Newbie - Please help us find a bird!!

[leighrivera161]

33 Turantulas?? 33?? WOW! This is gonna sound nasty but "WHY?" lol..OMG I cant even imagine 1. Do you handle them? This was just a side comment..sorry I trailed off, no judgement intended..lol

Sounds like you have good thoughts on a bird. The Pionus is really a darling ! And they are beautiful when that blue comes to full bloom. I would just be sure that you get a bird from a reputable source. Most pet stores do not do preliminary tests, or breeders for that matter. Its usually up to you. Before I forget, where are ya from?

[uehling]

My husband and I are from Sacramento, do you happen to know any breeders in this area?

33 Tarantuals, lol - yup - we handle some of them, it's a pretty crazy hobby... The kids love them. :-)

[Monica]

Can't say I know any breeders in the area, but I do know of a good bird store (although they recently lost "Trouble" their ruby macaw)... Here's the address...

The Bird Shop
5553 Auburn Blvd.
Sacramento

(Citrus Heights area)

Phone: (916) 339-0505

[uehling]

Oh, I heard about that on the news, craigslist and I've seen flyers; that's just awful. Seams like that is happening all of the time, we also frequent another pet store off of Auburn and a couple of months back, someone ran thier car into the side of the store and stold a puppy, I think a yorkie.

I have them in my list of people to contact regarding bird info; my husband and I plan on visting them this weekend!

Thanks!!

[Baby5566]

Originally Posted by uehling

Oh, I heard about that on the news, craigslist and I've seen flyers; that's just awful. Seams like that is happening all of the time, we also frequent another pet store off of Auburn and a couple of months back, someone ran thier car into the side of the store and stold a puppy, I think a yorkie.

I have them in my list of people to contact regarding bird info; my husband and I plan on visting them this weekend!

Thanks!!

I live near San Francisco/Concord. I know a breeder in my area if you're still interested.

[dmina]

I have linnies, and in my opinion they are the best all around family bird. They are not clingy, loud, distructive, opinionated, they tend to get along with all members of the family. Here are some info links, and if you are interested I can hook you up with a breeder. They are not as well known as alot of the birds, but they are coming into their own now. (popularity wise) They are a little hard to locate, because the breeders are buying them up before they can get to the public.
Here are some links:

http://www.birdboard.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30253

http://birdboard.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30557

http://www.affaviary.com/Lineolated2.html

My babies wanted to say hello
Hope this helps, Denise

[homebird]

I agree about the Linnies - the kids would really enjoy them + they come in some beautiful colours. Everything I've heard about them is positive.

I have a Budgie & I can say that they give you a lot of joy despite their size - so a Linnie would be fun as well. If a small parrot bites you it isn't a terrible thing. You can learn so much & still not be discouraged with the more aggressive bites that even a GCC can give.

Laker loves to hang out with us all day just like a big parrot.

[Irish]

I don't think size matters, or the initial cost of the bird when you're in the "thinking about it" phase of choosing a bird. In the long run, they're ALL gonna cost you a mint in maintenence (sp?), vet bills, toys and time, so you might as well get it right the first time :-). If I had known that, I would simply have started with a Hyacinth Macaw--to me, they're avian perfection. Choose one based on your family's needs and desires, and how well you can meet the bird's needs. Then go out and find the one of that species that chooses you, if you can :-).

That said, the Pionuses I've met have all been very nice, fairly quiet birds. They don't seem to need all the physical interaction that macaws and cockatoos thrive on. They don't seem as nippy by nature as some conures and the mini macaws can be. They're certainly gorgeous birds, and if I wanted to get another small bird, I'd get a blue-headed pionus. I am not an expert on them, by any means, but I've met and got to know quite a few as they spend time at a bird store I frequent, and I like them.

Good luck in your decision. When you decide, let's see some pix, huh?

[Babyblue033]

Originally Posted by Irish

I don't think size matters, or the initial cost of the bird when you're in the "thinking about it" phase of choosing a bird. In the long run, they're ALL gonna cost you a mint in maintenence (sp?), vet bills, toys and time, so you might as well get it right the first time :-). If I had known that, I would simply have started with a Hyacinth Macaw--to me, they're avian perfection. Choose one based on your family's needs and desires, and how well you can meet the bird's needs. Then go out and find the one of that species that chooses you, if you can :-).

As I get into birds more and more, I'm starting to agree more with this concept. I know some birds are more difficult to keep, requiring more time and energy to keep happy. Some birds simply will not make good match for certain people. That being said, I'm starting to think that getting a "starter bird" or "easier/smaller bird" just because you don't have any bird experience doesn't necessarily make for good results.

I know many of us started out with smaller birds then got bigger birds later, I myself got a tiel as my first bird and then got my Ekkie. But I think if you're really serious about getting a bird, are willing to honestly evaluate your situation, understand what you're capable of providing for this bird and also accept your limitations, you should get the bird you WANT as long as all the other criteria is met and you've done your research.

That being said, my little tiel has been SUCH a joy to me and I absolutely love him to death. He whistles to me, gives kisses, says "Hello", laughs when I laugh, and is much more interactive than my "big bird"

[Captain Jack]

Originally Posted by Irish

In the long run, they're ALL gonna cost you a mint in maintenence (sp?), vet bills, toys and time, so you might as well get it right the first time :-).

Tell me about the vet bills, Little Jack was there last night. Amber and I were laughing with the office people about how much we see them, and as a joke we asked how much we had spent there this year But he is worth all the money in the world

~Lance