Aussie : 1st Bird reccomendation

[Juvv]

Hey guys, this is my first post here, so ill start off with a friendly hi! :)

I'm on the market for a bird basically, and not knowing too much, i would like to get some advise from experienced bird keepers.

I want a bird that will be able to live in my 2 br appartment with no problems. I want a hand reared bird so i can take him/her out and "play" with them etc.

I dont really want a budgie, or a cockateil.

So yeah basically i would like a bit of help! I dont have much room for a cage, so i dont want anything too large.

Thanks alot!

Jacob

[cra98c]

Hi there,

Hope you don't mind that I add a few more things to look for when getting a bird although you did not ask. Thought that it might be useful for you.

Hmm...not much space and no problems and you do not want budgies or cockatiels. Some of the smaller birds will be ringnecks and lovebirds. Some other birds but they do need bigger space will be conures, parrotlets, caiques and senegals.

If you want a conure, do not get a sun conure or jenday conure as they do usually screech loudly. A green cheek conure will be more suitable as its quieter. A caique is very funny (known as a clown in the birdworld) and not prone to plucking its feathers.

If you are to get, please get a weaned baby and not an unweaned baby. Some breeders just want to sell you an unweaned baby as its easier and more profitable for them. (be careful of breeders that will tell you anything such as a baby will bond to you more if you wean the baby yourself just to get a sale from you). The cost savings is not worth it especially as you may damage the baby by burning its crop and so on. I will run away from any breeder that tries to sell unweaned babies to anyone.

With regards to handreared birds, they are initially more friendly and cuddly than than parentreared birds in the beginning. For me I personally prefer parentreared birds as they are more stable and balanced in the long run although initially there will be a lot of work getting them to trust you. This distinction between parentreared and handreared is especially important for the larger birds. Since you are getting a smaller bird, its not too bad either way.

Also, if you have any intention to clip their wings, please do not clip their wings too early as this will cause their wing muscle not to be able to be developed properly. Also, birds that have their wings clipped are less confident and may have some balance issue. And never clip their tails.

Lastly, take your time in researching. There is never such thing as too much research. Ensure that you research from a variety of sources and not just from breeders as although there are some good breeders, there are also a lot that will tell you anything to make a sale. Also, do research on potential problems that might occur to your bird so that you are prepared for them and not upset especially if the bird bites, screams doesn't want to play with you anymore.

Good luck in your search for a bird.

[Sashagirl]

Welcome

A good first bird would be a Pionus especially if you live in an apartment.They are quiet and cuddly if you get the right one.Basically do your research on all different birds and let the bird pick you.You will know the right bird when you meet it.Good luck.

[mizbirdy]

I agree with both replies, it's best to do as much research as you can. Keep us updated as to your search!

[Pepper's Pa]

Don't limit your research to books, periodicals and the Internet. Get some hands-on experience with any birds that seem to fit your determination of what would be a good bird for you. When interacting with birds, don't limit yourself to unweaned or young birds. Try to interact with some adult members of the species of your choice. There are often major personality, behavioral and coloration differences between the young and mature birds.
Good luck in continuing your research and finding the bird that is right for you.

[Juvv]

Wow, thanks for the feedback, i knew this would be the spot to get the right advice! I think the Green cheeked conures are one i definitely could see myself keeping. I had a handle of one down at my local pet shop, it was so nice and calm and friendly. They wanted $495, so that DEFINITELY put me off. I found a breeder online that sells them for like $50, but i think they might not be hand raised.

Some of those other birds you guys talked about that would be suitable i haven't seen before, so ill have to do some research. I have tried to find some local breeders but their all around an hour away, so ill have to make the right choice and then cruise out and have a look!

Btw im in Sydney Australia if anyone else is on here that can recommend a breeder

Im also a bit scared to have a flighted bird in the unit!

[Juvv]

Hey guys, just to let you know i have found a breeder sorta close near me (roughly an hr away). Im driving out there tomorrow cause its a public holiday here! So its very hopeful that i will be coming home with a new birdy! yayyy

Green Cheeked conure aswell!

[Juvv]

Ended up going for a big trek out west to a bird. Got it from a private breeder who was sooooooo helpful , and really looked after their birds. Im so happy, i also got it DNA tested so hopefully that will come back in a few weeks!

The bird was named "cheeky" but im going to change that lol.

Here he/she is :)

Thanks for all your help!

[love_lovebirds]

wow what a gorgeous bird you have there congrats!!!! :)

Glad your searching paid off well. Let us know who "cheeky" goes hey.

good luck and best wishes

Mels

(PS nice to see another aussie around here lol)

[Tiki]

G'day from Brisbane! I think you have made an excellent choice with a Green Cheek, they are charming little birds and very friendly. I'm sure no matter what you name him, he will live up to the name of Cheeky!!

I use the DNA lab in Melbourne. DNA TESTING AUSTRALIA They only take a few days and will email you the results.