I am in need of opinions

[Beaztie]

Okay ... so I'm in need of some good opinions and straight facts. I'm seriously thinking about getting a bird. This will be my first (I'm so excited! ) I'll be honest I haven't even thought about getting a pet bird up until a few weeks ago. So I'll tell you my little story before I start asking questions.

I know a good amount about pet birds because I have interest in all species especially the domestic kind . I know they require a lot of attention and maintenance they get loud and grumpy when they don't get their way and tend to have health problems. I never really understood why anyone would want a bird as a pet. My best friend of 15 years was the only person I knew with a bird. I can't exactly say it was a good experience. His name was Hamlet... he was a one person bird (My friends Dad) and was never socialized. SO... anyone who got close to Hamlet faced a certain mauling. Not exactly the best example of a loving bird right? I turned my back on the thought of ever having or wanting a pet bird. Well I can pridefully admit that was ignorant and wrong. So we'll skip along to the day that I realized it. I was shopping around little shops with a friend of mine not a week ago when we came across a small "hole in the wall" pet store. We went in to take a peak at their selection of puppies for my friend who was in the market for a canine companion. While she looked over puppies, I scanned the various birds. I soon came across a cheeky little bird eying my every move so without a thought I tapped on the glass, ignorantly expecting him to either scootch as far away from me as possible, start screaming or violently biting at the glass. He hopped off his perch and hobbled over immediately noticing he was getting some attention. Although he was adorable and seemed somewhat friendly, I still prepared myself for the worst. I realized I had nothing to worry about when he pushed his little head up against the glass hoping it would disappear and he would get a good scratching, he then turned over on his back and rolled around like a little ham and proceeded to follow my finger along the glass. So I took a chance and I had someone take him out so I could hold him. He was by far the most loving and sweet bird ever!! He showed no problems other than being a little nippy but he was only 6 months old so bad baby habits were to be expected. That little bird melted my heart. He was a Green cheeked Conure. They asked ALOT for him and said they already had someone looking at taking him home ... so I knew I had no chance in taking my little baby home. But since then I have been crazy about finding my perfect birdy baby .


SO! Im asking for a little help. So heres my questions. In your opinion! What was the easiest bird to work with? (The smartest and most loving) What birds are the least noisy? Do they all enjoy baths and showers? Are you for or against wing clipping? What kind of food is ok for them other than typical bird feed? (fruits, vegetables, human food treats.) What is the best way to socialize them? (Take them out to meet people or bring people to them?) Im not looking for a really small bird ... I want a baby to love on... and preferably not ostrich size lol Im not worried about price, but I do live in washington state so availability should be taken into account. Anyway theres my questions and info. I cant wait to hear back from all you bird lovers. Thank you for your time.

[MzKityLvsBrdsTo]

First of all, may I say that you have one of the most adorable signatures that I have ever read! You are indeed a true pet lover. As for birds, I have only owned finches and a lovebird before. Lovebirds are extremely noisy and I, being a cat owner, came to the conclusion that the best birds for me are outdoor birds! I have 22 feeders outside right now and 6 birdbaths, most of which are heated. I am so in love with birds. So, good luck with your hunt, I think one that you could teach to talk would be so much fun. Keep us posted on what you pick and be sure to post a picture too. Yay, a new bird is coming!

[Kelli]

oh wow! well let's see
cockatiels are the perfect first bird if they've been hand fed. They do whistle but ti's nothing compared to the other species. They are small and should have a minum cage size of 18X18

green cheeks i think are the next best bird slightly more complicated and need a little larger cage because they are alot more active. I wouldn't reccomend any of the larger species as pets except to a very few people.

I would research senegals, conures, quakers,(but i think they illegal in WA) and cockatiels.

I have two cockatiels and a jenday conure. Feel free to email me if you have any specific questions I would love to help you. I would rather have parrots over any kind of animal including dogs. They are awsome little buggers, and I can't say enough good things about them.