially when the larger birds are out in the aviary for the day. And, I will say this. . . even though they are small, they are every bit as intelligent as my larger birds. They have proven that over and over again. Some people give lovebirds a bad rap because parent-raised ones are pretty difficult to tame down but if you get a lovebird from a good breeder who has put a lot of work into their early socialization with humans, I just think they are amazing pets. Good luck on your choice.

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Funny, I'd handle a dominant greenwing named KILLER before I'd handle a lovebird...

Haven't had any luck at all with love birds... not that I worked with them all that much.

My vote would be tiel.

Oh, who the hell am I kidding? My vote would be the dominant greenwing named KILLER...

I had a tiel. Couldn't make friends with it. My friend now dotes on it and has a constant companion.

My lovebird, although I love him, is not tame.

I'm clearly not a little bird person unless that little bird thinks it's a macaw. (My GCC)

Doublete said:

I'm clearly not a little bird person unless that little bird thinks it's a macaw. (My GCC)

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Yeah, well, in most of the ways that matter, IT IS! Just a shrunken one...

Think really carefully on this. On your resources and on who you have around. I'm not saying don't get a parrot....but how many do you want? Adventure and travel certainly has to be considered, but having had birds for the last 12 odd years and having the last 12 odd years throw up all sorts of circumstance I'm really not discouraging you.

I had a budgie. I wanted to graduate from budgie to cockatoo. My inlaws bought me a smaller parrot cage for my 21st. I settled on a quaker. I impulse bought a cockatiel. She's my Ethyl and I'm not sorry - she's brilliant! Especially with our children. Unfortunately eventually the budgie passed away, after spending most of his life on my shoulder whilst I worked as a teacher. Then I fell in love with Grey's ..... hubby went off to Taiwan on a three week scholarship trip. The deal was, he goes overseas, I got my parrot. Except the most amazing little ringneck, still young, was listed on our version of Craigslist. He'd been in a classroom too, and I knew first hand the advantages of that on socialisation. So off hubby and I went, and Henry came home with us. Henry is an awesome bird! Independent, brave, adventurous, but loves any human and talks up a storm. Next came Marley, who's kind of mine if we choose that as best for him, or might go back to mum later on if we think he can handle it. Either way he's got a forever family within our family and is well loved. Which makes 3.

Still want my grey. There goes four. Bird people get to know bird people. I'm in line for a SC2, eventually. Which makes 5.

Lesson 1. If you're in the mood for instant gratification, you may find the parrot you adore in a smaller species that can handle some time apart. It might not be a macaw. It could be a conure, carefully handled and with the 'right' sitter. If they get to know them now, they can step in when you're away with minimal disruption.

Lesson 2. If you really really want a Macaw later, and go for a smaller bird now, accept you may end up with a big bird and a little bird in the same house, and that has it's own challenges re: flight time etc.

Lesson 3. If you really want to be a one bird household, wait. I know, easier said than done, but these little ones don't deserve second best treatment because they were filling in a gap.

Good luck!

Well... I guess I sort of went backwards. I started with small and medium parrots, had a couple larger parrots, THEN after 20 years experience I just had to add budgies to the flock lol....and I'm really glad I did . They're so cute. A single one if worked with enough has potential to be a nice little pet. I feel I will always have budgies now. They certainly weren't 'starter' for me but they are definitely good first birds.

I've posted these videos before, but this seems like a good place to post them too . Not all budgies are cuddly, but some individuals do have potential.
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0u1CPkKpWs"]Our Budgie loves to be stroked - YouTube[/ame]
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7LXTz7Goq8"]Cuddly budgie - YouTube[/ame]
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGqtH5YWBMM"]Norman Barrett MBE and his amazing budgies: Zippos Circus - YouTube[/ame]

Christine, I really love the second vid you posted. That little guy is so funny. His voice sounds exactly like the woman's!

If you want playful, a lovebird gives you your best bet.
If you want a chatterbox that will chill out on your shoulder, a budgie gives you your best bet.
If you want a whistling, somewhat cuddly bird, a cockatiel gives you your best bet.

These are all generalizations. Every bird is unique. Going hand raised will likely make it easier to build a relationship with your bird. If you have the opportunity, try to find a breeder/rescue/pet shop where you can interact with them.

ToMang07 said:

...I tried Tiels.... they were way worse than my U2. Given, my U2 is a rare one and not a crazy demented biter/screamer/plucker.

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It was after watching some videos of Max and Gotcha on youtube that I started seriously thinking about getting a bird. Those toos are awesome! Me being in an apartment, I figured noise would be a problem but I also could see right away that those particular birds were going to require quite a lot of attention. Probably enough to make the wife jealous, haha.

No flames here Tom, just curious about what you found to be worse about the tiels.