Hey Guys, I'm new.

[gfa4077]

My Names Kelsey and I live in California. Although I currently do not have a bird at this time I am looking into getting a new one over the summer. In my life I have had two budgies, both very special to me. My first one was an English budgie, yellow and green, named Kiwi. I loved that bird to bits! He quickly outgrew his cage and decided to make our whole house his new one! He used to roost in our blinds at night(don't know why, I can't imagine that would be really comfortable) and get into all kind of mischief. He even chewed a hole in our window screen and flew out once, only to run around to the back door and squawk until we let him back inside. He lived for 9 years and when he died I was devastated. About two months after Kiwi, we acquired Petri, a blue budgie that was bred and raised by my sisters ex boyfriend. Petri caught us at a bad time in our life though, and we found ourselves not being able to spend all that much time with him and nearly everyone but me lost interest in him. He died after his 2nd year with us when my sister through a party when my Mom was out of town, there was drinking and smoking, and I still don't know what happened that night, only that when I got back from my Dad's house, he was dead. A little over a year has passed since then and when Petri died my Mom said he would be the last bird ever. I'm slowly working on convincing her and she says If i can pay for everything, I can get a new bird. Luckily I'm working three summer camps this season and should be making around 300 dollars, just enough to buy everything I need for a small bird.

I come to this forum at a really strange time for me. Lately I've just been missing my little birdies, and longing for another, I find myself visiting Kiwi's grave often(Petri wasn't buried) and a few days ago I stumbled upon one of Petri's feathers and just started crying uncontrollably for what seemed like no reason.

So now, I'm preparing for a new bird, I want to do things right this time. Kiwiw being my first bird and me being only 6 when I first got him, definetly made some stupid owner mistakes, nothing too terrible though. And Petri, well let's just say I wish I had taken better care of him and spent more time with him while I could. I'm not going to get another budgie, I have already decided against that. Right now I'm debating between a parrotlet or a cockatiel. The petstore that carries both(It's a really nice, privately owned store, all their babies are hand raised and socialized by breeders and they have excellent care)has a lot of cockatiels that need good homes while the parrotlets sell much faster. Any input on which kind to choose would be much appreciated. Can't wait till I get my new bird and am able to share all my stories with you guys!

[expressmailtome]

Welcome to BB! I can not say which would be a better choice for you but I know that a lot of people here have been recommending parrotlets as first birds lately. There are several threads on this around here. I think that some are in the Bird Board Discussion section. Best of luck and enjoy the site!

Matt

[gfa4077]

Thanks Matt! I'll be sure to check up on that.

[nestbox]

Don't sell cockatiels short, they are amazing little lovers. You need to do the research and make up your own mind. They are performers if you have the time to teach them. Just remember they all need a lot of love and attention. I wish you the best of lucky and I'm sure you will make the right decision for you.

[becca623]

Welcome to birdboard. I don't think I could live without at least one bird in my life so I think I sort of understand how you feel. It's especially hard when you live with your parents and have to follow their rules. My parents weren't really bird people so I had to wait until I had my own place to fully enjoy (maybe succumb to would be more accurate) my passion for parrots. A lot of people really love tiels and parrotlets are absolutely adorable. Good luck with your decision.

[gfa4077]

Thanks for the welcome and the input! And I know what you mean Becca, for most of my life I lived with a bird and the thing that always gets you first once they're gone, is the silence. Heck, I miss having a bird so much, the way they sing, the way they squawk, the way the run, they way they smell(yes, I actually liked the way my birds smelled, I know, I'm weird). Not to mention the huge impact those little guys have on your life.

[micki]

hi kelsey and welcome to the forum.

[25k]

hey, and welcome to the bb!
i had cockatiels. they are too loud for me. i have a 5 week old blue p-let that is pure joy. i have been hand feeding him since he was 10 days old and he is trying to wean now. i wish i had let the breeder hand feed him, b/c right now he treats me like a mother, not his best friend. i wanted more of a companion bird not a baby. but i love him just the same. he now makes the "adult" parrotlet call and he still isnt very loud. his cage is about 25ish feet away from my bed and i cant here him when i sleep. he is also a total lover. wants to be near me 24/7. BUT don't forget that every bird is different, so i suggest going and spending time with the birds and letting one pick you.

[gfa4077]

Both my birds were picked for me so this time I'm going to make sure I take the time to pick out just the right bird. When I went down to the store a few weeks ago there was a cage of about 5 blue parrotlets and after watching them for a little bit, one of them came over to the side of the cage where I was and just stared at me while his cage mates just went on with there business. Sadly I wasn't planning on taking a bird home with me that day(plus the blues are 240 dollars there, while the greens were 170) so I had to leave the little guy behind. Too bad, I'm sure he would have been a perfect match for me.

Now my Moms iffy on the whole getting a bird again thing. Heck if it comes down to it, I'll just drive down there myself and get my bird!

[FoxersArtist]

Most of the parrotlets I have seen, worked with, and have known in my lifetime become relatively aggressive once matured, even if they are hand tamed. They may still step up and act social, but they have a reputation for being nippy. That being said, many of them are a bit fragile and can die very easily. I have heard of more parrotlets passing away at the age of two or three than any other bird I can think of (including our very, very special green rump named Oliver.) Cockatiels are loving, affectionate, showy, silly, packed with personality, easy going, and relatively easy to take care of. When cared for properly, they are extremely hardy and can live 15-25 years. They make amazing pets and are fairly inexpensive to buy and keep. I vote for cockatiel!
-Anna