Looking for a good starter parrot

[Runnergirl]

I would not even consider to neglect them for another bird. I think I will look for a Budgie.

I am 22, but still live with my parents for, I will suspect, quite some time.

Considering I am a first time bird owner, is there any book, video series or something you would recommend me to help care for my bird? Like, which cage, which food, how to (maybe) learn them to talk, make them tame. That kind of stuff.

Oh, and is it alright to take just one?

Thanks for you guys your help, you are great!

A single budgie will bond (and tame) to you much faster than two. there are many good books out there about bird care, but honestly it depends on what species you set your mind to. Hand raised budgies are wonderful and stay tame with proper handling. As far as "starter bird" I agree it's not a bird to have until you "graduate" however many of us do have more than one bird in our life. IF you are set on a budgie, I recommend hand fed, (had both, HUGE difference on initial adjustment in the home) most of the budgie books available are basic. They will teach you husbandry and care, and some training tips. I own this book, and it has good info. I also have several others and would be happy to give you the info if you want. But more advanced care and training and honestly you'll get better on one of these forums. good luck!

 

[RavensGryf]

Great choice you won't be disappointed with a cute Budgie.
If you could afford the space, I'd get what they call a flight cage. Large enough to fly around in. Budgies are REALLY active!!! If you have to have a modest size cage, give him time out of the cage to fly around as much as you can. A healthy Budgie will have tons of energy to burn. Just don't get one of those tiny cages! Those little tiny cages are only good to use as transport cages to the vet, or wherever.

Stock the cage with several Budgie sized toys. Mine likes chewing on soft small wood toys, some like bells, shreddable toys, try different kinds and see what it likes best.

A single Budgie is best if you want it to bond to you. I'd see if you could get a hand fed one from a breeder. That way it will be so much easier to handle and bond with and train if it's already tame.

Twigs eats Harrison's pellets in the "super fine" size, but many Budgies do not like it. It has much better nutrition than seed if you can get a Budgie to accept it. Seed is also a natural part of the Budgie diet though. You can see if you can get a young bird to learn to eat finely chopped vegetables or sprouts too.

As far as learning about Budgies, this forum here is a great place to learn! Also you can look at pet stores or book stores for books (look at the date to make sure it isn't ancient information).

As far as talking goes, I have no idea how common it is for them to learn to talk, or how bonded to you they need to be. Disco is amazing! If one does talk, I think in this species it's the males.

I've heard males make nicer more handleable pets in general, but that can be variable depending on individual personality.

Oh, and one more important thing... BUDGIES ARE NOISY!!!! Especially males. They can be SURPRISIGLY loud for their size when they do the repetitive screechy scream! But they also 'sing' and make a cute soft twittering sound, as well as cute little squeaks.