Need help selecting a bird as pet.

[Super_Noel]

I bought 2 cages... One cage can fit in 2 bird and other one can fit 1 bird...

I keep them both cages in my same room next to each other...

Now I need to find birds and I am kind of new to bird world... But I want a bird I can tame and maybe talk.. I am willing to spend lot of time with it daily....So far my choices are:

Cockateil
Budgie
Conure

Let me know which once I should I get... Also I have some questions;
1. For taming is it better to have 1 bird? or can I put 1 bird each in spearate cages in same room next to each other?
2. Its better to get male and how young for taming? I had breeder telling me she has cockatiel in 8 weeks old and budgie which is 6 weeks and also baby conure...?

Thanks for help :05:

 

[itzjbean]

Do you have a picture of the cages? You should get the biggest ones you can afford -- the bigger, the better. I just spent $200 on a new cage for my one tiel this year and he LOVES the space.

Here's his cage, so you can get an idea of what size is good. Pet stores generally sell cages that are WAY TOO SMALL and should only be used as travel cages, most are not bearly big enough to cage a budgie or cockatiel comfortably. The idea is, you want them to be able to completely open their wings and be able to beat their wings and not touch the sides of the cage. If a bird can't do that in their cage, then it is way too small.

Another good question to ask yourself is... what is your budget? The larger the parrot, the larger the budget per month you will spend on them, as birds need toys to keep themselves entertained and food of course daily. Seeds generally are terrible for birds, and so a diet of fresh fruits and veggies, sprouts (seeds allowed to germinate) and pellets are a good healthier option.

Be sure to read through this thread, the cost of owning parrots

Expenses don't stop after buying the bird. They should go to the vet for a checkup ($50-100) as well as toys and perches of different kinds in their cage ($50-$200 depending on size of bird) and then the continued expense of food per month. Remember that cockatiels live 20+ years, conures 30+. If you are a student, or under the age of 21, it is usually not recommend to get a parrot of any kind until after your life has settled down -- while you may live at home now with your parents, you may have to leave for college and get your own home/career, so waiting until your life is more solid/grounded in one place and you have your own home is recommended.

And I'm not just saying it, I went through it. I got a Jenday Conure at age 13 and he was my best friend for 5 years... and then I had to leave for college. My parents are not animal people and did not want to take care of him, so I had to ultimately rehome him. They live 30 years, and I did not think of the lifetime commitment and it happens so often to students leaving for school, so if you are a student, consider waiting.

To answer your questions..

1.) Yes, it is always better to start with ONE bird if you have never had them before. If you get two right away and they will likely end up bonding to each other and not want to be with you as much.

If you're looking for the best possible chance to have a tame baby, consider getting a weaned baby parrot from a reputable breeder. Going through a reputable breeder ensures that you have a well socialized baby, and it will likely come to you already tame and stepping up. You can also rescue a bird in need of a home through a local bird rescue if you want, though they sometimes have behavioral problems.

2. Every bird will be different, though males are generally more vocal. There is no guarantee any bird will talk. Also know that parrots in general aren't particularly 'cuddly' like dogs and cats are, so if you're looking for a cuddly companion tha twill love you every day of its life, it will not be from a parrot. All birds will make noise, messes, and may develop behavioral problems should their needs be neglected. A lot of birds also experience hormonal aggressive behaviors around spring/summer every year as they reach sexual maturity, and during that time they may get more nippy. It's important when you bring home a new bid that you should not consistently pet along the back under the wings or anywhere really but the head, as when they reach maturity, if this continues they will become aroused at this behavior.

 

[EllenD]

Nothing more I can add to what Itzjbean has already said, she nailed it!

I will say that you should not ever choose a species of bird/parrot based solely on the size of cage or cages you have...You did this backwards, my friend! You should do your research on what species of bird/parrot best fits your personality, lifestyle, time available, etc., and THEN you buy a single cage that is the correct size for the species of bird/parrot that you've carefully determined is correct for you and your life...

 

[Super_Noel]

Do you have a picture of the cages? You should get the biggest ones you can afford -- the bigger, the better. I just spent $200 on a new cage for my one tiel this year and he LOVES the space.

Here's his cage, so you can get an idea of what size is good. Pet stores generally sell cages that are WAY TOO SMALL and should only be used as travel cages, most are not bearly big enough to cage a budgie or cockatiel comfortably. The idea is, you want them to be able to completely open their wings and be able to beat their wings and not touch the sides of the cage. If a bird can't do that in their cage, then it is way too small.

Another good question to ask yourself is... what is your budget? The larger the parrot, the larger the budget per month you will spend on them, as birds need toys to keep themselves entertained and food of course daily. Seeds generally are terrible for birds, and so a diet of fresh fruits and veggies, sprouts (seeds allowed to germinate) and pellets are a good healthier option.

Be sure to read through this thread, the cost of owning parrots

Expenses don't stop after buying the bird. They should go to the vet for a checkup ($50-100) as well as toys and perches of different kinds in their cage ($50-$200 depending on size of bird) and then the continued expense of food per month. Remember that cockatiels live 20+ years, conures 30+. If you are a student, or under the age of 21, it is usually not recommend to get a parrot of any kind until after your life has settled down -- while you may live at home now with your parents, you may have to leave for college and get your own home/career, so waiting until your life is more solid/grounded in one place and you have your own home is recommended.

And I'm not just saying it, I went through it. I got a Jenday Conure at age 13 and he was my best friend for 5 years... and then I had to leave for college. My parents are not animal people and did not want to take care of him, so I had to ultimately rehome him. They live 30 years, and I did not think of the lifetime commitment and it happens so often to students leaving for school, so if you are a student, consider waiting.

To answer your questions..

1.) Yes, it is always better to start with ONE bird if you have never had them before. If you get two right away and they will likely end up bonding to each other and not want to be with you as much.

If you're looking for the best possible chance to have a tame baby, consider getting a weaned baby parrot from a reputable breeder. Going through a reputable breeder ensures that you have a well socialized baby, and it will likely come to you already tame and stepping up. You can also rescue a bird in need of a home through a local bird rescue if you want, though they sometimes have behavioral problems.

2. Every bird will be different, though males are generally more vocal. There is no guarantee any bird will talk. Also know that parrots in general aren't particularly 'cuddly' like dogs and cats are, so if you're looking for a cuddly companion tha twill love you every day of its life, it will not be from a parrot. All birds will make noise, messes, and may develop behavioral problems should their needs be neglected. A lot of birds also experience hormonal aggressive behaviors around spring/summer every year as they reach sexual maturity, and during that time they may get more nippy. It's important when you bring home a new bid that you should not consistently pet along the back under the wings or anywhere really but the head, as when they reach maturity, if this continues they will become aroused at this behavior.

Yes, my cage i have is big enough for 2 birds the pet store person said but i plan to keep 1 bird there...

But the other cage I have is spare which I could put 1 budgie in... So will they tame to me if i put 1 cockatiel and 1 budgie in different cage next to each other in same room?

I am not student and I work so ya...

thanks for reply

 

[charmedbyekkie]

From what I understand of itzjbean's response, I think you already have the answers to your questions

For the bird species choice, since you've the cages already, you have to pick according to the size of your cages. I've found this link helpful. Alternatively, you could share photos or dimensions of your cages if you'd like help figuring out what kind of companion can live healthily in those cages

As for bonding, I think it's enough for me to help quote directly:

Yes, it is always better to start with ONE bird if you have never had them before. If you get two right away and they will likely end up bonding to each other and not want to be with you as much.

Start slow and easy so that the birds can bond individually with you - hopefully you aren't in a rush to get two.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Great input.

Many here have found that they have to separate birds permanently... some have been fortunate and multiple birds get along.
You just never know! Never, ever.
Good for you for being so responsible and serious, and for reaching out!
I think that as long as you're willing to deal with whatever happens (e.g., separating them, if needed, handling added expenses, etc.), you can succeed at being a caring, responsible owner.
Good luck!
Keep us posted, please.

 

[Super_Noel]

From what I understand of itzjbean's response, I think you already have the answers to your questions

For the bird species choice, since you've the cages already, you have to pick according to the size of your cages. I've found this link helpful. Alternatively, you could share photos or dimensions of your cages if you'd like help figuring out what kind of companion can live healthily in those cages

As for bonding, I think it's enough for me to help quote directly:

Yes, it is always better to start with ONE bird if you have never had them before. If you get two right away and they will likely end up bonding to each other and not want to be with you as much.

Start slow and easy so that the birds can bond individually with you - hopefully you aren't in a rush to get two.

Yes I have decided to get 1 bird... Now all i need to know is do research on cockateil, budgie, conure... haha

 

[Super_Noel]

Great input.

Many here have found that they have to separate birds permanently... some have been fortunate and multiple birds get along.
You just never know! Never, ever.
Good for you for being so responsible and serious, and for reaching out!
I think that as long as you're willing to deal with whatever happens (e.g., separating them, if needed, handling added expenses, etc.), you can succeed at being a caring, responsible owner.
Good luck!
Keep us posted, please.

I have a extra cage but I think you are right.. I should start with one.. quality is better than quantity... I called my local breeder she is good and been doing this for long time... She told me she will have 2 cockatiel who are 8 weeks ready by sunday... and she also have 6 week budgies and baby conure.... So confusing...

 

[Super_Noel]

I narrowed down my choices to just:

conure OR cockatiel...

BABY CONURES - £185

BABY COCKATIELS - £75

May i ask why conure is way more money compared to cockatiel...

 

[chris-md]

Depending on the conure, £185 is LOW. You could potentially spend up to £600+.

Why more expensive? Who knows. They have a more exotic appeal than a cockatiel.

 

[Super_Noel]

Depending on the conure, £185 is LOW. You could potentially spend up to £600+.

Why more expensive? Who knows. They have a more exotic appeal than a cockatiel.

Right..... So do you think a conure is better pet bird than cockatiel?

 

[Kentuckienne]

itzjbean's response is so good, it should be made part of a sticky.

Question. How is your house set up? Would the cages and birds be in your room all the time, or out in the house? Birds need about 12 hours of dark, quiet sleep time. If the bird is in the main part of the house, there is usually light and noise that prevents good sleep, and a bird that doesn't get enough sleep can become cranky and irritable (just like people!) .... on the other hand, if they stay in your room, they might not get enough attention during the day, and birds need lots of stimulation and attention. They are flock animals and you will be the flock.

Some people keep a large cage in the main part of the house, and the bird spends most of his time there, and a smaller "sleep cage" or "roost cage" in a quiet dark room away from the noise. If the roost cage is in your bedroom, and if you are also in there doing things, it can interfere with sleep.

Also in the main house can be dangers .. any kind of nonstick pots or pans with Teflon, when heated they can give off fumes and these fumes are very deadly for birds. Most people with birds get rid of all pans like this. The house must be "bird proofed", kind of like child-proofing but harder.

I think you shouldn't decide on a bird right away. Think about your house, and how you could make it work for a bird, then go meet some different kinds of birds. Just go to a store (by the way, you can't really trust most pet stores to give you correct information, always ask here) and look at lots of different birds. You can look online. There are some good websites, like World Parrot Trust, that can give you an idea of the personalities of different species, and how much care and attention they need. But there's nothing like seeing a bird in person to give you an idea of what it would be like to live with that bird.

I agree with getting one bird to start, but with the idea in mind that you MIGHT add another bird later, so get a first bird who is easy going. I have never had cockatiels, but they seem to do well in flocks, and a second cockatiel might get along well with another ... on the other hand, the birds might decide they like one another more than they like you, and only want to be together, and not want to be friendly to you.

The more you learn in advance the better. For example, be prepared to start bonding and training right away, learn about it before you get a bird so once you have him you can avoid creating problems that can be hard to fix. It's a lot! If you can borrow or get a copy of "Parrots for Dummies" you will find it's a good overview, a little bit of everything you need to know. Good luck!

 

[Cardinal]

Depending on the conure, £185 is LOW. You could potentially spend up to £600+.

Why more expensive? Who knows. They have a more exotic appeal than a cockatiel.

Right..... So do you think a conure is better pet bird than cockatiel?

Just because a bird is more expensive, it does not indicate that it is a better pet.
Conures are more expensive, mostly, but not exclusively, because they are more difficult to breed in captivity than cockatiels.

Also Conures are not just one species; there are multiple species spread across different genera that have different characteristics.

There are 31 Pyrrhura conures, 11 Psittacara conures, 6 Eupsittula conures 6 Aratinga Conures, and 1 Guaruba conure . So that is 55 different species in all.

Cockatiels are only one member of their genus - Nymphicus and generally considered as one of the finest bird to be kept as a pet and are not suitable only if you are extremely sensitive to the powder dust they generate.

I have not kept conures so can't comment, but I can recommend cockatiels.

 

[Super_Noel]

Depending on the conure, £185 is LOW. You could potentially spend up to £600+.

Why more expensive? Who knows. They have a more exotic appeal than a cockatiel.

Right..... So do you think a conure is better pet bird than cockatiel?

Just because a bird is more expensive, it does not indicate that it is a better pet.
Conures are more expensive, mostly, but not exclusively, because they are more difficult to breed in captivity than cockatiels.

Also Conures are not just one species; there are multiple species spread across different genera that have different characteristics.

There are 31 Pyrrhura conures, 11 Psittacara conures, 6 Eupsittula conures 6 Aratinga Conures, and 1 Guaruba conure . So that is 55 different species in all.

Cockatiels are only one member of their genus - Nymphicus and generally considered as one of the finest bird to be kept as a pet and are not suitable only if you are extremely sensitive to the powder dust they generate.

I have not kept conures so can't comment, but I can recommend cockatiels.

Well said, and thanks


I just spoke to the breeder and I think a conure is good for me...
#


So she has Turquoise Green-Cheeked Conure ready and normal green check conure.... But Turquoise Green-Cheeked Conure is bit more money... so i asked why and she said its because its more unique..... So which one should I get...

After i buy I will post a picture of it here for all you lovely people

 

[Flboy]

I just spoke to the breeder and I think a conure is good for me...

So she has Turquoise Green-Cheeked Conure ready and normal green check conure.... But Turquoise Green-Cheeked Conure is bit more money... so i asked why and she said its because its more unique..... So which one should I get...

After i buy I will post a picture of it here for all you lovely people

Slow down and think! You are asking, ‘Do I marry Bob, Bill, Mary, or Sue’! This is a companion that you will have upwards 30 years! You have to see who also likes you! Really consider an older rehome! Their personality is much more developed and you know what you have!
The youngsters are awesome and fun, no different than a park full of kids! Complete goofballs and living for your attention! Then the terrible teens, which only a parent (or teen) can understand! This can destroy a family, or bring them closer together, once through it!
Same for your future fid! Your not buying color, you are buying personality! For you both!

 

[EllenD]

The only difference between the mutations of Green Cheeks is their color, that's it. There's not one that is "better" than the other....

I just read through this entire thread, and I'm curious as to why you decided a Green Cheek Conure is "better for you"...I'm not trying to be critical of you or rude, but it seems that you haven't done much research at all, and the least amount of research you've done is on the actual species of parrot you are ready to go and bring home immediately...Don't you think you should learn a lot more about Green Cheek Conures before you go and bring one into your family for 30-40 years?

Green Cheek Conures are extremely needy, clingy, and require hours and hours each and every day outside of their cage and spending direct time with you and the people in your house. They are like little toddlers who need constant attention. That's a main difference between a Cockatiel and a "Conure", especially a Green Cheek Conure...Not matter what species of parrot you choose you'll have to at least give it 4-5 hours each and every day outside of it's cage, without fail. But Conures, and specifically Green Cheeks, are a huge responsibility and require a huge amount of direct attention.

 

[Flboy]

I spent over three years playing with every bird in every pet store I drove by, saying-this is the ONE-but I really felt incompetent in the care of a parrot!
One day my daughter stopped in a feed and grain store that had been reopened for over a year and discovered they have an active parrot rescue going. We walked up to an open pit of birds and a GCC jumped up on my daughter! She handed him to me, we played a bit then left. We visited every week hoping he would get a home! Well, long short, when my daughter talked to the owners, we found out he had been there for over a year and hated everyone, biting terribly! They never saw him go to anyone! That is my JoJo! My avatar is that first day October 2014!

 

[Flboy]

itzjbean's response is so good, it should be made part of a sticky!

I almost pasted it into one, but couldn’t decide between:
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/7244-parrot-me.html
Or:
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/8769-so-you-want-get-parrot-first-time.html

Or???

 

[Super_Noel]

http://tinypic.com/r/w88589/9
http://tinypic.com/r/3apdt/9

I bought him Turquoise Green Cheek Conure... He was £185.... And there was also Blue Pineapple, Blue Cinnamon and those were bit cheaper but I liked this Turquoise one more...

But I realised after getting home there was a leg band (red) on the bird 1 leg.... is that a issue? I am thinking of calling the breeder tomorrow to ask what to do about it? Sorry if this is a dumb question but I am new... Only had budgies before...

 

[Super_Noel]

I spent over three years playing with every bird in every pet store I drove by, saying-this is the ONE-but I really felt incompetent in the care of a parrot!
One day my daughter stopped in a feed and grain store that had been reopened for over a year and discovered they have an active parrot rescue going. We walked up to an open pit of birds and a GCC jumped up on my daughter! She handed him to me, we played a bit then left. We visited every week hoping he would get a home! Well, long short, when my daughter talked to the owners, we found out he had been there for over a year and hated everyone, biting terribly! They never saw him go to anyone! That is my JoJo! My avatar is that first day October 2014!

Wow amazing story, glad you found him...