how to get bird experience?

[KRCSWO]

When I was really young we had a budgie. While growing up, I have had friends with 'tiels in the past. I visited and handled and played with them regularly.

I've almost always had at least one dog, have had cats and a ferret in the past. All well behaved, well socialized animals that everyone loved. Especially me.

I've always been interested in birds. Parrots especially. I've begun researching parrots thinking of buying one a few times, but always found an excuse why it might not be the right time, so I waited.

I'm finally to the point where I think it may be possible soon. I am finished school, own my own house in the country, etc.

The birds that interest me the most are not the smaller birds. Nothing against anyone here. I just can't seem myself owning a budgie or a 'tiel. At the same point, although they are beautiful, I don't think I really want a macaw either. The birds that have my attention are the Eclectus, or a CAG would be a close second.

I no longer have friends that have birds of any kind, let alone larger parrots.

I don't have a great bird pet store local that I know of, and I am not sure I want to trust someone with a real interest in selling me something.

I know that reading and researching can't possibly replace hands on time.

We don't have a local parrot shelter.
The local humane society doesn't handle birds.

Any suggestions how someone like me could get hands on time?

[EmilyGrace]

Try to find some breeders in your area. They might let you come in and handle any tame birds they have and might tell you something about the birds.
You can also try to find some people in your area who own the birds you are thinking about.

[expressmailtome]

Your best bet would probably be dealing with a breeder that breeds the species that interest you. This site has a pretty good listing of breeders: BirdBreeders.com - Bird Breeders Directory of Availability and Parrot Breeders .

Matt

[Greycloud]

Where are you located? I would look in the paper and the back of BirdTalk magazine for breeders in your state. Find one in your area. Then call and tell them what you said here. Ask if you could meet some babies. Visit some petstores just to be around different speicies. Ask if you can hold them. That's the only thing I can think of.

[LovelySydney]

A forum like this is great because it will give you some place to start. As Im sure youve noticed we carry TONS of information on most breeds and there are plenty of people who can answer every question you could imagine about birds! I know there are a lot of people with a Grey and more than a few with Eclectus who could help you with any questions you have. As far as hands on time, look into bird fairs that are coming into your area. Even with that being said, keep in mind that every bird owner is different as is every bird. You might meet a bird in person and fall in love but don't really realize it took that owner 6 years to tame down that bird. Get what Im saying? I guess my point is any bird is going to be a lot of work, regardless. I think its definitely important to do as much research as you can about any breed you are interested in. Talk to the people here and hear what they have to say about their babies. You will learn so much just from hearing the stories - I know I did!!!


What are you from?? We may have some members in your area, or a local bird society you can join. Also, although most breeders wont allow a person into their aviary if it is closed, you might be able to find some breeders in your area and start contact and visit their home/facility. Breeders hold a wealth of information, I know that will help you. Myself, I didnt know crap about birds so I joined forums and it just taught me SO MUCH. I also watched a lot of youtube videos believe it or not!! = ) Good luck in your quest and keep us posted!!

[Congobongo]

Are you looking to adopt an Ekkie or a Grey? With research on both types of birds and information the members out here who have them will gladly give you; it can help you make your choice.

I have CAG's and they are so cool. They are not very needy and they will talk and entertain you!

Try to find a bird that fits you lifestyle. Cockatoos are velcro and needy. CAG's not as much. They enjoy out of cage time and attention but not like a Too.

[Astrid660]

^No one told my CAG (Ellie) that Greys aren't needy! haha if I had a nickel for every time she climbed down from her cage and waddled across the floor to me I'd be rich.

I would suggest adopting a bird, if you can. I am all for giving a bird a second chance, even though rehomed birds can sometimes come with baggage. Good luck figuring out what kind is right for you

[loyallyroyal]

I would definitely talk to a breeder about handling some of their older pet birds, babies tend to be much different than adults. (move slower, nippier, no hormones, ect.)

Can I ask what you want in a bird? Are you looking at a male or female ekkie? What subspecies?

Here are some great places for info on ekkies, sorry there are so many, I read anything ekkie I can get my hands on:
HolisticBird and HolisticBirds
landofvos.com • Index page
Eclectusville
Eclectus Articles!
Pamperedpeeps Aviary-* Eclectus, Solomon Island Eclectus
www.eclectusparrot.com
The Eclectus Parrot - Graham Taylor (Australia)

Here is a good article on socializing, the only things I dont particulary like is they take the babies so soon ( I prefer 4-6 weeks) and they dont raise the babies in clutches, but there is a lot of good info:
Cedar Mountain Aviary

Here is a list of avian certified vets, see if there is any by you:
Birdsnways - Board Certified Avian Veterinarians

For ekkies I would really look into a breeder that socializes really well, doesnt pull eggs, fully weans, and lets them fledge.

I would also start thinking about if you plan to clip or leave flighted, want to harness train it, what size cage/playstands you can accommodate, what kind of diet you wish to feed. (If you need diet recommendations just ask, ive got a long list of different foods Ive tried)

Getting a parrot is a long term commitment and a life changing experience. Dewey (my male RS ekkie) definitely changed mine, you are never prepared for how much you fall in love with them.

Hope that helps some.

[KRCSWO]

Thanks for all the ideas and links. I think I wrote this sounding like even more of a "newbie" than I am.
I've been a member here for a bit, and read a LOT. I've also read most of the websites suggested already, but there are some new ones listed that I will read when I get a chance.

I was thinking about a CAG and in researching discovered the Eclectus. I have since based on all I read become very interested in a male ekkie.

I'm trying to answer some questions that I don't know how to answer without spending time:

Would get the enjoyment of out parrot that I get from my other pets? I think so, but there is doubt in my mind for some reason. I don't know how to explain why.

Will my schedule work with a parrot? I work a fair bit, and travel occasionally for work.
How much time do they need? Can a schedule that changes day to day and week to week be made to work?


One of the questions on here to me was "what do I want in a bird?"
This is really making me think, because I am not sure how to answer it.

I find parrots intelligent and interesting.
I am quite interested in the challenge of training such an animal.
I don't want too small a bird, probably because I am 6'5" tall, 270lbs and would be scared I would hurt it somehow.
I would definitely want to harness train as I would want to take my bird outside, both at home and traveling at least occasionally. And I like to spend a lot of time outdoors. It would be much better if the bird could join me for this time.
I would probably not clip the wings. I am a strong believer that excersize is key to an animals health. Birds should be able to fly. I understand the risks, and how they can be minimized.
I want the bird to be attractive to me when I look at it. This rules out some species, but not the ones we are talking about here.
A talking bird would be cool. Talking on cue even cooler. I would be disappointed if my bird didn't talk at least some, and I know this may happen. I also don't need the best possible talker.
I like animals that play by itself some and also play and interact with me. Animals are fun to watch, but a lot of the fun is also playing with them and watching their antics.
That said, if the bird was ALWAYS playing and really over active to the point it was hard to settle down it wouldn't be good. Sometimes it is nice to enjoy a calm evening.
I don't want a really noisey bird. But I don't expect silence either.

I'll stop here, read some of the sites above that I haven't yet, and ponder what I would want in a bird some more......

[KRCSWO]

I should have added that I am from Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.
I do travel to Michigan a fair bit.
Pet stores around her tend to only have budgies, 'tiels, a few finches and no one knowledgable with birds.
I haven't found any breeders, especially Ekkie breeders anywhere near by. Closest that I know of are still over an hour away.