Newbie - Please help us find a bird!!

[Cindy215]

Good choice. If you're getting a baby either from a breeder or rescue, I'd suggest waiting for breeding season next year. IMO babies born in the fall are less hearty and healthy as the parents since it's not breeding season (broken record lol). It's molting season getting ready for winter and nature does not mess this up by having molting stressed birds half naked (lol) outside AND raising clutches of babies in fewer hours no less at the same time of year. NO offense to anyone with babies or eggs right now.

Of course everyone needs a home but if you want better odds and arent into "rescue" scenarios that's your best bet. Budgies are weaker genetically and because they can live to be 18 but the average lifespan is more like 3-5 this is one reason why. Mass producing or uninformed home breeders just letting things go out of control and letting them procreate all year long. Exhausting the parents depleting the calcium etc. For many generations too not just the current time.

So the way to combat the genetics is with diet, lots of fresh healthy working foods specifically greens, and flight. To combat the genetic predisposition for certain disease specifically lipomas or liver.

[Monica]

I know of one breeder, although she has recently moved, and I can't recall where.... however, she does ship... Prices are on her website... She does highly recommend kakariki's though....

http://www.feistyfeathers.com

[uehling]

What does everyone think of the Senegal Parrot? I posted a message in the Parrot forum as well?

[felisdomesticus]

Originally Posted by uehling

What does everyone think of the Senegal Parrot? I posted a message in the Parrot forum as well?

I have only cared for one for a couple of days at my neighbors house. He is small, very cute, and his bite didn't hurt in the least! (and I was warned that he was a biter.) They are said to be very good mimics and can develop a good vocabulary. I have limited experience, though.... hopefully others who own Senegals will chime in.

[bustersbuddy]

Any of the poicephalus are sweet birds. I wouldn't generalize about them, but I'm very fond of them. However, I have known some that were rather high strung, but that can be environmental. I've also found them to be a bit "needy" from time to time. I think you should go back to your original idea of a pionus, though. They are very sweet, fairly quiet and a bit "out of the ordinary". Since your husband wanted a larger bird but you want to have one that's a little more managable in size and temperment, I think you would be very happy with either one of the poicephalus or pionus species. You will want to do a good bit of research on the diets of these guys, especially the pionus as their needs are not always well understood.

[Cindy215]

I had a Senegal. They are my favorite birds. He was my personal bird in my store until he fell in love with a customer who I eventually let him go live with after many months of that relationship getting more and more strong. The bird would sit and wait for the guy to come in every day at 3, it seemed he'd get all lively around that time lol.

However they can bite like a powerhouse too. google biting Senegal you'll see about it. They're a full blown parrot size not withstanding.

They are funny and sweet and playful. And headstrong. LIke the Bulldog of birds. Can be a one person bird and usually is. Mine talked from a young age. He'd rush you for your McDonalds if you didnt offer it. lol He was the boss of my playpen keeping all the other birds doing what HE thought they should do. lol. He also loved to direct our activities on the cash register or anything else we were doing. We loved that about him.

He bit a hole in a baby Senegal's cheek through the cage bars in one delft act jumping off my had to nail that baby who was holding onto his own cage bars not bothering anyone. It happened in three seconds. Never did anything like that before or after. He needed his cheek glued.

Again, though, never for a child. And they can change their affections and you cant do anything about it either. There's another thread here from a month ago on this topic.

[uehling]

:-) I'm happy that some Senegal owners are chiming in.

Just to make a solid point again, the bird isn't for the children - but it's important that the bird will be able to interact, with supervision - never left along with any of our kids; our kids are fond of animals and we will do our best to teach our kids how to behave around the birds. Our 10 year old; won't need much direction, but out 5 year old who can be "spacy" at times, will need the most work; I figure training her will be harder then training the bird.. lol.

At any rate, were just looking at the different types and the senegal came to mind; again though not a pet for our kids; but we will will be sharing the same 1500 SQ or so... lol so it's imprortant that we can all get along.

;-)

[dmina]

I am happy you were able to give her back to her breeder... she know her best.... I am sure things will work out for you in the long run... It sounds like you are using your head, and not your heart. There will be a time in your life that you can devote to a bird like that... but keep researching... you will find the right one.
Denise

[dmina]

Originally Posted by uehling

When talking to my husband last night; about getting a Budgie or a Parrotlet; he said that he didn't think that he wanted a bird anymore after what we went thru... (which means he doesn't want the type of bird I'm suggesting) me on the other hand; I have decided on a budgie; but I want to find a breeder who hand raises them; somewhere with in driving or meeting distance.

We live in Sacramento, and will drive reasonable distance; bay are ... etc. Anyone know of breeders local to me.

I checked out some of the video's that you all have and the little budgies are crack up's - especially (sorry forgot his name) the little one who is playing soccer and putting the cat toy in the cup... very cute. :-)

I also really like the parrotlets' - those are in close consideration as well.

Thanks again, and it might be awhile before I get one - maybe two.... but I'll be in touch!!!

I raise P'lets... They are wonderful birds... but can sometimes be head strong.... and can get nippy with a nasty bite. With young children in the home (I do know you said they would be supervised) but p'lets are quick.
JMO.... Denise

[Tiki]

Uehling, I was on vacation while most of this thread was going on. I gotta say, I am impressed with the thought you have put into choosing a bird to share your lives with. I wish everyone would do the amount of research you have done. I know it was heartbreaking to give the cockatoo back, but I think you made the right decision. I am also very impressed with all the advice you got which was very helpful.

I still think a little Cockatiel would suit you, or if dust is an issue, a Princess Parrot. They are charming, independant, not nippy and not too noisy.