maybe getting a new bird

[Cowgirl Chris]

Nothing is for sure right now, but I was thinking about getting a parakeet or maybe a peachface love bird. I really didnt want to get another big bird, just a small bird with a big attitude that my kids could enjoy as well lol. My first thought was a caique, but I can find one close to me that cost less then 900, heck i didn't even pay that much for my ekkie and she can talk. So I thought about a parakeet or a lovie. What do you think? How much do they go for in your area? Which one would be the best?

[Cowgirl Chris]

just wanted to add to my above posting, that if neither one of those birds sound like a good choose, then please give a suggestion. I want to make sure that I get the perfect bird, no matter how long it takes

[Alyce Johnson]

We have 3 green cheek conures, besides the 2 big birds, and the budgies.
They have plenty of "big bird" personality, but with small (albeit sharp) beaks, instead. The elder one is 10+ yrs old, and is a "pre owned" bird with some problems - very tempermental, and bonded to my husband. But the 2 little girls are very sweet, and probably would stay that way, if played with regularly (and if not exposed to such a bad example as our older bird). But they're so much happier in a pair or small group, I think it would be cruel to keep them as solitary birds. Maybe you would want to get 1 or 2 and that way more than one child could play with them at a them at a time? Ours are SO cute together! And they're not such expensive birds as some others, but are still pretty smart, and live a longer time (20ish years potentially, I think). They're also small enough not to need a really huge cage, and can play with parakeet (budgie) toys bought at any pet store. For kids to enjoy, I'd think they'd be a pretty good choice, although they can be nippy and cage territorial (but we've had good luck working that out, except with the older one, who was an established biter). Just a thought.

[Tiki]

Small birds with big personalities.............Quakers come to mind if they are legal in your state. You may also want to consider a Princess Parrot. Tracy knows a breeder in Maryland if that is close enough to drive, not sure how much they cost. Tjinimin has been with me for almost 3 weeks and he is playful, fearless and spunky but not agressive with other birds. He stands up to Chaska, and they are actually getting along now!

[wildirish]

I don't really have advice for the type of bird you should get, just wanted to comment on Caique's.

If you do decide on one, they are clowns and bouncing balls of energy. They also talk, the one we rescued and adopted out talked quite a bit. Spikey was a very amusing little bird.

[Cowgirl Chris]

i can't find any princess parrots around here, I would love to find a caique but they too are hard to find unless I want to spend half of my day driving and right now that is not an option. I am keeping my eyes open, so thanks for all of the advice. P.S I dont want a quaker, dh does not like them, so that rules them out

[Dustin]

I would have to agree with Tiki that the Quakers are as good choice, vut since they are already ruled out i was thinking maybe a parrotlet. I do not have one but the ones i have seen to be a ton of fun! Otherwise you couldn't go wrong with a budgie or Lovie!

Dusty