What kind of bird should i Get?

[safarichick101]

I am 13, and i DON'T HAVE A BIRD! I know alot about them, i've researched, and i have owned many animals, just not parrots. I've always wanted one though..... and i LOVE BIRDS! I go to school for 7 hours a day, but i would play with it in the afternoons for 1 to 3 hours a day. And i know enough to know that i won't be getting a demanding bird like a macaw or cockatoo. I was hopping maybe a lovebird, cockatiel, green cheeked conure or anything thats not 2 demanding. If you have any suggestions or comments please post!

[Dana64]

I would suggest either a Budgie or Cockatiel... try to find a young one... they will become accustomed to your routine much easier/quicker than a re-home. When youa re older and finished with school and have a better idea as to what kind of time you are willing/able to devout to a bird, you can better assess what kind of bird your next one will be...

[nikiwildman]

I would recommend a cockatiel, i think they are just the perfect bird! I have 2 and a lovebird, i do love my lovebird, but i think for a first bird then a cockatiel is the way togo, they are sooo funny and cute and very clever and if you get a young hand reared one, they are extremely loving, and i think for your age and lifestyle a cockatiel would be better than a lovebird.

Also Cockatiels come in sooo many variations of colours and they are all soooo beautiful.

[safarichick101]

I thought about a cockatiel! I was considering either getting a pied or pearl one. Does anybody have any opinions on what gender i should get? I've heard males can whistle, but they can become agressive, and females are playfull and cuddly. Any input? Male or female??? Thanks so much for your appinions. :)

[NotEnoughTime]

My cockatiel lived for 10 years with me and lived quite a while with someone else (a teenager) first. Are you prepare to keep your bird until you are 25-30 years old? Will the bird be able to go off to university with you if you decide to go? Please keep this in mind when you go looking for a bird.

If you make a commitment to the bird that is a "lifetime" commitment - then I would recommend you look at *all* birds that you can afford. Smaller conures, budgrigar, and so on in addition to a cockatiel. Take them out for a finger ride - play with them, get to know their personalities. All birds are different and have different personalities - so choose the bird that suits you the best. This animal will be with you for a very long time if properly cared-for... So you will need to get along together!

[safarichick101]

I liked the Cockatiel, but i hear they can be dusty. I don't want me or my family to an allergic reaction or something. I know I could take care of a parrot, (conure, cockatiel, whatever) and i like the cockatiel, but I thought the conure (green cheek) could be enjoyed by the whole family.
And i know i would take my bird to college.
I realize birds are a long commitment, and i realize they have human-like needs, enteraction, play time, ect. I know they are social creatures, and not providing these sort of things leads to an unhappy bird, and i wouldn't like to see my bird unhappy.

[Shutterbugmom]

My advise is to look into cockatiels, budgies, green cheek conures, parrotlets, and linnies (lineolated parakeets).

If you are planning on taking a bird to college, I assume that you don't ever plan on living in a dorm or even an apartment on campus, because your bird won't be allowed. I do think one of these smaller birds would make your future transitions (moving, relationships, marriage? ) a bit easier.

Good luck!

[Falsk]

When I was 10, my parents got me a handfed baby budgie for my birthday. He got along well with the whole family and neither I (nor my family) had any problems with allergies.

If you're looking for a bird that will interact with the family, then you should also sit down with your family and discuss how they will interact with the bird. I ended up commuting from my house to college so I was able to look after my bird while going to school, however if there was a chance I'd be away a couple of days, my family (who has kept budgies in the past) was also able to step in.

A family bird means the family shares the responsibility, but if you're the one that wants it, you need to do all the research first so you know what you're getting into. A bird is an every day animal. Even one day without handling it can mean issues later on. Birds rely on consistency and you need to provide that.

I think budgies are wonderful pets. Just please read up on all the discussion boards here so you know what to expect in terms of proper nutrition and housing, etc.

[safarichick101]

I love all of those birds!!! Lol, can some1 narrow it down a bit for me?? I can't decide. Also, I realize all birds bite, and many can be trained to do it less, but i would like to avoid birds that are know for being especially nippy, because i have been bitten by a lovebird, and boy do those things bite hard!! I would like one that likes to play, but also can be content to just relax in the evenings or while i do my chores. Did i narrow it down at all?

ps, i'll be able to spend 1-3 hours a day with it, and also, we have cats, but i can buy 2 cages, 1 for my room(Closing the door while i'm at school) and 1 for the living room, and i can train them to except it as another pet, and not snack.

[NotEnoughTime]

Originally Posted by safarichick101

Lol, can some1 narrow it down a bit for me?? I can't decide.

It is hard for anyone to make a recommendation without knowing you personally... There are good points and bad points to all companion parrots and, in the end, it is your decision and you are the one who has to live with the parrot you choose.