Newbie - Please help us find a bird!!

[The Outlaw]

I'm going to recommend what I always do: go out and meet some birds. Take the family and let the birds interview YOU. You'll be surprised at what you may learn and who will pick YOU out. I have never once come home with the bird I thought I was shopping for and I wouldn't change a thing. I own 9 larger birds, mostly macaws, but each one is just right for this point in my life.

That's usually the killer for the big bird deals. Where you are in your life. Its very hard to provide everything a bigger parrot needs while raising a young family. Big birds are very much like special needs children that never grow up.

Frankly, I think you'll wind up with a charming little tiel. I wouldn't recommend a quaker, though I'm crazy about those little guys, because they can be difficult with children once they reach maturity. However, you never know til one steals your heart.

[Tiki]

I agree with Nancy about going out and meeting different types of birds. You never know who you would click with. In Australia, we have different types of birds available, I think a Princess Parrot would suit you well. I have some pics of mine in the Australian Grass Parrots section. My 9 Tiels are a real delight, some are cuddly, some are independant but they are all cute and clever! I can't recommend a Quaker because they are illegal in California.

Last year, in the States, I had the opportunity to interact with many types of birds and found that I really click with Caiques, Quakers and Nandays. I think a Nanday might be a bit loud if you have small kids trying to sleep. Caiques are adorable! I wish they weren't so expensive here!

[Luann]

I have to agree about the lineolated parakeet. I just got one three weeks ago, and she's just a doll. She's very gentle, but inquisitive. Very "parrot" like in mannerisms, and just 6 1/2" long. They are quiet, content to play by themselves and happy to be with you. BUT....you probably won't see one in your bird store visits. They are VERY hard to find. I was lucky to find a breeder here in Tucson, where I live. There may be a breeder in your area. I would urge you to track one down, if you can, and see them. They're just adorable. (Yes, aren't they all?!) Price range is $200-$400, depending upon color. I have a normal green, and she's really lovely.

They do chatter, and they do talk, I'm told. Their chatter sounds like chuckling.

[uehling]

well.......


We got a bird. we decided on an umbrella cockatoo. He is 6 years old, potty trained and just adorable. Were still getting to know him, he has a pretty good vocabulary already and he is a character - he likes to do tricks; swing & hang out with you. He especially likes our 5 year old girl.

I'll post some pictures soon and tell you more about him.

Thanks!!!

[Doyle'sMommy]

Congrats on your new bird! What his name? And we would love pictures!

[homebird]

I think you ended up with the Rolls Royce of all birds - a pretty daunting task for most! Luckily he's trained & lucky for him you have so many in the family to entertain him. Is he a he or a she?

I don't have any experience with these birds but you're in luck there are a number of people here who are experienced. If you are careful around hormone times things may work out well for everyone.

Look forward to the photos. Congrats!

[Luann]

Congratulations!!! They are extraordinary birds, and I'm sure you'll do well with her/him. Hope you'll post photos and let us know how you're doing.

[uehling]

thank you!

His name is Peanut; were going to call him Mojo though; or see how he likes his new name.

Were not sure if he is a she; he hasn't been DNA sexed; he says I'm a pretty girl, but the previous owner think that he is a boy; we met a DNA sexed female over the weekend and just by demenor - I would say that he's a boy; He has the dark eyes as well, although I know that's not a guranteed way to sex. Either way, he's a sweetie - a local breeder that we met over the weekend; will do DNA sexing for $40.00 if we want to; but it's not that important to us.

We have noticed that he gets a little agressive when he is being passed to our 5 year old, I don't know if I would say agressive, but he's in a hurry to get to her; once he is with her and sitting and being petted, he's totally okay - but he's pretty impacient when he's wanting to be held by her. He does this cute little mouthing (like he's waiting for her to feed him), like a baby bird. My husband and I are thinking it's a domonice issue regarding being passed from a taller person to a smaller person. If she is at his level; he doesn't seam to get all worked up.

I'll be posting pictures soon!!!

[Mike B]

I'm sorry to say this. DO NOT GIVE YOUR BIRD TO THAT 5 YEAR OLD. A six year old U2 is starting the dangerous age. When you asked your question about what bird to get. How responses said a U2? There's a reason for this. Many actually. I'm going to point out the main one though. Your lil girl. That bird is getting ready to go through puberty, or has just started. Keep the bird AWAY from your child. If you don't the next post will be. We just had to take our child to the ER. Sorry this sounds harsh, it's meant to be.

Mike

[uehling]

Mike,

No, your reply is not harsh; although this is the first that I have heard regarding our daughter; everyone we've talked to have said that the Cockatoo's are family friendly. We have been told to be careful and watch for signs of agression. We don't plan on leaving our kids and our bird unattended; and our daughter will learn what to expect, what to do and what not to do. We only allowed her to sit with him and pet on his head, during the inital peorid when we were deciding on / bonding with him. This is when we noticed that he got a little carried away and was quick to jump in her lap, it startled her a little bit & then he was anxious to ride around with her; and was quick to go to her again when he was being passed from my husband to her.

I don't want to totally keep them away from one another, I would like for them to get used to one another; but at the same time this concerns me. Are Too's known for displaying agressive behavior towards children?