I'm thinking about getting a budgie

[EmilyGrace]

I've never owned a bird before. I was thinking about getting a cape parrot or a jardine, but every time I go to the pet store, I always spend at least 20 minutes in front of the budgie cage whistling to them (my store must think I'm quite odd, lol) and think about taking one home. How do budgies compare as pets to the larger birds? And then I came across these ads and it makes me think about getting a budgie first before my large parrot even more.
White Keet With Or With Out Cage in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Baby Parakeets in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Handfeed Parakeets in Durand, Michigan

[RXK]

budgies make wonderful pets if you treat them the way they deserve... honestly, they're not much different than the larger parrots other than the fact that they come in a smaller size and you therefore wouldn't be able to handle them like a larger animal.

[Oscars Mom]

Ive had budgies before and i like them.Ithink most are kinds of hands off though.If you want to have alot of personal interaction with the bird Id consider a diffferant kind.

[LovelySydney]

I think as a first bird budgies are perfect. They are readily available and very sweet creatures. Emi is my first budgie and I just adore her. Their personalities are great and we've had no problems with her - we love her! Also you can take on bird responsibility without being overwhelmed with a "big bird" and learn everything about birds from the ground up. I think its a really good idea!

[babygirl25661]

I had a pair of budgies years ago and absolutely loved them. Budgies are indepentant if kept in pairs but I still let mine out of their cage for playtime everyday. They are chirpy and a little messy but they are tiny so it's not that big of a deal. If you have never had a bird before you need to know that most birds can and will bite at times!!! A budgie doesnt hurt anywhere near as bad as a bigger bird. My lovebird can snap like a croc sometimes....and it is very painful.
I cant tell you much about the behavior or the care of bigger birds as i have never owned one but budgies are small birds with big personalities!! They can make great pets. I hope this helps, good luck with whatever you choose.

[EmilyGrace]

Originally Posted by LovelySydney

Also you can take on bird responsibility without being overwhelmed with a "big bird" and learn everything about birds from the ground up. I think its a really good idea!

I was thinking this too. No matter what birds I research and start thinking about getting, I keep going back to budgies. They are so adorable and they are so quiet.

[Renae]

I have 4 and I couldn't imagine NOT having them. I love listening to the noises they make and watching them jump around playing.

You want to make sure you are getting a healthy bird, and preferably from a reliable and reputable source, like a parakeet breeder, or respected pet store - if you want to buy from a pet store make sure all budgies appear healthy and clean, and food + water should be fresh.

[Emmilyy]

go with a budgie, Em! From the sounds of it, thats the bird you want. And you should always get the bird you want. :)

[skendrick90]

best idea ever!

[EmilyGrace]

Originally Posted by skendrick90

best idea ever!

lol
The thing I'm worried about though is that I've heard that they aren't as friendly as larger birds. They don't like to be handled and loved on like larger parrots. True?