Linnie vs. Parrotlet

[ktkllrs]

Greetings,
Come spring, I will be looking to buy a small bird. I will be living in an apartment with my boyfriend. I owned a lovebird as a teenager, he has never owned a bird before. Both of us will be working, so the bird which we get must be ok staying at home by itself for most of the day. When I get home, I will be able to devote an hour regularly to play and training time, but there can be more relaxed out-of-cage time as well (I remember my lovebird liked to sit on my book and chew the pages as I read). I would like a small, quiet bird (because I'll be in an apartment) who is affectionate but ok with being alone most of the day. I prefer a bird that costs less than $200. I have heard that parrolets are better with that than many birds. I don't want a 'tiel out of irrational personal reasons. I was hoping that someone could give a comparison of the personalities and needs of linnies and parrotlets, as well as the cost of the initial vaccinations and vet visit plus costs of regular (annual?) vet visits.

Thanks in advance!
Catie

[Cindy215]

Sorry but I dont think spending most of the day alone is the best possible environment for a single bird. At least two of them can keep each other company. Birds are social flock animals wired for company 24/7. Given that they need alot of sleep, preferably from dusk till dawn that's about 10-14 hours of sleep depending on the time of year. It's not practical for people who work long hours. After all, the poor bird sits there all alone in a cage the entire day waiting for companionship (no offense).

I have Parrotlets (2) and still feel guilty although I'm home about 5 hours a day in the winter when they are awake. (am, lunch and pm). 2-3 days a week I'm home the entire day and they are out and playing. My budgies are paired up and could care less, they are out of the cage all the time even when I work because they were rescues and sensory deprived so they dont have any curiosity and can be trusted flying free in their bird room. Linnies I've never lived with but they are no different in that they need companionship and I believe should be in two's also. I see some every week at the store I shop at and they are always sitting together. In fact I'd say they are much more mild and in need of company more than Parrotlets. Parrotlets love to be together too but are more feisty and rambunctious than other small birds and require alot more "micromanaging".

Not to put a damper on things, but think about it from the birds pov. Would you really be happy only getting one hour of companionship out of 24, and not even from a species that you can communicate with or bond with? Especially if your whole psychology was to be in a group or you had been in a group your whole life then all of a sudden you're sitting in there alone all day?

I'd suggest 2 budgies from rescue there are many who need homes. In a very big cage so at least they can move around a bit when they're locked up. Then they can fly around when you get home. They should be flighted so they can get the cardio and muscular and psychological benefits they need.