First off I apologize if this is in the wrong forum its kind of a lot of things, so I didn't know where to put it.
I just moved out a week ago and just started considering a bird for some company.
I did what little research I could but frankly, it is confusing, and I am getting a lot of conflicting information on different birds. What little I have is from thesprucepets.com , and a lot of that was conflicting. From what I can tell the three types I am looking for more information on are Budgies, Pacific Parrotlets, and Lineolated Parakeets but I am open to other suggestions.
My situation as I said is I just moved out, so things are hectic but will slow down once I start my schooling. I am currently studying to be a gunsmith online, so I will be home a lot to take care of him. Most of my concerns are more long-term as even Budgies (seriously who names birds?) Live 10-15 years with most estimates topping out at 30 for the others.
My number one concern is I have seen estimates as high as 4 hours a day of social time. My concern is not, not being able to provide this but providing it consistently. I know these birds self-injure when stressed and I worry about how sensitive birds are to this.
My second question is how sensitive are birds to the chemicals used in gun cleaners. I am not talking about ingesting it or getting it on them but vapors. Anyone that has used it knows it has a smell, so I am worried about them breathing it in. I ask about this because one of my down the road solutions for social time and simulation is to bring the bird to work. I also have to ask if the Teflon thing is for real and if anyone has seen it happen as it kind of sounds like an exaggerated story to me.
Third, I have seen many places that having a second bird can drastically reduce the need for social time and stimulation but will also drastically reduce the bird's ability to bond with its owner and my goal is to bond well with the bird so I am worried about just how drastic this might be.
Fourth, how long does it take to train a bird give or take? I have yet to see any real estimate on this, so any info is appreciated.
My reasons for picking a bird over a dog or cat is they seem to have more personality, and they are more intelligent. I can get a 2ft square cage for any bird as I live in an apartment and don't really have room for more. I am also not TOO worried about the cost as I have some money left over from my move. If there is any information I left out that would be helpful, please ask me, and I will try to provide it.
I just moved out a week ago and just started considering a bird for some company.
I did what little research I could but frankly, it is confusing, and I am getting a lot of conflicting information on different birds. What little I have is from thesprucepets.com , and a lot of that was conflicting. From what I can tell the three types I am looking for more information on are Budgies, Pacific Parrotlets, and Lineolated Parakeets but I am open to other suggestions.
My situation as I said is I just moved out, so things are hectic but will slow down once I start my schooling. I am currently studying to be a gunsmith online, so I will be home a lot to take care of him. Most of my concerns are more long-term as even Budgies (seriously who names birds?) Live 10-15 years with most estimates topping out at 30 for the others.
My number one concern is I have seen estimates as high as 4 hours a day of social time. My concern is not, not being able to provide this but providing it consistently. I know these birds self-injure when stressed and I worry about how sensitive birds are to this.
My second question is how sensitive are birds to the chemicals used in gun cleaners. I am not talking about ingesting it or getting it on them but vapors. Anyone that has used it knows it has a smell, so I am worried about them breathing it in. I ask about this because one of my down the road solutions for social time and simulation is to bring the bird to work. I also have to ask if the Teflon thing is for real and if anyone has seen it happen as it kind of sounds like an exaggerated story to me.
Third, I have seen many places that having a second bird can drastically reduce the need for social time and stimulation but will also drastically reduce the bird's ability to bond with its owner and my goal is to bond well with the bird so I am worried about just how drastic this might be.
Fourth, how long does it take to train a bird give or take? I have yet to see any real estimate on this, so any info is appreciated.
My reasons for picking a bird over a dog or cat is they seem to have more personality, and they are more intelligent. I can get a 2ft square cage for any bird as I live in an apartment and don't really have room for more. I am also not TOO worried about the cost as I have some money left over from my move. If there is any information I left out that would be helpful, please ask me, and I will try to provide it.