Best bird for me?

[AAOtero]

Hello! I’m a 16 year old sophomore, and after much research I’ve decided that a parrot would be the right pet for me. However, after narrowing down my choices to a small list of birds I’ve found myself in a labyrinth where I cannot decide which of these amazing species would be better for me. Now, a little background into me and my present/future situation:

I was born in Brazil and throughout my childhood I’ve owned and helped to take care of a lot of different animals, as I’ve lived on a farm with my aunt for a big part of my childhood and she was one of the workers that took care of both the plantations and the small animals. In that farm I’ve became well acquainted with guinea pigs, rabbits, horses, cows, quails, cats, dogs, chickens... at that time my personal pets were a rooster, two budgies(they were already seniors when we got them), and a betta fish. I also have two uncles that have always kept birds. One of them had what I believe to be an Amazon (in portuguese we call it “papagaio verdadeiro” which translates to “true parrot”) which I’ve known since I was very little and that now is under the companionship of my cousin as my uncle passed away, and the other keeps a variety of small birds such as canaries, and my grandpa owns 3 cockatiels. I’ve also gone to an aviary in Iguazu Falls and had face to face contact with a Red and a Hyacinth Macaw. After socializing with not only these birds but also my own budgies I’ve come to the conclusion that a medium/small sized bird would be the best for me. Now, yes, I know that I’m at an age where owning a bird is not the most advisable choice. However after thinking and rethinking throughoutly and analyzing both the pros and cons I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m ready. All of my family is on board with me and my father specifically has told me that the idea of owning birds again is lovely. I do realize that I’m going to college soon, however, I’m looking into colleges where medium sized birds are allowed and I’ve already found great options! In case that for some reason it doesn't work out and I’m not accepted in either of these colleges (I’m a pretty good student and I’ve always had above average grades so much that I’ve earned a scholarship and I am now in Germany as part of it, therefore it’s real likely that I’ll be accept into these colleges, nonetheless I’m already working out my “ifs” as animals are living beings that deserve the best care that they can get) I plan on moving into a shared apartment, and in case such college demands that I stay on their housing during freshman year I know with no doubts that my dad is on board into taking care of the bird for a limited amount of time. I’ve also been working in my family’s café since I was 12 and plan on continuing to work there throughout highschool. I also plan on working during college. I’m an introvert and I generally value the company of animals over that of people, I’ve been to raves, “bailes funk”, the famous Brazilian carnaval and I’ve not enjoyed myself. Welp, I’m sorry for the size of this text, I just want to give you guys a somewhat clear picture of where I am now.

Now, these are the birds that have attracted me the most:
-Cockatiels
-Green Cheek conure
-Caique

I know that bringing a bird to be my companion is not all smiles and roses. I’m aware of how moody and nippy Caiques are known to be and how they’re generally not considered a good species to start off. Out of these three I’m leaning more towards Cockatiels, and I’ve already found bird rescues near my area on the U.S where I plan on visiting some of them. I also wish to attain an adult bird as I can be more sure of their personality. I’m also open to more suggestions!

 

[SilverSage]

Hello,
In general I never advise teenagers to get birds, for the exact reasons you mentioned. However unlike most teenagers you seem to already have a plan for how to be sure to keep your bird during the upheaval of the next 10 years of your life. So while I still wouldn’t recommend it, it seems less disastrous than usual.

I’m glad you plan to volunteer at a rescue! I think that would be a great choice! My personal favorite of the birds you mentioned is the cockatiel. They are so sweet, spunky, and just all around great. They are convenient in size and noise level, and they can live 30+ years. Their diet is reasonable to manage, they usually aren’t biters, and I just really love them. Plus they come in lots of colors and are also the most affordable option both in bird price and cage price.

But really I just love cockatiels. I love green cheeks too (I’ve never personally had a caique) but they just cannot match the pet quality of Cockatiels as a rule.

My own cockatiel recently passed away unexpectedly. She was my best pal and adventure buddy. She came with me to the beach, hiking, shopping, walking the dog; she moved with me from Hawaii to GA. But I’m not just basing my suggestion off of her, I raised both GCCs and cockatiels for years.

Ultimately it’s best to make your choice after nearing as many as you can of each species and considering how well each will get along not just with you but with your family.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Kiwibird]

I second SilverSage that it is generally inadvisable to get a parrot while still in high school, though I think it's great you're getting hands on experience. I adopted my amazon at 19 (I grew up with amazons and had extensive hands on experience, I would absolutely NOT recommend you get one) and even having grown up with them, it was shocking just how much work and dedication he needed when it was all on me to take care of him (as opposed to just helping out/playing with my parents birds when I had time but no commitment because they weren't my birds). The difference between babysitting kids and having one of your own. Not to mention the impact on my social life at that age, as he had to be first priority over any friends or fun activities he couldn't be included in. I generally couldn't do anything until after the bird had been put to bed for the night and a good chunk of my weekends were also consumed hanging out with him, deep cleaning his cage, making toys, prepping fresh foods etc... I couldn't ever sleep in because adult parrots need to be on a strict sleep schedule and should be woken up (and put to bed) at a set time every day to reduce hormonal issues. They're a lot of work and my less mature friends thought I was nuts putting in so much effort into a bird. Definitely worth the effort though if you're really wanting a bird. I no longer speak to any of the friends I had back then, but I still have and adore my bird, who is a sweet, friendly little guy because of all the hard work I put into him. Oh, and landlords in the kinds of apartments most 18/19/20 year olds can afford don't particularly like exotic animals, severely limiting your housing options. And it seems to be the bigger and more brightly colored, the less convinced landlords will be to give you a chance, especially as a young adult with no/minimal renters history or credit. You may also have to obtain pet insurance to rent and pay a pet deposit and/or monthly pet rent, upping your housing costs. Just a FYI from someone who's been there, done that with the renting thing and having a bird. I didn't go to college, but many of the people I know who did claimed they were required to spend their first year in the dorms by the school (no exceptions, even ones who went to college locally and could've lived with their parents for free), meaning you possibly may have to have your parents or other trusted stable adults (relatives, long time family friends etc...) care for your bird while you're in your first year of college whether you want to or not. Do you have someone willing to do that?

If you're convinced you can truly dedicate yourself to a precious little life at your age, a cockatiel would be at the top of my list in your situation. I think you'll find they make excellent companion parrots and given the fact so many life changes are coming, while still high maintenance pets, you'll likely find less resistance from future landlords due to their size and the fact most people are pretty familiar with them. They'll also be less likely to interfere with relationships. You have no idea how many parrots get rehomed due to a new romantic partner not liking them. Cockatiels are just kind of generally well accepted by most people. Cockatiels live about 20-25 years, caiques and conures 30+, so you'll have your bird through the most difficult parts of adulthood/getting on your feet. Are you ready for that level of commitment at your age with everything you (and every other teen) has coming up?

 

[AAOtero]

Thank you guys for responding! After reading the points that both of you have highlighted I’ve come to the conclusion that a Tiel will be the best option for me and my family. Yes, I’m sure that I’m ready for that lvel of commitment even though I’m fairly young. And if I do have to stay one year at a college where birds are not allowed in campus my father is willing to take care of it, as he’s also found of birds.

Tami: Your Birds are really cute!

 

[Kiwibird]

Good to hear a stable adult (your dad) will be able to step in to help with care if necessary as you settle into being an adult

Please don't be a stranger and feel free to ask any other questions you may have about an appropriate cage setup, toys, diet, building trust, training, how to find and get established with an avian specialized vet etc... Having some patience and waiting a few weeks or a month or whatever to get everything set up and ready to go (also to save up some money, unless your parents will be paying for everything for you for the initial setup/vet visit) will be very beneficial in the long run for your new friend and you!

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, thanks for a thoroughly enjoyable introduction! Beyond having the gift of expression, your maturity and ability to examine the issue from multiple angles is commendable.

I agree with the preceding posts, if any young adult is capable of such life transition while safeguarding a bird, it may be you! A tiel seems most logical from your list!

Good luck with the decision, hope to see you as an active member!!

 

[smbrds]

Welcome to the forum. A nice introduction and background on growing up on a farm with animals.

I second all the posts above, especially SilverSage (sure looked like a great pal! RIP) and about cockatiels. I got Baby around your age in the early 2000s and he's been with me ever since. He's the greatest friend. I understand your desire to have a wonderful companion such as a parrot in your life and seems as though you also too understand the stages of commitment and care. It is great that you have narrowed down a short list, and I also am another to endorse the cockatiel.

A similar thread in relation to Students and Birds was created by one of the Mods, Anansi, that is worth a read as well. Certainly appropriate for now and beyond! http://www.parrotforums.com/new-mem...-students-should-ask-before-getting-bird.html

 

[AAOtero]

Thank you guys! I won’t refrain from asking questions, as I hope to do the best for my future bird. I’m still figuring a lot of things out and therefore I only plan on bringing a pal home by august/september. Thanks smbrds! I’ll certainly give it a read.

 

[reeb]

Hi!

I'm a university student with 3 parrots so hopefully I can provide some insight. I'll copy paste some of what I posted in a similar thread some time ago:

There are pros and cons to every situation, but I will list some of my experiences, and then some of my opinions on the topic.

when you have a parrot, your whole life revolves around him or her. It is very difficult to balance time with a parrot at school, because your schedule is most likely very rigid. As a student, this is still challenging, because not only do you have your studies to focus on, but also your social life to consider. I have adjusted my schedule for my birds. I do 50% of my lectures online (I go to a uni where they are all recorded) and therefore I spend at least half my day at home, usually more because of the structure of my schedule. During that time I do my work with my birds out of the cage, and I also give them cuddles and play games when I take breaks. My friends all spend all day at university, and so I don’t see them as much as I could because I spend a lot of time at home. My birds are my priority, but I still take my studies seriously and have been lucky to adjust my schedule to suit my birds.

I also spend most weekends with them, and only really have the opportunity to socialise at night. Even then, I have to be up early, so I have to go to bed at a reasonable hour. I am also lucky that I live in a flat on my parent’s property, because my mom loves my birds and spends time with them when I’m out.

Also, the cost of owning parrots is quite significant. I have to set aside a certain amount of money every month to pay for cost of my birds - food, toys, cages, vet etc - it can get very costly, and again it’s something you really need to consider. As well as this, there is a lot of responsibility involved. Parrots are very messy, and you have to make time every day to clean up. Again, something that takes up time.

It is also very risky of me, or any other student, to bring long-living pets into our lives. We don’t know where we’ll be in 10 or 20 or 30 years time. Keep in mind that cockatiels can live up to 20 years, caiques conures can live up to 30 years. I am 21, and I spent 4 months deliberating on whether I wanted to bring Berry, my cockatiel, into my life, because she will most likely still be alive when I am in my late 30s. This may seem very irresponsible of me, but it is a risk I am willing to take. What I’m getting at is that you need to make sure that you are TRULY prepared for this massive responsibility over 20 years if you are getting a parrot like a cockatiel, and even longer if you are getting a conure or caique. You have no idea where your life is headed, especially when you are only 16.

There are many success stories of those with birds as young adults moving into mid-late adulthood. The unfortunate thing is that this doesn’t always happen, and you have to be absolutely sure about your decision.

I would continue researching. Look into birds that require less attention than cockatiels, like budgies or lovebirds, but always keep in mind that ALL parrots need A LOT of attention, even the aforementioned species - especially when kept alone. Parrots are incredibly social and intelligent creatures, and you are their whole world, their flock - and you have to be present in their daily life, otherwise they will get very depressed and live very unhappily.

Good luck with your choice! As someone with a lot of experience with this, feel free to ask any more questions.