Ok, guys, thinking about becoming a first-time bird owner

[shackleford]

I'm wanting a few small birds, so I'm leaning toward Zebra Finches. I did a little research online and already have a cage in mind, accessories, and so forth. I'm kind of wanting a bird that will maybe perch on my fingers, that I could let out to fly around my room sometimes without too much incident (crap everywhere). Am I in the right direction? Or is there another type of bird that's more of what I'm looking to get? Any good breeders in the Houston area? Thanks.

[KDK241]

Finches are generally aviary/cage birds and are usually not tame. If you are looking for something that is tame and still small you might want to look into budgies, parrotlets or cockatiels. Any bird you get is going to poop when it is out of the cage but sometimes it is possible to train them to poop in a certain area.

[amanda143]

Katie is right. I don't know anyone with tame finches. Although they are awesome and a joy to have I doubt they will fulfill you the way a budgie/parakeet would.

[loyallyroyal]

Have you thought about a pair of linnies? They stay friendly in pairs and are not as demanding and loud as other types of parrots.

http://www.avianweb.com/lineolatedparakeets.html

Lineolated Parakeets: "a full six inches of fun"

Just make sure you do a lot of reasearch and are prepared for the long lifespan most birds and the fact they are expensive and require a lot of medical care.

[shackleford]

Hmm. Define "a lot of medical care." If I'm prudent in take caring of the bird(s), will I expect to have to make many vet trips if any?

Also, I'm really looking to get fairly inexpensive birds. That's why I first looked at finches.

[SouthAmericanFever]

I have never heard of someone hand taming finches, but I have heard a couple cases of hand tamed canaries. It wouldn't be as easy as taming budgies I think but it can be done. Generally the smaller the bird the more often they poop, but it'd be a smaller poop. You could let a canary out to fly but I would keep it to one small, VERY bird proofed room. I wouldn't recommend letting finches out to fly. They are just all around a lot more flighty (easily frightened) than canaries, budgies, and most other small parrots.

[loyallyroyal]

Define prudent.

When you first get said bird (including $5 dollar finch) it will need a wellness exam at an avian vet normally including a comprehensive blood panel.
Then yearly check-ups with a general blood panel every 5-6 years.
More if said bird gets sick.

That doesnt even touch on the cost of cage, perches, toys, food, cleaning, treats, and so on.

Birds are expensive. Make sure you really do your research and make sure you want a bird. You may want to consider fish, or a hamster, or that Squawkers the macaw thing if you are looking for something without vet bills.

[Laura65177]

If you want more of a companion...which it sounds like if you want to let it out and perch on your finger..

Go for a larger bird.
Budgies a beautiful and friendly.

It's good you are researching before you buy.

Goodluck with your hunt (:

[shackleford]

Having a bird that I could let fly around or perch outside the cage isn't necessary but would be nice. Having cage-candy birds - so to speak - would be nice too. Maybe it would be a good way to get my feet wet.

[loyallyroyal]

Can I ask what you are looking for in a bird or pet in general? We might be able to help you better if we know what you are looking for.