Hi I'm looking into to getting a bird very soon and although I've asked people on other forums I haven't really found what I was looking for and I couldn't find any posts that related either. So I'm in school and are gone from 7.30 til 6pm usually 4 days a week. I'm in year 8 and have never owned a bird before but I have a next door neighbour does and I'm aware of how noisy they can be (lol). I've done my research and have found a really good family owned pet store who breed their own birds and seem to be really passionate about them. I've also find a vet nearby that specialise in bird and reptile care. I'm at home almost all weekend except for Saturday morning/midday because of sport. I'm looking for quite a cuddly bird though obviously not after hormones *sob*. I own a dog but I know she won't hurt it and she's not inside when we're out anyway so she can't get to the birdie. Anyway my question was what bird do you recommend? I can probably only give it max 3hours from Monday-Thursday but other than that I'm willing to devote my spare time to it (size of cage is not an issue) thanks [emoji4]
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So you're gone for 44 hours a week during peak day light hours from M-Th correct? Then gone half a day Sat, and can only give 3 hrs attention on those M-Th days. IMO limited experience with my own African Grey, I would NOT recomment that is the bird for you right now. They need more time than that, and they are not known for being the most cuddly parrot either, but each bird is different.
I will bet other forums have told you to wait awhile until your lifestyle settles down ( ie working at a job full time) and is more predictable. Sorry but that is my opinion too. Students rarely make good parronts, because of changing schedules, moving often, outside activities, etc. If you really love birds nd parrots in particular, you want to give them the best home possible, right?
Hello! It's great you are reaching out, doing your research and have found a vet.
Parrots are great! They can be the most affectionate, loving companions. That being said, they are not for those who are generally not home much. You spend a lot of time at school, and then on weekends playing your spots. Your schedule is not ideal for owning a parrot. It isn't impossible, but you would have to dedicate much of your free-time you are home with your birds. That, on top of having homework every night, could create a big problem.
I myself work full-time (Mon-Fri) 8-5pm, and am home all weekend long. It works because they are bonded to each other, my life/schedule has not changed since I got them (I'm home every day for lunch to feed them, then again at 5pm -10pm to spend time with them) and I have the resources to give them the proper care they need.
I think having just one bird on your type of schedule would make it very lonely for most of the day. Birds live in flocks in the wild and don't like to be alone, ever. They like to be with their flock. I'm not encouraging you to get two, though. They may just end up rejecting you since you wouldn't be there much of the day and bond to each other.
You'll find that most members here are home quite a lot, have their own income to provide for the birds they own, have their own transportation for emergencies, and have all necessary resources to caring for the birds properly. Are you prepared to spend a good amount each month with food, toys and preparing their food?
Are you about 14? I'm going based off the grade you're in. At this age I was a lot like you too, was beginning to explore my love of animals, but at that age it just may be better to wait until you are living on your own, have your own income, own transportation. I owned a couple birds that ended up dying/had to rehome them because I was just ill-prepared to keep and care for them properly.
It's also important to have supportive parents when acquiring a new pet. Are your parents willing to take you and your bird to the vet? Do you have a source of income, or would they be paying for it?
Parrots do live a long time, with cockatiels living well past 15 years old. Are you planning on going to college someday? What happens to the birds then? Most dorms don't allow birds or pets at university. What about when you start dating and are gone spending time with your friends or significant other? Who would take care of the bird, then?
If you are still adamant about getting a parrot, I would recommend a cockatiel or budgie. They're small, easy to own and train and don't scream like the larger species tend to, but will make some noise and mess just like any other parrot. Hope that helps a little!
Parrots are great! They can be the most affectionate, loving companions. That being said, they are not for those who are generally not home much. You spend a lot of time at school, and then on weekends playing your spots. Your schedule is not ideal for owning a parrot. It isn't impossible, but you would have to dedicate much of your free-time you are home with your birds. That, on top of having homework every night, could create a big problem.
I myself work full-time (Mon-Fri) 8-5pm, and am home all weekend long. It works because they are bonded to each other, my life/schedule has not changed since I got them (I'm home every day for lunch to feed them, then again at 5pm -10pm to spend time with them) and I have the resources to give them the proper care they need.
I think having just one bird on your type of schedule would make it very lonely for most of the day. Birds live in flocks in the wild and don't like to be alone, ever. They like to be with their flock. I'm not encouraging you to get two, though. They may just end up rejecting you since you wouldn't be there much of the day and bond to each other.
You'll find that most members here are home quite a lot, have their own income to provide for the birds they own, have their own transportation for emergencies, and have all necessary resources to caring for the birds properly. Are you prepared to spend a good amount each month with food, toys and preparing their food?
Are you about 14? I'm going based off the grade you're in. At this age I was a lot like you too, was beginning to explore my love of animals, but at that age it just may be better to wait until you are living on your own, have your own income, own transportation. I owned a couple birds that ended up dying/had to rehome them because I was just ill-prepared to keep and care for them properly.
It's also important to have supportive parents when acquiring a new pet. Are your parents willing to take you and your bird to the vet? Do you have a source of income, or would they be paying for it?
Parrots do live a long time, with cockatiels living well past 15 years old. Are you planning on going to college someday? What happens to the birds then? Most dorms don't allow birds or pets at university. What about when you start dating and are gone spending time with your friends or significant other? Who would take care of the bird, then?
If you are still adamant about getting a parrot, I would recommend a cockatiel or budgie. They're small, easy to own and train and don't scream like the larger species tend to, but will make some noise and mess just like any other parrot. Hope that helps a little!
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Flboy
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- Dec 28, 2014
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Ditto on all of the above!
BeatriceC
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- Feb 9, 2016
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- Goofy (YNA), Oscar (Goffin 'too). Foster bird Betty (RLA). RIP Cookie, 1991-2016 ('tiel), Leo (Sengal), Charlotte (scarlet macaw). Grand-birds: Liam (budgie), Donovan (lovebird), RIP Angelo (budgie)
Whether or not a bird is appropriate when you're this age depends heavily on your parents and their willingness to help you meet your birds' needs. My own 14 year old has a budgie and a lovebird. The budgie is currently sitting on my desk (the lovebird is in quarantine, so isn't), because my son is sick and I'm taking over his duties. His birds, once out of quarantine, are welcome to live in the main bird room so they won't get lonely. I won't hesitate to drop everything and take one of his birds to the vet, and I've given him the chance to earn money so he has a source of funds to care for them. Do you have a parent who will be similarly invested in the lives of your birds? My son's birds are welcome to live with me as he moves into the world as an adult, if he finds himself in a living situation that wouldn't be the best for them. Are your parents willing to take that on?
If the answer to that is yes, then it's a good time for a bird. If it's not, waiting is the mature thing to do, even if if stinks to have to wait.
If the answer to that is yes, then it's a good time for a bird. If it's not, waiting is the mature thing to do, even if if stinks to have to wait.
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My parents both work full time and I only play one extra curricular activity which only takes up about 2 hours of my time on the weekend. My sister is also getting a bird and will be home in the morning if I have to leave early. I was thinking that maybe a cockatiel would fit my situation best but I wanted some more advice
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- #8
My parents would be paying for it and are quite open to it as my mum spent a couple years around birds. Whenever I'm home so are one of my parents and that have a car and both have a full time job. When I go to uni I plan to either take the bird with me or still live at home and take care of it their. My sister will still be living at home to so just in case i can't be home one day my sister will.
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Flboy
Well-known member
- Dec 28, 2014
- 12,608
- 4,130
- Parrots
- JoJo, 'Special' GCC, Bongo, Cinnamon GCC(wife's)
These new little guys wouldn't be shut away in a bedroom, would they?
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- #10
No they'd be out in the living room where we spend most of our time and each bird (one for me and one for my sis) would get either their own cage or one big one to share
Oli
Active member
Honestly, looking at your schedule I'd be a little careful about having a lone bird. It might be very lonely and depressed- not your fault, just how it might work out. Have you considered a pair of budgies? They'll have each other to bond with, and if you work with them then they will very likely be friends with you over time as well.
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