Cockatiel, Budgie or Other?

[plainjane]

Hi everyone. DH just finally gave in and decided that we may buy a SMALL bird for our family

We have three children, the youngest is 8. All can be trusted to be gentle but I know they would prefer a more interactive bird as this will likely be their only pet.

Can you help us decide between a Cockatiel, Budgie or something else? I read in another post about a Lineolated which also sounds great. Which will be the most likely to accept gentle and respectful interaction and affection from the kids?

Thanks!

Jane

[swanwillow]

Whatever you get, go for a handfeed bird from a breeder. And I don't say baby, because older birds need adopting too, and there are plenty out there that would do fine in a family situation.
My favorite bird of all time was a green cheek conure. Great with everyone, very vivacious, handleable, and had a bit more spunk than the others listed, but at the same time is a bit smaller than a cockatiel.

[birdlover912]

A cockatiel may be a good choice for your family. I adopted my cockatiel Lady when I was 7 years old, and she is great with kids. Gentle, cuddly, interactive, and fun. She's a very forgiving bird that will let anyone hold her, even younger kids. Keep in mind that tiels have a longish life expectancy--my Lady is pushing 16 years of age!

The budgies are great, but they aren't for everyone. They are a bit more high stung than my tiel (compare a jumpy, excitable terrier to a older, more laid back lab), but are every bit as fun. They are more delicate and a bit harder to handle, especially if there is limited parrot experience. Also, it is pretty hard to find a handfed, socialized baby budgie.

Lovebirds and the smaller conures (green cheeks, black caps, etc) can be good for families, but they have a tendency to be territorial and nippy.

I wish you and your family the best of luck in researching and finding your new feathered companion! I look forward to hearing more about your choice!

[Eliza]

I highly recommend cockatiels as family pets. They so often have sweet, pleasant dispositions. Here's a nice write up on 'tiels as family pets: Cockatiels: The Perfect Pet? - Food and Home | Wondertime

Not as easy to find but worth looking for would be lineolated parakeets. They are also known for having a sweet disposition when hand-raised, are bigger than a budgie but smaller than a cockatiel and are SO FLIPPIN' CUTE: Lineolated parakeets

Conures (particularly the pyrrhura family, like green-cheeked, black-capped, maroon-bellied, etc.), lovebirds and parrotlets are also a consideration.

[mel64511]

I would agree that cockatiels are a very good choice. if you want a nicer bird you probably want a handfed baby because children are involved and some adopted pets might be hard to train. Budgies are extremely nice too but they arent as lovey and dont like to be held 24 7 as cockatiels dont mind and have more patience with little kids.

Good luck and Congrats on your new bird!
HAve you made a decision?

[plainjane]

Hi everyone!

Thanks for the info. We have not made a decision yet. From what I can tell the budgies might be a bit too skiddish for us so that leaves the cockatiel and the lineolated. Do you think that they are both equally interactive and willing to be handled?

THanks!

[jayyybirdddd]

Lineolated! we have one whose so sweet he just presses his head agasnt your cheek and cuddles, and then sings to us. there beautiful too!

[Peanutbutter]

Originally Posted by Eliza

Not as easy to find but worth looking for would be lineolated parakeets. They are also known for having a sweet disposition when hand-raised, are bigger than a budgie but smaller than a cockatiel and are SO FLIPPIN' CUTE: Lineolated parakeets

Yeah, do some research on Linnies!! They are adorable & love to hang upside down. http://www.lineolatedparakeet.net/forums/

I didn't realize how dusty cockatiels are (health issues caused by the dust).... I have 2 & love them... they are sweet & one loves my two boys.... but I wish I had known about Linnies first.

[Eliza]

Originally Posted by Peanutbutter

I didn't realize how dusty cockatiels are (health issues caused by the dust).... I have 2 & love them... they are sweet & one loves my two boys.... but I wish I had known about Linnies first.

I know that the powder down produced by a 'tiel can't compare to a cockatoo, grey or even Pionus but yeah: that's the one thing that keeps me from getting a 'tiel.

Linnies are really adorable! Those HUGE eyes, that little chuckly, chortly noise that they make... I've been saying this for a long time but I think that when I'm ready to add a second bird to my life, it will most likely be a lineolated parakeet

[Stellas Mom]

I wouldn't trade my Green Cheek for anything! He's very good with our young nieces and nephews too! Theres easy to train, love to cuddle and he's never in the cage when we are home! We've only had him for 4 months (he's 2 1/2 years old) but now I don't know what we ever did without him! We take him everywhere! (weather permitting)... Good Luck with your choice! Really, i'm sure they're all wonderful!