Oh boy, I can't wait! A whole month!

[indybirds]

Well, I took hubby to that place that had the senegals yesterday, but he fell in love with a cockatiel , so that's what we're getting.

I was just happy that he was able to get past his old experience with birds and get an even bigger bird than I had before (the budgie). The people were very helpful there, explaining how they handfeed them and wean them onto pelleted food. Our baby won't be done weaning for another month, but then we can bring him home!

When we first got there I asked if we could handle a nice calm bird. She told us to open the top middle cage and take out a particular cockatiel, but one of the babies hopped out right onto my hand, instead. :icon_smil Unfortunately, that one was already sold, but she showed us three more and out of those three one of them was just as sweet as he could be.

She encouraged us to come handle him as much as possible before we pick him up, however since we live about an hour away, we'll have to settle for once a week. She said that would probably be alright, since he's naturally fairly calm, and he seemed quite at home with us.

Now I have to come up with a name! Oh the choices! A whole month, egad, it's going to feel like forever!

I'm going to try to busy myself with picking out the perfect cage and toys, and finding the right name. But it won't be easy keeping myself distracted for that long :icon_smil

He is a pied, with mostly grey. His patches are light yellowish white. He has cute little orange cheeks and a bright yellow crest.

I know it's going to be a bit of a hurdle to get over, to get him used to the dogs. (And the dogs used to him!) Does anyone have suggestions?

[danforth3]

Congrats on the new fid. Cockatiels make wonderful companion (why we have 2 of them). You made an excellent choise. The month will give you time to get his cage and accessories ready. Toys, cuttle bone, feeder bowls and water bowls, figure out a name.

Visiting one a week will be adequate. Before your next visit try to come up with a name for the little guy and start calling him it. Also tell the breeder/sales person the name so that they can start using it with him as well. By the time he comes home he'll be putty in your hands.

Again congrats.

[Takoda]

Since it is an open aviary, make sure you get a written health guarantee. A good idea with any agreement, but particularly with this type.

you'd be surprised how quickly babies adapt to your home and to you, if socialized by the breeder properly. My dogs aren't allowed to even sniff the bird cages (although all but two are in their own room). I don't think there's much scarier than a big nose poking into your cage if you've never seen one before! I would let the bird observe them from a distance for a few days before placing the cage somewhere the dogs can get to it.

[greyburd]

Congrats on your new fid. I can only imagine how excited you are. You're going to have so much fun with him.

[indybirds]

Thanks guys, I am really psyched about picking up my cutie :icon_smil His cage won't ever be where the dogs can get to it. I will let him observe for a bit, for sure.

[smallonion]

I'm so happy for you! I am sure he will be a wonderful addition. You must post pics of him, too! Congratulations!

[indybirds]

Thanks! :icon_smil

If I can remember to bring my digicam on our next visit, I will post pics of him next week. The time can't go fast enough

[indybirds]

Yes, there is a written health guarantee, infact we have to take him to a vet as soon as we pick him up, for a complete checkup.

Originally Posted by Takoda

Since it is an open aviary, make sure you get a written health guarantee. A good idea with any agreement, but particularly with this type.

you'd be surprised how quickly babies adapt to your home and to you, if socialized by the breeder properly. My dogs aren't allowed to even sniff the bird cages (although all but two are in their own room). I don't think there's much scarier than a big nose poking into your cage if you've never seen one before! I would let the bird observe them from a distance for a few days before placing the cage somewhere the dogs can get to it.