European Starlings - Good Pets?

[lcbrink]

I was talking with several people at the local bird store, and we eneded up on European Starlings. Several people said that they make decent pets, and talk quite well.

I know that they're not illegal to keep as pets, but I'm more skeptical of the other info. Has anyone kep a Starling as a pet here?

[basketbagley]

Gosh, I've never heard of them. I'm curious too!

[Monica]

European starlings are pests! In all seriousness, they are pests! I hate them for that! But in truth, I really can't hate them for something that may come natural... I actually ended up at one time having 3 starlings dropped off to me and no local wildlife rehab. I don't know why, but people have always thought that I could care for a wild bird, and I end up getting them, not having enough experience, and they usually pass on (one of the major things I hate about having birds... it attracks the wild chicks and I can't take them in for the simple reason that I can't care for them)...

So okay, enough about all that.... from all that I have read, they make excellent pets, though they must be on a good dog food diet, with other foods added as they are insect eaters, only. You cannot feed them seed and expect them to live (i.e. very much like lories, need a specialized diet). From my understanding, starlings are also related to Mynah birds, which are another type of bird which is said to make great pets!

Saying all that, if you want the info, the facts, etc... check out this site!
http://www.starlingtalk.com/

[Falcon]

At the refuge we have a starling that flies around the facility, uncaged and friendly to everyone. They aren't hard to keep, as far as demands go, but are messy compared to most birds. They prefer vegetables over pellets, the one we have has a preference for zukini. I honestly would not recomend a starling as a pet, but if you're willing to get one, by all means it's not in my power to stop you.

[lcbrink]

I'm not interested in a Starling, especially since it's recommended they stay flighted (A big non-no for me). With a Green Cheek coming into my household at the end of October two birds will be more than enough for this apartment dweller. At least until I can afford a Senegal

I'm just suprised that more North American species aren't kept as pets. Many are protected by law, but many are not. It seems the bird world is just like the fish world: the natives don't appreciate what they have, but those across the pond can't get enough of them.

[PyscoFalcon]

Those type of starlings are Wild over here and there protected.
Extremly messy and live off livefood with a few berries - anything else shortens there lifespan or could kill them outright.

They eat worms, snails, flys, grass hoppers, blackberries etc.
At parks some get friendly enougth to take food out of your hands.

[Skyebirdsmom]

It seems they make nice pets, but I think it would be SO WRONG to take them out of the wild to have as a pet. Tsk, tsk.
Linda & Skye
P.S. Just my opinion.

[Dayna]

There are many starlings bred in captivity today just like budgies and other parrots. There are quite a few that are not "wild" just like our parrots are not "wild".

I have heard that they make good pets. I have seen a few sites that offer them for sale. The recommended diet is live food with small amounts of fruit (small meaning less than 25%, live meaning wriggling buggies!)

If I was in the mind of keeping soft bills other than finches I would love to have a starling! However my tastes tend towards the hook bills. They should remain flighted however as like finches they do not have a hook bill and require their flight to get around the house and or cage. They are supposed to be very trainable which is one of the reason that they make good companions.

They are very neat birds.

[homebird]

I have been really interested in these birds too & have found many great web sites regarding the whole genus:The Sturnidae or "Starling Family" comprises 28 genera and between 104 and 118 species... (from http://www.starlinghouse.org.uk/family.htm ). Some like the Amethyst are beyond beautiful - & saw some at a local bird show.
I live in Toronto/Canada but have also lived in the country & yes in the wild the common Starling is a very dirty bird. This fall I parked my car beside my father's corn silo and when I came out it was 'painted' with large green spashes of bird poop - starling bug poop! Although disgusting I had to laugh & did not park in that location again! They eat an amazing anount of bugs every day & with West Nile they surely are a blessing.
We had a 'celebrity' Common Starling here in Toronto - check out their web site & think again - ( http://www.starlingtalk.com/kuro.htm ). He had the run of their home & hearts & lived 19 years. A fun site. other owners can be found at: ( http://www.starlingcentral.net/starlingshowcases.htm ).
Many people have interesting homes built for their birds.
Good luck with the research,
jacqueline

[Gary B.]

wow there are some good looking ones too.