Which Type of Bird to Get

[Stasia]

Thanks to everyone who posted an opinion so far! It's all really helpful :)

Stasia

[Willow]

You might want to consider a Pionus, said to be a perfect apartment bird. Or perhaps a Amboinia King Parrot, I have fallen in love with them after stumbling upon this website: http://fp1.centurytel.net/FineFeatheredFriends/

Personally (and this is a personal opinion and I am positive many people will disagree vigorously but I'll state it anyway) I would never keep only one bird. Birds are flock animals, and to keep just one is like solitary confinement, to me. Yes, if you want them to be bonded to you you need to handle them and interact with them and build a relationship with them. Unless you never leave your home, they are going to be alone while you work, while you sleep, while to run errands, go out for entertainment, etc. At least with another bird in the house, they have another of their kind to call to and keep company with. Again, this is just my own personal opinion.

Well, hope this gives you something to consider.

[Cindy Q]

I have a pionus and I don't think he would make a good beginner bird and generally they cost more then the 300 she is looking to spend. My pionus, and lots of others i've learned since bringing him home and talking to other pionus owners, is/are very hormonal and are a lot of bird to handle for someone new to birds.

I like greencheek conures, I think they are adorable, mischeivious and sweet. Click here to learn more about them. I'm not sure how much they are in pet stores but from a breeder I think they are usually less then 200. They are about the size of a cockatiel. I've heard of other conures being loud but i've never heard anyone comment about the greencheeks being loud...anyone?

I also think parakeets and quakers make great first time birds. Good luck in your search.

[Majj]

I too say Quaker BUT I know some States in the U.S have band them so where are you from..???
I too am of the opinion 2 fids are better than one as we can`t be with them 24/7 and they do need company , if you get 2 hand reared birds and you handle then frequently they will still love you and have each other when you are not there also , of course if you just ignor them and don`t play with them much they will cling to each other and exclude you..
My two squwabble over who gets to Mum first they always want to be with us their human flock members but I am happy knowing if we go out they are not lonely and have each other...
Good Luck






My sister had a Parakeet (Budgie) and a Cockatiel as friends each had their own cage but played on the play stand and preened each other when out of their cage...

[Stasia]

Wow, thanks for all this feedback, this seems to be a great forum to get some good info. from experienced bird owners!

Regarding the state I'm in question.... We live in Wisconsin.

Also, regarding the 2 birds, I would be open to it, but I would prefer one if possible, and I'm hoping that because I work from home this might help a lot, since the bird would not be alone much at all. Thanks again for all the help guys!! :)

Stasia

[Shelia D]

If your ever think you may move to a defrent state a Quaker may not be able to go

[plumasverdes]

I agree with keeping more than one bird. I also think, however, that you should get one bird first, bond with it and then get a second maybe a year later. I don't think it's easy to create a bond with two new birds at the same time, especially if you're new to birds. I also think each companion bird should have its own cage.

That said, I highly recommend the Green Cheek Conures! Mine is very quiet as far as birds go and only lets out a screech ever once in awhile when he is in his cage to let you know he's there. He doesn't carry on and I can't hear it when I'm outside like I can with my Quaker. If you live in an apartment, DON'T get a Quaker! They are very loud birds by nature. If you go some place where they live in the wild (Florida, Austin, TX, or New York city here in the US) you will hear them blocks away before you see them.

A parrotlet would also be a good choice. They are cheaper than Conures as they are in the $150 range in most places. I bought my conure for $250 although you can find them a bit cheaper. One thing I want to add is that a cheaper bird is NOT necessarily better! Lots of times the cheaper birds are not as tame or come from a person who breeds a TON of birds, often called a bird mill. When you buy from a good breeder, you will pay a little more than from a bad breeder but still less than a pet shop. The good breeders have the best birds and generally have guarantee to back them.