Bird newbie here! :D

[Dusty73085]

Hello all!

I just found this lovely website yesterday, and thought I would say hello!

I dont have a bird just yet, but I am uber excited that I will be soon.

I dont have a clue about caring for birds, let alone owning one. So, I hope you can all get some amusement out of my newbie questions.

So, my first and foremost question is: What type of bird do I get?!
I know a macaw or something along those lines are totally out of the question. :) I have already started on researching and I am leaning mostly toward the Parakeet (Budgerigar). They seem like a hearty bird from what I have read, and I am really excited that the males have the possibility of talking. Which I would love. Which breeds of parakeet do you recommend?

But anyway, here is what I am looking for in a bird:
-relatively cheap
-smallish
-quiet (no squawking please!)
-colorful
-talking would be a huge bonus!
-does well in heat (my dad does not believe in air conditioning...in southern california)
-sociable, but can spend 8 hours alone (while Im at work)

Also, I already have a hamster cage much like this one -> Link Would this suffice (the wholes are not so large). Or would it be best to get a bird cage?

Also, I dont know where to go to get a bird...I have heard that it is best to go to a breeder. I have done some research and havent had much success finding any in Southern California.

Would I be ok just going to Petsmart? I used to go to my local store pretty often when I had my hamsters, and they seem to handle the animals there pretty often. They seem to be used to human touch, but the birds Im not really sure about.

And I guess thats about it!

Any and all help would be appreciated. :D

[Emmilyy]

Welcome to BB. there are alot of great people here and I'm sure you'll get all the answers you need to make your decision.

As for what you're looking for in a bird... No birds are "cheap" sure, the initial price of a budgie is alot less than that of a larger species, but after you consider all the vet bills, toys you'll have to buy, food, and other things needed, all pet parrots will cost a lot. There are alot of small parrots around - i recommend doing more research to see what you might want - whatever bird you get is a long commitment that has to be thought through carefully.

Have you thought about a parrots diet? Just seed isn't good enough, they need lots of fresh foods and other goodies daily to stay healthy. There's lots of things to consider

In my opinion, being colorful and being able to talk shouldn't be the main things you look for when getting a parrot. Sure, colors are pretty - and its neat to hear them talk, but personality is much more important. Do you want affection? a playful parrot? personality should always be considered.

I didn't look at the link to your hamster cage (my computers too slow.) but i'm going to have to say no.. Hamster cages aren't designed for birds in mind - and most are tiny.


Choosing the type of parrot and getting everything together and ready to bring one home, IMO, is the hardest part. Make sure to do lots of research (: good luck

[Dusty73085]

Originally Posted by Emmilyy

Welcome to BB. there are alot of great people here and I'm sure you'll get all the answers you need to make your decision.

As for what you're looking for in a bird... No birds are "cheap" sure, the initial price of a budgie is alot less than that of a larger species, but after you consider all the vet bills, toys you'll have to buy, food, and other things needed, all pet parrots will cost a lot. There are alot of small parrots around - i recommend doing more research to see what you might want - whatever bird you get is a long commitment that has to be thought through carefully.

Have you thought about a parrots diet? Just seed isn't good enough, they need lots of fresh foods and other goodies daily to stay healthy. There's lots of things to consider

In my opinion, being colorful and being able to talk shouldn't be the main things you look for when getting a parrot. Sure, colors are pretty - and its neat to hear them talk, but personality is much more important. Do you want affection? a playful parrot? personality should always be considered.

I didn't look at the link to your hamster cage (my computers too slow.) but i'm going to have to say no.. Hamster cages aren't designed for birds in mind - and most are tiny.


Choosing the type of parrot and getting everything together and ready to bring one home, IMO, is the hardest part. Make sure to do lots of research (: good luck

Thank you very much for the welcome Emmilyy!

Yes, when I said "cheap" I meant the bird itself isnt going to be $500! lol! I am a past horse owner, so I do know how the cost can add up to more than you ever dreamed. And I love shopping for my pets more than I enjoy shopping for myself. My hamsters had a new toy at least every week, not to mention treats and fresh carrots! :)

As far as traits I am looking for - I shall add the following to my list, as you are correct, just as with horses, personality is important. :)

-a bird that enjoys attention (but as I said, can be alone for 8 hours while I am at work)
-affectionate would be great (I have always dreamed of working on my computer while a bird sat on my shoulder...also a bird that loves to be scratched and handled - I know this will take some work :) )
-playful would be great as well
-people bird (I would love to be able to take it out of its cage everyday when I come home from work, which I know the trust will be something that is earned, I dont want a bird that would rather be in its cage, than with me)


Speaking of cages, what is an adequate size for a small bird the size of a parakeet? I always get so sad when I see a bird in a tiny cage, so I want to be sure I get one that will be most comfortable for my new feathered friend. :D

EDIT: I also forgot to mention, that I take researching animals very seriously before I buy them. I searched for a horse for almost a year before I found the horse that matched me perfectly. So, dont worry, I will do plenty of research before I commit to any one type. I was researching at work all day (shh, dont tell the boss). :D

[Emmilyy]

I have to say that, myself, I've never had a budgie that was tame (although I've had many budgies..) But I've heard of other's budgies being really friendly and loving attention. I think it all depends on where you get your budgie, and the way it was brought up. I'm sure that if you could get one from a good breeder who socializes the babies you would get a wonderful bird. If you can't find a breeder and decide to get one from a pet store, it will likely not be as socialized, but with alot of time and patience you could form a bond .

You seem really dedicated to researching and findind the right bird for you, i reccomnend looking at other types of parrots before making your decision. Any parrot is a long term commitment, like i said, and in my opinion, theres no such thing as a 'starter bird' and you should get the bird you like, becuase it will likely be with you for a long time.

Have you considered a Green Cheek Conure? (i'm a bit biased, lol, my cookie's great) They're small, relatively 'quiet' for a parrot (ALL birds make noise), and have great personalities. Cookie loves being out with me, and getting her scritches. She stays home all day alone from about eight until four while i'm at school, and does just fine! (i just make sure to take her out as soon as i get home, and keep her out until bed time..) The only downside i can think of to Green Cheeks is that I've heard they can become a little nippy while they mature, but I've never experiences this myself. I got Cookie when she was two years old and she's always been a sweety - never bitten me! But, nipping is a behavior that can be worked on and overcome (:

Have fun researching and finding the right bird for you! You've deffinately came to the right place! Ask all the questions you need! (:


ohh, and about the cage size? I'm not really good with measurements and stuff, but the general rule is the biggest cage you can afford (:

[Dusty73085]

Originally Posted by Emmilyy

I have to say that, myself, I've never had a budgie that was tame (although I've had many budgies..) But I've heard of other's budgies being really friendly and loving attention. I think it all depends on where you get your budgie, and the way it was brought up. I'm sure that if you could get one from a good breeder who socializes the babies you would get a wonderful bird. If you can't find a breeder and decide to get one from a pet store, it will likely not be as socialized, but with alot of time and patience you could form a bond .

You seem really dedicated to researching and findind the right bird for you, i reccomnend looking at other types of parrots before making your decision. Any parrot is a long term commitment, like i said, and in my opinion, theres no such thing as a 'starter bird' and you should get the bird you like, becuase it will likely be with you for a long time.

Have you considered a Green Cheek Conure? (i'm a bit biased, lol, my cookie's great) They're small, relatively 'quiet' for a parrot (ALL birds make noise), and have great personalities. Cookie loves being out with me, and getting her scritches. She stays home all day alone from about eight until four while i'm at school, and does just fine! (i just make sure to take her out as soon as i get home, and keep her out until bed time..) The only downside i can think of to Green Cheeks is that I've heard they can become a little nippy while they mature, but I've never experiences this myself. I got Cookie when she was two years old and she's always been a sweety - never bitten me! But, nipping is a behavior that can be worked on and overcome (:

Have fun researching and finding the right bird for you! You've deffinately came to the right place! Ask all the questions you need! (:


ohh, and about the cage size? I'm not really good with measurements and stuff, but the general rule is the biggest cage you can afford (:

I will certainly get the biggest cage I can afford! :D I wish I could just dedicate an entire room for birds...with like a window in the door something. That would be awesome!

I am researching right now, and I have seen that conures come up pretty frequently as good for first time bird owners. So, I am looking to them as well. And, Im pretty sure it wont take me nearly as long to find a bird as it did a horse...with a horse, there are totally different things to consider!

My weekend will be dedicated to bird research. :) So, dont be alarmed if you see that little dot next to my name constantly green.

Thank you again for the help!

[Emmilyy]

haha no problem! (: Conures really are great birds!

I'd love to have a room dedicated to the birds as well! I'm almost there, Cookie's taken over my bedroom pretty much, lol.

[Tom Lawless]

Parakeets are great. Cockatiels are great. Parrotlets are great. Green cheek conures (regular, cinnamon, pineapple, yellowsided, etc.) are great. All are generally found for less than $500 and don't require ginormous cages. The thing with cages, especially since you will be gone for a while during the day, buy the biggest you can afford and have space for. Cage size wasn't as important for me because my guys are out of their cages for most of the day.

I don't know where you live but do you have any good bird breeders or independent bird stores in your area? Often these people have dedicated a great deal of their lives to the care and raising of birds and can be a great resource in your study. Often, they will be good at making suggestions of certain birds for certain people.

Check out FOFAviary.com. Xafsmom is a member on this board. I know she breeds many types of conures although I don't know when she will have any of the green cheek variations available. Still, it's worth a look.

[hsmoscout]

if you DO get e green cheek, or other "larger" small bird, I would go with this cage: HQ Flight Bird Cage - Presented by BirdsComfort.com
Cages at bird stores are about one fourth the size of that, but cost just as much! It is a great deal, and what I got for the green cheek I'm getting in...11 hours!

[Dusty73085]

Thanks for that link Tom!

I am searching for local independent bird stores and breeders in my area, but its tough going right now. :/ But, I am determined, so I shall keep looking! :)

hsmoscout, thanks for the link as well! And congrats on getting your new birdy...in 11 hours! :D

[maggy]

Welcome Dusty 7etc., this sure is the place to investigate your options, enjoy!