Which Type of Bird to Get

[Stasia]

Hello! I am new to this forum and hoping maybe I can get some good opionons here. My husband and I would like to get a bird (or two if they need company) but I am having trouble deciding on which type, since I've never owned one before or even known someone that has. Parakeets or Parrotlets have sparked my interest so far. Does anyone know the key differences between the two? Basically, we are looking for a bird that can have it's own little personality, can be affectionate/loving, and isn't too loud (we live in an apt.) I am willing and able to spend lots of time with them, but am looking for something that I could get for under $300. Any suggestions? Also, does anyone know if you can be allergic to birds? We recently brought home an adorable puppy, but it turns out I am allergic to dogs, so he had to go back to the breeder ): I'm allergic to cats too. So the quest for a pet bird begins! :) Thanks!!

Stasia

[mamalovesrico]

Stasia - I'm probably the last person to ask about which kind of bird to get but I would think your allergies would be a concern. I know birds can give off a lot of dust. I'm not sure if all birds do. I know mine does and I keep a hepa filter next to his cage. I've even heard that some people who don't think they have allergies end up getting a bird and finding out they are allergic to it. I don't mean to dissapoint you but just wanted to give you a heads up. I wish you luck with whatever you decide. Read other people's replies they might be able to tell you more.

[Stasia]

Thanks for the heads up. I didn't realize that you even could be allergic to birds! Guess that was a little naive. I'll make sure to look more into that before I get one. Thanks again!

[smallonion]

Some people are allergic to feathers. However, as far as asthma or allergies being aggravated by dust, some birds are dustier than others. Cockatoos and AFrican greys are notoriously dusty; parakeeets and parrotlets are not. Can you spend time with a bird before you get one? Is there a pet store nearby that allows customers to handle birds? Or do you know anyone with birds? If so, you could play with one for a bit and see how you feel. By the way, I have asthma and am severely allergic to cats. Birds don't bother me at all! So, just because you are allergic to cats and dogs, you might not be allergic to birds.
Good luck

[Stasia]

Thanks for the advice, I will see if the bird store will let me handle them plenty since i don't know anyone that has a bird. That is really nice to hear that you have allergies and are not allergic to birds! :) Can I ask what kind of birds you have? If you have a parrotlet or a parakeet, do they make a lot of constant loud noise? I have neighbors close by, so the landlord said I can have a bird, but only if it's not too loud. Thanks!

Stasia

[jessicaboyer89]

Hi Stasia! Welcome to the board, I hope you like it here. :icon_mrgr I have a female pacific parrotlet. From your description of what you are looking for I really think a parrotlet would be perfect for you. I used to live with a person that is extremely allergic to dogs/cats but had no problem with my parrotlet. And no, they are not loud AT ALL. Mine has her moments when she is more vocal but compared with other parrots it is hardly loud. I live in an apartment and I can hear Tiki when I am unlocking my door (I think that the sound of the key in the door is an alarm to her that I'm coming home :) but she is a very quiet bird in general. Parrotlets come with a extra dose of personality and mine loves to be cuddled and loves to hide under my hair.
I hope you get a parrotlet!!! :)
Jessica

[Stasia]

Thanks Jessica, that was pretty much exactly what I was hoping to hear :)

[kensbuns]

I would say that your allergy is pet dander which comes from all pets. I would steer clear of powder birds like cockateils and cockatoos. I would definately look into it before purchasing!!!

[danforth3]

Stasia

If you are looking to see if you like having birds, I would get a hand-fed budgie or parakeet. They are hardy little pets, and if you get one, which is what I recommend you do (I'll explain later in this post why), they make very little noise. Budgies can talk, tweet and whistle. They are easy to care for and can be very loving pets (especially if you have only one). There is no dust from these birds (ususally just feathers from preening and/or molting). They do not require enormous accomodations (cage) for their size. They are not extraordinarily nippy (all bird bite) but a parakeet/budgie nip is hardly felt at all. Budgies/parakeets can screech, but compared to a larger bird it is very quiet.

Parrotlets can be nippy and for their size their bites do hurt. The ones I have handled have been very nippy sometimes biting to the point of drawing blood. Parrotlets are smaller than budgies/parakeets and require a large cage for their size (18"x18"x24") minimum with no greater than 1/2" bar spacing. These birds are easily chilled--their environment needs to be kept on the warm side around 75 degrees. Because of their size you have to be aware of where they are at all times. They can get into some pretty narrow spaces and get seriously or critically injured.

Only get one bird. You can add a second bird, if you like, but do not this until the bird you get is totally tame, finger trained and bonded to you. If you get a two birds they will moer than likely bond to each other rather than to you, which is why you want the bird to be a companion.

Not having met you it is difficult to recommend a bird. The only thing I can tell you is that I think a parakeet/budgie (if you can find one, a handfed one) would probably be best. They are playful, loving little birds with delightly chirps. If you take the time, it will learn to talk.

Hopefully the picture I am inserting of my two parakeets will come up. They are beautiful birds.

[IMG][/IMG]

[primrose04]

Well it's me again and you know what I am going to suggest. Quaker Quaker Quaker. They are just the best birds ever. the same size as a cockatiel but a little huskier and do not have as much of the dust. They are great talkers and loving as any bird can be. When they get on your shoulder, snuggle into your neck and purr you will see why they are so great. I suggest going to a local pet shop and check out all the birds and see which one appeals to you but definatly look into a Quaker.