Newbie help please

[Astrid660]

ah, quakers. I love quakers...such sweeties.
can't go wrong with a cockatiel! they are endlessly loyal and kind, and not very high maintenance.
Take your time, all the species are so different, it takes a long time to really get to know the unique qualities of them all. :o

[darkmage3]

Thanks for all your replys.

Regarding Caiques, I have read some things about them that concern me. I know they are known to be friendly and exuberant to say the least, but I have also read/heard that they are very beaky and moody. That they can change their mood in a second and give you a good nip. If that is the case, that wont work with my daughter, but I welcome any thoughts from folks who have these facinating caiques because they look like a bundle of fun.

[ROYJOY]

All birds can act out and be nippy, but what im saying is, the caique is less likly to, and wont bite as hard. if you have a bird it will bite you. your children will be ok. puppys bite, kittens bite. usually they are just playing.

[loyallyroyal]

I paid $800 for my eclectus and he is my first bird too.

I dont think the whole upgrading thing works all the time, I had people tell me to start with a budgie/lovie/cockatiel since they are "beginner birds" but I knew thats not what I wanted, I didnt want a bird to just have a bird. Plus I didnt want to commit to a birds long life span just to get the bird I wanted, so dont let size throw you off.

So get the bird you want, just make sure you do your research and are well informed.

You might want to check out breeders in your area also since they tend to be cheaper than birdstores.

I dont know about your birdstores there, but the ones here are way overpriced about $1000 more than what I paid and they birds were really poorly taken care of and sick.

You really just know when its the right bird.

I saw my baby boy in an add and just knew, I called the breeder and he said he had 3-4 other people interested already but he would let me come meet him and what do you know he went home with me the very same day.

and ive been in birdy-love ever since. He was a great fit for me, he loves everyone and is definitely a family bird flying from person to person.

Just be patient, the right one will come your way.