What, exactly, does it take to own a bird?

SConure · #1 07-22-2006, 03:32 PM

I already have the determination, the love, and the willpower. I'm willing to get a job and raise as much money as I need to. I think I need $1300. I'm getting a Sun Conure. Any extra can just stay in the bank for emergencies or supplies.

First, is that a good bird?

And second, I'm 15. Should I have a bird at that age?

And third, where would I put my birdie when I go to college?

Ambieruns10 · #2 07-22-2006, 04:00 PM

First of all, it takes commitment. Conures can live at least 25 years. If you don't know whats going to happen to your bird in 3 years when its time to goto college, then I suggest you wait. Sun conures can be one of the noisest, loudest conures. Do your parents want that in thier house?

Let me ask, why do you want a bird?

SConure · #3 07-22-2006, 04:06 PM

My sister had one. Actually, she and her husband, maybe boyfriend at the time, same guy, raised them. About 15 of them at one point. Every time I went over there my sister would show me the tricks and kisses, and bond that their WC Pionus had between them. Soo, I miss all of that. Plus, our cat, is pretty much aloof, and doesn't like me much, since its my dad's cat.

Mygala · #4 07-23-2006, 06:05 AM

Why a Sun Conure?

bob

SConure · #5 07-23-2006, 08:26 AM

I think they are veryyy beautiful, but I have heard from the pet shop I went to and from people one other sites that they are super loud, or can be. And that they aren't the easiest to get talking. The guy suggested a quaker. Not quite the color, but then he said its a good first bird. He said it might not be as stubborn.

So, why a sun conure?

I just basically want a beautiful, affordable, first bird that can talk.

Any other suggestions?

ratty_ratkins · #6 07-23-2006, 01:10 PM

plus sun conure are smaller! i even want one someday. i had a niehbor who had one named skyler, and i just adored him. he was so freindly and gentle.
but i know just because he was, doesnt mean others are.
there size i liked a lot. not a huge bird, so it wont take up huge space.

Mygala · #7 07-23-2006, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SConure


	I think they are veryyy beautiful, but I have heard from the pet shop I went to and from people one other sites that they are super loud, or can be. And that they aren't the easiest to get talking. The guy suggested a quaker. Not quite the color, but then he said its a good first bird. He said it might not be as stubborn. So, why a sun conure? I just basically want a beautiful, affordable, first bird that can talk. Any other suggestions?

An affordable first bird that can talk. One of my favorites is the little Budgie. They are very affordable, easy to tame and train, and a budgie holds the world's record for most words and phrases. While conures can learn a few words, sometimes more, they are not generally noted as good talkers.

Budgies, on the other hand, are good talkers, and they have other things going for them that might be important for you. They are small, eat a pretty simple diet and don' require a very expensive cage. They don't live that long, but I'd consider that a plus at your age. You are going to off to college, proably move around, live in a dorm or apartment, etc. A lot of places would be a problem for a loud conure or bigger bird. Even a cockatiel could cause problems. I think the budgie is the easiest to move with you.

A budgie bought at this point is a good learning experience, and would set you up to be a better owner when you you get older and more stable in your situation. That is, unless you have the co-operation of your parents, and they want one too.

I've raised and trained all kinds of birds, ...from Fischer's Lovebirds to Andean Condors, and I have to say I put budgies right near the top of the list as birds that make great pets. I think it they were more expensive, they'd be in more demand.

I've had (and bred) Sun's, they are sweet when well trained. But they are LOUD, with a particularly piercing call. Not good for neighbors in an apartment complex. They are also not known to be exceptional talkers. A Quaker is also a good candidate for when you get older an out on your own, but they can also be loud and more demanding.

A (single) lovebird, or a cockatiel might also be a good choice, as both are relatively inexpensive and can make good pets when tame. Of those, the lovebird is less likely to talk. But if it was a son/daughter or nephew/niece of mine, ..in your situation, I'd recommend the budgie.

Something I'd like to see you NOT become,, is a kid who gets a pet at your age, then dumps it on parents or someone else when they have to leave to go to college. Think about how fair that is to eveyone involved, especially the bird...

Bob

ratty_ratkins · #8 07-23-2006, 03:03 PM

good points!

SConure · #9 07-23-2006, 03:05 PM

I really don't think I would dump a bird on someone else at college, just because of the fact that I have to earn all of the bird's expenses. I sure hope I don't change my mind.

So, I'll go with a budgie. Can you have two in one cage? If so, can you have one first and then put one in later on?

Mygala · #10 07-23-2006, 08:49 PM

Yes, you can have two in a cage. But if you want a pet more centered on you, get just one ...and spend LOTS of time with it. That way it bonds with you, not it's cage mate.

Millimi is a good resource on PT for budgie stuff, she's great with her budgies.

bob

Millimi · #11 07-23-2006, 11:03 PM

Hi!
I think budgies are great first birds! They can be wonderfully tame, but are also happy if left alone in a cage with tons of toys...They do talk and mimic things, even my two do it. I never thought they could.
Budgies are just as fun as the big guys.

When I started, I got just one bird, and then added another one later on. It was fine. The first time I wasn't as smart and didn't know better but quarantine is a must if you add a second bird later. There might be small squabbles, but they usually always get along if you add a younger one.
One thing though, please do not get your bird from a pet store. No matter how tempting it is, save yourself the heart ache. I already lost one budgie to crappy breeding and will probably (hoping not) lose another one, Pony, soon. Go to a breeder or a good bird store for a budgie.
Okay, I'm just rambling now, but if you have any questions be sure to ask!

samantha19899 · #12 06-09-2007, 01:27 AM

Hi, Deffinatly a budgie. Conures can be noisy pushy messy and little devils, your right they are pretty

. Sounds to me that you are not ready there should be ATLEAST a month of research before buying an animal i dont mean a month of research on birds i mean the specific breed. Budgies dont take a mass amount of space and are relativly quiet. And you shouldnt be worrieing about the cost of purchasing or the cage you should be worried about am i going to have atleast 20-100 a week to spend on food toys treats? I am only 18 i have a Alexandrine Ringneck a African Grey and my whole family baught me a hyacinth macaw last year. Let me tell you i was over my head with research i think i went through 5 200 sheet cases of printer paper and numerus printer cartridges and books. Im 18 and find taking care of these 3 birds are very difficult i finesh cleaning the cages and start all over again it seems. Sometimes i think "what have i gotten myself into" but my fids are worth it. Remember when picking a bird not all birds end up talking whistling or making any mimic noise is that okay? Do you know the toxins do you know you probobly are using toxins right now that could harm your parrot. Perfume TEFLON house sprays can kill your bird are you ready to study your heart out for this pet. What if it turns into a biting screetching lunging flying brat can you handle it? what will you do if you can no longer come 5 ft from the cage without him lashing out at you and screaming?

Ambieruns10 · #13 06-10-2007, 08:23 PM

This thread was almost a year old!

candyraver · #14 06-10-2007, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ambieruns10


	This thread was almost a year old!

I never saw this thread though,I thought it was new..till I looked @ the date

But,I love Budgie's

Plus,they are quite colorful as well!! Very beautiful.

BirdsLiveHere · #15 07-07-2007, 03:50 PM

Hi there ~
I see you wrote this back in July 06' and here it is July 07!

Have you made up your mind yet about getting a conure or a different bird yet?

We have 10 birds....one is a Sun Conure that we bought as a little baby of 9 weeks old. He is now just 5 1/2 mo. old. I love this little guy. He is NOT noisey like some birds are....he only gets vocal after dinner time because he knows that every single night after dinner we have a long play time and snuggle time. They are not very good talkers. So if you really want a talking bird I would consider a male cockatiel for a smaller bird. I think Sun Conures get a bad "rap" for being noisey. If you acknowledge them every time they holler you are encouraging more of the same hollering. I don't respond to my bird when he hollers (at one of the other birds in their room). He is exceptionally quite. I honestly think that Quakers are louder than my bird but others may disagree and I think personally that Quakers are not as nice socially. Just my observation.
If you do get a bird I think your parents will fall in love with your bird and would be more than happy to take care of it while you are continuing your education. Best of Luck!

Are you still thinking of a conure?