an update on the situation....

[Stasia]

I just wanted to post a quick update to everyone who has been so nice about my many questions since I lost my little parrotlet.

Some of you may have seen my posts regarding the thoughts my husband and I have been having about getting another bird.

After much, much consideration, I believe we have decided to get another cockatiel. I absolutley love parrotlets because of their adorable size and matching personalities. However, being that they are such a delicate bird, I am just too scared right now to get another one. Not that I never will, but I was told from the begging that a plet was not a good starter bird (this was right AFTER I bought him of course) and being that his cause of death looks like it may never be very clear, I think a cockatiel might be a hardier bird.

Do you think that is true, that a tiel is a hardier bird? That's what my vet said anyways....

We do have a tiel already but he is an adoption and although I love him to pieces, I think a hand raised baby tiel will be a great experience. Although I am praying that it will bond to me. Pedro was really more my bird and Marley is more my husbands and although Marley sometimes likes me, I miss having a bird that just loves me the way he loves my hubby.

I have posted many questions about what type of bird I should get and based on what I said I was looking for the overwhelming response/opinion seemed to be to get a hand raised tiel. I think having Marley may have given me a different impression of what they are like, but everyone here seems to say they are a very loving, sweet, cuddly bird so hopefully I get one that is just that!

Thanks to everyone who helped me make my decision!!

Stasia

[Lori L]

What about a lovebird? They look very similar to parrotlets but are a bit bigger.

[Stasia]

That's true about a lovebird.....I suppose still a consideration, but I seemed to get mixed feedback on how affectionate they are. I really want a bird who loves nothing more than to snuggle with me on the couch at night, some people seemed to say that might not be the case with a lovebird. Seemed like more people said tiels fit that description better, but I guess that might deserve a littel more consideration. The other thing that turned me off from lovebirds is people said they can be very, very loud and we live in an apt. Thanks for the suggestion :)

Stasia

[Monica]

Lovebirds can be quite loud, though if raised right they can also be very loving and cuddly birds (normally more so than cockatiels - depends on how they are raised). If you want, try looking into princess of wales or even pyrrhura conures.... just a couple other birds that may fit the description that you are looking for, though a note of caution, the smaller conures may do well in an apartment though they do have a high pitched yell, and that is when they do scream...

[Babyblue033]

I have a tiel who I adopted as a second hand bird who was originally hand raised, and I gotta say, he's been a perfect first time bird for me. He's sweet as can be, steps up with no problem, has learned to whistle some tunes, and loves nothing more than to just spend hours at a time cuddling with me. He's definitely my bird, and while he plays with my bf too, he only saves his "love whistles" for me

[The Outlaw]

Basketbagley (Tracy) has the sweetest most outgoing little POW. I fell hopelessly in love with him a week ago when she brought him over to meet Tiki. Though a little difficult to locate, they are absolutely worth a second look. I believe that Tracy said her bird was about $400 in Maryland. Awfully pretty little thing.

[Eliza]

Oh, yes -- POWs are just beautiful! I don't have any experience w/ them but Bird Paradise had a few late in the summer. Sweet voices.

I had originally intended to bring a parrotlet home but had some difficulty locating a breeder who hand-raised birds near my home. I ended up w/ a lovebird (click on his name in my sig line to see his baby pics!) and think he's the greatest. Beetle isn't cuddly like a kitten but he does like to chill on my shoulder or hop about the couch w/ me.

I've had some experience w/ cockatiels and find them to be friendly birds. I think it's like any companion animal -- it's the luck of the draw for personality... and good handling by his or her keeper.

Best of luck to you... I'm sorry about the loss of your p-let :(

-e-