What kind of bird should i Get?

[jayyybirdddd]

Parrotlet! Puck is my first bird and only (right now) and I can't get enough of her!
They are verrrry affectionate!

[MusicalFeathers]

I believe a cockatiel would be best. Even though GCC's are small, they are very demanding birds in my opinion. Not to say a cockatiel isn't demanding but the personality difference is what I mean.

So, just make sure you are able to provide the right nutrition, sufficient time out of the cage and mental stimulation by interaction, toys etc. Even though you may only personally interact with your bird 1-3 hrs daily, having longer "out of cage" time is healthy for their well-being.
Whichever bird you choose, do lots of research on the particular species!

[safarichick101]

Have you noticed their dust to be a big problem? I mean, its a small con, and my dog (a lab) has a greasy/oily coat problem, so it can't be worse than that. lol. And also, do you prefer males or females as pets.

[conure4]

A cockatiel or parakeet may be a good first bird.
Mitzi

[MLaCross]

I am also going to have to agree with Cockatiel. My sister had one and it was such a sweetie! Hers was a male and never had aggression issues. I don't know too much about the differences in them, maybe you should Google it?? Be prepared for work though! Especially if you want a sweet one, you will need time and patience to get it to bond with you.

[Eliza]

Originally Posted by safarichick101

And i know i would take my bird to college.

Very few colleges and universities allow pets in campus housing. And many colleges/universities require first-year students that don't live within a reasonable commuting distance to live on campus. This is something that you want to be aware of now rather than in 4-5 years, when you are trying to make a pretty major life decision.

Make sure that your ENTIRE family is on board with you getting a bird. They should be willing to care for your bird if you are unable to take it with you.

But back to the subject at hand: what TYPE of bird would be suitable for you. I highly recommend cockatiels. I think that they have so many wonderful qualities as pets. They make wonderful first and last pets. I know so many people who aren't "bird people" who have cocaktiels ;) True, they may be dusty but not nearly as dusty as other powder-down species, like cockatoos and African greys.

Nice little article on cockatiels as pets: http://wondertime.go.com/life-at-hom...cockatiel.html

Green-cheeks and other pyrrhura conures are really neat little parrots, too. Very playful and interactive.

Lovebirds, parrotlets and lineolated parakeets might be suitable, too. I have a bias towards lovies but am really quite fond of linnies

Take your time in deciding and best of luck!

[MusicalFeathers]

Dust can be a "big" problem if you don't clean up often enough or they don't get baths and enough sunlight. So those things are important. I cannot advise you on the sex. Just be aware females may lay eggs and their are certain complications that can come along with that.

[Jag]

I just want to let you know that Green Cheeks (while being small parrots) think they are BIG parrots, and they do require a good amount of attention. I don't think I would recommend this type of bird for your first bird at your age. They also can be nippy. I know my little girl is nippy, and if she feels slighted, she becomes a little more nippy!! Although they are 'less noisy' than my Sun, she can still be loud. I don't think it would be allowed on campus, so that could be an issue. Would your family be able to keep the bird when you're away at school?

Also, please just play it safe and keep your cat from your bird. It only takes a second, and it's a cat's nature to chase prey. Good luck!

[hsmoscout]

Wow does that sound familiar. I'm in the same position. I decided to get a cockatiel. Do some research though. Now I'm thinking about a green cheek or Quaker as a 14th b-day present.

[sodakat]

By the way, I know a married couple with a 25 year old macaw who has never said a word; when they want to hear a bird talk they have dinner with his mother who has a cockatiel that inquires very clearly, "is it good?"