Hey bird lovers!!

[toms94mustang]

Hey, im tom, im 15 and love animals=)I have 3 cats, 1 dog, 2 guinea pigs, 2 turtles(1 painted and 1 res) and one leopard gecko and now I am getting a bird.. I have around $250 bucks because my xmas gift.. so i want a bird, my aunt has a quaker and i love him, he talks and always crawls on me so cool. so what should I get that is like that and for a beginner?I dont know what I need so please inform me and important stuff too! anks soo much=)

Tom

[sailorkelly]

Welcome to BB. I hope you enjoy this site.

[Ashling]

Hey Tom, welcome to birdboard. Feel free to post questions etc in the main discussion area if you want help choosing a first bird. All I can say for now is research research research! Birds are often harder to care for than previously thought, and we usually say it's like 'caring for a human toddler with a can opener on its face' for the next 20 to 70 + years depending on species. There is no bird for a beginner, just go for the one that appeals to you and that you feel you can give the requirements it needs (care, attention, cage, diet, toys to chew) If you like Quakers, then start researching right there! Many basic questions have often been answered on this board so you can do a quick search (located in the red bar at the top of this page) and type in the key words of your question- there will be lots of info for you to read through.

[Emmilyy]

Mel said it all!

Also, remember that $250 is usually not enough.. You'll need to buy the bird, a decent cage, food, toys, and you'll need a vet appointment.. You can 'bargain' shop and look for a decent cage on kijiji of craigslist, but i still think it will add up to a bit over $250.. good luck!

[hsmoscout]

What Mel and Emily said :P RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH! And yes, Emily is right, $250 may not be enough for a Quaker or any parrot, really. There's the cost of the bird, the cost of the cage, the cost of the toys, perches, etc. and the cost of general care such as the initial vet check up food, and stuff like that. Ask your aunt TONS of questions! See what she did to research and if she has any books about birds or things of that nature she can give to you to read. My aunt had a 'tiel which is the reason I first thought about getting a bird. Something to think about as far as Quakers: They can be cage territorial and are often one-person birds, which means it will love you and cuddle you, but it might hate everyonre else that goes near you, like say "No he's mine!"

[jenniferag]

I agree about the money...

Also it would be a good idea to make sure that your parents are on board to help you with unexpected things like vet bills and everything.

I have 2 conures and I spend probably $150 a month on food and toys... and usually I spend more! LOL They also need fresh fruits and veggies everyday so be sure you can feed them what they need!

You can look into conures as well, like a green cheek conure perhaps, they are very playful usually and are not too expensive.

Let us know what you decide on... don't be afraid to ask questions!!!

[LovelySydney]

Hi & welcome!!! Lots of good things have been said but like everyone has posted, $250 will cover the expense of the bird, but not all that comes along with it. Definitely use the board to research and find out all you can - keep us posted!!!!

[toms94mustang]

thanks everyone, was going to get the bird today, but parents are making me buy the bird and supplies but they wil help with unexpected vet trips and monthly expenses, so this gives me more time to research and more time to work lol thanks all

[toms94mustang]

ok, so right now im torn on which bird, the quaker(legal in my state),the cockatiel or now the conures? so which do you recommend, i think im getting it from petsmart, or now possibly a bredder, so I want a friendly bird, so on your knowledge what do you recommend?

[toms94mustang]

anyone?
Suggestions??