I need your opinion

[ParrotletLover]

Dear BirdBoard,

My grandmother is getting another bird. (This is not the same grandmother who makes cage covers.) She really wants a parrotlet, like Lily. But I don't think it is right for her situation. I really need your opinion on what bird you think would be best. But first, here is the situation...

My grandmother is 65 years old and retired. She has six dogs - five Daschunds and one miniature Poodle. None of them are trained and yap at anything that moves (and six yapping dogs can get quite loud).

She has bred cockatiels in the past, and also had a parrotlet (before the dogs), so she does have some bird experience. She also already has a cage, toys, and food for the new bird.

The parrotlet in question resides at the local pet store (the good one - I only shop there). It is a timid little one who I feel would be a poor fit for my grandmother's. She is afraid to come out of her cage, but when she does, she is okay. She doesn't really like people (like Lily does), or getting petted. She seems very nervous and reserved.

The other choice would be a parakeet. I think they would be a much better fit because they are so much younger and would adapt more easily to the change and loud dogs. They are available in lots of colors, including light purple, white, albino, blue, green, yellow, and shades of everything in between. They are 10-12 weeks old and just arrived at the store today. They cannot leave until this weekend (the store is monitoring them).

What do you think would be best? We plan on consulting my vet tomorrow morning, but I would like input from people who live with these birds and know them. Could a very shy, reserved parrotlet do well in a loud, active household full of untrained "weenie dogs" and grandchildren? Would a newly weaned parakeet do better?

I appreciate all of the input and I'll let you know what was decided.

*Just a note, the parakeets are not tamed, but hand-fed.

[CKD]

Is your grandmother wanting to handle the bird on a daily basis ? If she can not interact with it daily I would suggest talking her into getting a canary. Something that she can look at everyday and listen to its beautiful song.

[Rue]

I don't know what anyone could say. Your grandmother is obviously a mature woman with bird experience. Is she asking for advice? Is she ill or physically unwell? I know I'd be a bit miffed if someone was trying to tell me what to do at that age.

As far as household stress goes, as long as its not unrelenting...most animals will readily habituate to what doesn't directly concern them (becomes white noise, to put it another way)...and birds such as parrots naturally live in loud noisy flocks in the wild...as long as the dogs aren't constantly barking AT the bird, the bird will get used to it...

[basketbagley]

I'd be worried about any bird that would come out of the cage alot with all those dogs around!

But like what Rue said, you can't tell her what to do, only if she's asking for advise. and then yes, I'd say the parakeet or canary or even a tiel.

[ParrotletLover]

Originally Posted by CKD

Is your grandmother wanting to handle the bird on a daily basis ? If she can not interact with it daily I would suggest talking her into getting a canary. Something that she can look at everyday and listen to its beautiful song.

Yes, Christy - my grandmother will handle the bird each day. She very much wants someone who will sit with her and play, but yet she doesn't want a bird that is overly aggressive or mean (she would classify Lily as mean, because Lily bites very well! ).

Originally Posted by Rue

I don't know what anyone could say. Your grandmother is obviously a mature woman with bird experience. Is she asking for advice? Is she ill or physically unwell? I know I'd be a bit miffed if someone was trying to tell me what to do at that age.

She is asking for advice because she wants the best for the little bird. She will go with the bird that is felt to be the best match with her.

Nope, she isn't ill or unwell - healthy as a horse, actually! The dogs certainly keep her on her toes (I'm sure the grandchildren help there, too).

Thanks guys!

[ParrotletLover]

Originally Posted by basketbagley

I'd be worried about any bird that would come out of the cage alot with all those dogs around!

But like what Rue said, you can't tell her what to do, only if she's asking for advise. and then yes, I'd say the parakeet or canary or even a tiel.

I was very worried about that, too, which is why I suggested going with a more mellow bird (the parrotlet is very flighty and easily frightened). Her dogs will be put in their bedroom or outside when the bird is out. They have a great big playpen outside that they love.

I'll tell her about the 'tiel and canary, too. I really think the canaries are beautiful!

[carriesb]

My thing is the dogs also but if she is going to keep them out of the room or house it should be fine she also has to consider placement of the cage I've read some horrible stories of talented dogs getting to birds even in there cages remember there going to look at the bird as a prey if there not trained it could be worse. But if it's going to be housed safely it should be fine. And a budgie would be a good choice they can be tamed and be quite a loving shoulder sitting bird.

[fatma]

In my opinion, I think that the parakeet or canary will be the best bird for your grandmother.

[Monica]

I'd say go with a handraised cockatiel! Not overly loud, and if raised correctly will love human attention!

[ParrotletLover]

lol Ellie.. she can made her decision, but we can also advise her along the way.

I just talked with her and she said she would rather take the parakeet. So parakeet is it! I think she said she wants the albino one.