Pet Bird???
I posted a few questions about turtles.Well, I learned more about them, and I thought that I might get a turtle in the future.So my kids were sad.I thought about a pet bird.It has to be small.And cute.Do you have any info on pet birds, or have a good breed of bird for me???
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If you are looking for an all around bird “family” bird that is a first time bird I would suggest a cockatiel.
My question to you is are YOU prepared to take on this bird. Depending on the ages of your children are you sure a bird is the right pet?
Birds require special diets, they are expensive, they require yearly annual check ups that are more expensive than a dog or cat because avian vets are not plentiful and they can basically charge whatever they want. And you MUST have an avian vet. If your bird gets sick, you are looking at anywhere from 200 to 500 dollars for bloodwork, medication and then you get to go back in for more check ups to make sure its all cleared up. Birds require the largest cage possible which should run anywhere from 100 to 300 dollars. THey need plenty of different sized perches, if you cannot fit at least 3 to 4 different types and different sized perches in your cage comfortably, your cage is too small. They need toys, and toys are torn up and you have to replace them. You have to have spare and back up toys to change out weekly. You have to socialize with your bird at least 1 hour preferred more a day. Pelletized diet, fresh fruits and veggies daily, knowing what is poison to your bird as far as fruits and veggies go. Adding a small amount of seed to diet since seed should NOT be a main staple of a diet. Throwing away anything that has “NON STICK” coating since teflon is POISON to your bird and replacing it with stainless or aluminum. Not using fabreeze, candles, any type of “air spray”, no bleach around the birds, being careful not to use anything with strong odors, amonia and whatnot around your bird.
If you really want a bird, go online and pick up books in your library about parrot ownership. DO the research before adding a parrot to your family. Birds are great pets, but they require time, money and work on your part.
Cockatiels (pardon my spelling) tend to be great for first time bird owners, they are very easy to care for, don’t die as easy as parakeets (I have no idea why those little guys are so prone to heart attacks) and their beak, while strong, is not as strong as larger birds. Make sure the one you buy is hand fed, and, if you can, try to pet them before hand to see how well they react to you and the kids, some birds only bond with certain kinds of people, by petting them and getting to know them a little before buying them you’ll be able to tell if the little guy even likes you in the first place.
A budgie would be perfect! They make GREAT pets. they can learn lots of cute tricks and they can learn to talk if you really work w them. Here is a link:http://www.budgieplace.com/
If you want it to be tame then I suggest getting only one. But, if you don’t have lots of time to spend w your bird them you should get two.
Good Luck! Remember to have fun!
A parakeet (budgie) would be perfect for your kids. I’d recommend a young one, perhaps just weaned from being handfed. A clean pet shop is a good place to get it or search the internet for a breeder in your area. I’d prefer to buy from a breeder than a pet shop though.