How Did You Choose?

[Sulphiria]

If you really want a big bird, eventually you will end up with one. As long as you do the research and keep these forums handy, and are up for the challenge, i say go for it. Get what you really want!

 

[QuackQuack]

I think to answer the basic question, 'How did we choose?' LOL! Most of us didn't we just got them all AHAHAHAH

 

[vicky2200]

I decided on parakeets because I was very young so my parents wouldn't let me get a large bird. They said I could have a parakeet or a lovebird. I chose the parakeets because at the time I found the way the lovebirds look unappealing (how they are usually light pastel-ish colors.) So I chose the parakeet. I ended up with 6, 7 if you include the one that died a week after I got it

As for how I got cockatiels: A friend found one in her backyard and knew I liked birds. The owner never came forward. I got the second one because the first was plucking and I hoped it would help him stop. It didn't. I have grown to really like cockatiels, not that I ever had anything against them, I just didn't know anything about them before.

If this is your first bird, I would recommend a cockatiel. They are easy to care for (as far as birds go) and make great companions. Chico would stay out of his cage with me all day if I let him.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

I think to answer the basic question, 'How did we choose?' LOL! Most of us didn't we just got them all AHAHAHAH

That's how I got Rosie XD She was willed to me but was given to me earlier.

 

[KatherineI]

I have a decent amount of bird experience, from large Macaws to the small Tiels & Budgies. I currently have a GCC and tomorrow I bring home my dream bird, a Goffins 'Too. I would, based on your criteria, age and experience, a GCC. There's several color mutations you can choose from (personally, the Turquoise ones are my favorite, they're GORGEOUS!) so if the typical GCC coloring isn't appealing, you can choose one of those. These awesome birds have big personalities in tiny bodies, can be independent but are amazing little cuddle bugs. They can be noisy, but not to the point where your neighbors would complain should you ever need to reside in close quarters, such as an apartment. They can lean towards one person in regards to their "favorite", but can be really good family birds. Ours bounces easily between my husband and I. They can be left for several hours, as long as they have plenty of toys, food and are given lots of attention upon your return.

That's just my $2, good luck!!

 

[solobaby]

i had a hard time choosing just one and thats why i have 3 , there are 2 more i want but that will wait till i have gotten my current 3 past the terrible 2's and have finished school which will be 2015

 

[osnyder]

I would go for a conure, and of course I'm partial to blue-crowns. They're big enough that you'll feel like you've got a legit parrot with you, and they're very playful and loving, and quite bright. They're not as high-maintenance as cockatoos. If you want a cuddler, get yourself a baby that you can raise after they've been weaned-- you will likely have a best friend forever if you put in the time, which it sounds like you plan to do.

But if you can, start visiting bird stores to explore the choices-- or find a way to be around birds. I didn't really choose my breeds because they were all adopted, but at the same time I knew breeds I was interested in and knew I was not in a place to get anything larger than a medium-sized parrot, for space reasons as well as simply knowing I wasn't experienced enough.

Looking at petfinder is a great way to explore what's out there, also.

Good luck!

 

[jaimmorr]

osnyder: Thanks for the insight! The past four weekends I have went to a bird store an hour away to visit I have a store in town that has birds, but they are all adults and not very well taken care of and pretty nippy. I am going to a bird fair this weekend, yay! My goal is to have chosen a species by this weekend so I can buy toys and possibly a cage at the fair! But... I don't know if that will happen.

I see that you have a Meyer's as well as a BCC. What do you find are the differences between them? Is it true that the Meyer's is more like a cat and the BCC a dog? As in, Meyer's just wants to be left alone and the BCC is more cuddly and affectionate?

Thanks to everyone!!!