Birdie Info please

[PJ's Mom]

I've been thinking about getting a bird for awhile now. I'm pretty sure the dogs will leave them alone, but before I decide to get one, I'd like to get as much info on the different kinds of birds out there so I can make an educated decision.

I have tons of questions like which birds talk, how messy are they, how hard are they to train, how do you keep their wings clipped, their nutritional needs, etc.

If anyone can point me in the direction of a reputable website, I would appreciate it.

Thanks.

[CathyBogart]

http://birdhobbyist.com/ has a LOT of links to care sheets, breeders, rescues, and sites to get bird stuff.

[Genny]

Hey Pj's mom,

I have 4 cockatiels and an Umbrella Cockatoo. I love them all them the same, but my very first bird was my cockatiel, Peaches, so I guess I've always been a little bit closer to him even though I love them all anyways!

Do you care if the bird is going to make a huge mess with its food and stuff!? My cockatoo is extremely messy! I have to vaccuum under and around his cage evety single day. He is so bad to sling his food everywhere! I think all cockatoos are a lot like that, but I could be wrong.

How much time can you spend with your bird? Cockatoos demand attention (or at least my guy does) if I don't get him out at a certain time everyday he'll start hollering and screaming reminding me it's time for him to get out, and he can scream LOUD! My cockatiels aren't very loud. My boy one sings and whistles, but only because he's happy. I enjoy listening to him....

Cockatoos are good talkers. My cockatoo, Ivory, can say what'cha doin? pretty bird, hey baby, bye-bye, who's your daddy? I love you, and Ivory.
He's a great talker! I've heard that cockatiels can talk, but I've never seen or had one to talk before.

I use to have a love bird, but she bit me a lot and I ended up having to let a good friend of mine have her because she would bite me. I also had a dove for ever and she was so sweet, but they are kind of like a pigeon. She made a sweet cooing sound. She was very sweet.

Birds aren't that hard to train to unless you get a grown bird and sometimes they need more training and more patience than a baby bird would.

My birds also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. My cockatiels really love egg without the salt or butter. They also like brown rice.

Ivory loves all kinds of vegetables...

http://www.aav.org/basic_care.htm
Here's a website but I don't know if it will be of any kind of help!

I love all birds but my cockatoo and tiels have been my favorite!
I bet others will be able to help you!

Genny

[PJ's Mom]

I don't really mind the mess. My two dogs know this and take full advantage of it.

I live in an apartment now, so a screaming bird probably wouldn't be a good idea.

I get two days off every week to spend with my pets and I work in the afternoons, so they have me almost every morning. I'd like to have a bird that won't mind Peej and Bailey...they have full run of the place.

Do birds get along better alone, or is getting them a friend a better idea?

[Chilli]

Sounds like your first bird? Definately don't go with any of the larger breeds such as Cockatoos, macaws, amazons, etc.

Also, it'd be best to go with just one bird. If you get two, they're more likely to bond to eachother and not to you, resulting in them being less affectionate.

I always like to suggest cockatiels to first time bird owners. They're super sweet(in most cases) and supposedly the males can learn to talk, but its not always the case... I've honestly never heard a cockatiel talk.

Though if you want more of a parrot, then maybe a Green Cheek Conure? They're more of the quieter ones in the conure family but still learn to talk. They are little acrobats and are usually all over the place, though. Pretty hyperactive birds.

Keep in mind that an actual parrot can be a handful and cost alot of money. They need alot of toys for stimulation and a pretty good sized cage. Plus exotic vet bills can really cost you if it comes down to it. Just warning you, as alot of people are surprised at the money I spend on all my birds. =]

Good luck!

[PJ's Mom]

Yeah this will be our first bird, so I'm really trying to do it right!

[Genny]

Well, I wish you a lot of luck on finding the most perfect bird for you and your family! I think a cockatiel would be awesome for you.

Here's another website it's about tiels if you wanna read it--
http://www.realmacaw.com/pages/tielcare.html