I'm gonna make the commitment and get a bird

Question

I've been wanting a bird for a year or so know and have decided to take the leap and get one. So I figured I would get advice from people who own or have owned birds. I'm considering a grey parrot or something similar in size and common personality any ideas would be nice. I know it will be expensive and time consuming but I'm a stay at home wife and me and my two poodles have plenty of time to share with a cute smart and affectionate bird. Know as for advice how will my two poodles adjust to a bird in the house? Where can I find a qualified breeder in Texas? How many times a year will my bird need groomed and how often do they need to go to the vet? Is there a chance the bird will not like my future kids in the house? Can i socialize the bird with alot of people?

Answer 1

You sound like me!  I just jumped into bird ownership after thinking on it for over a year!  I got a conure (green cheeked) and she is so awesome!  They are not too loud, not too big or messy and highly trainable.  Much less loud than Cockatoos (though 'toos are gorgeous).  Be sure to find someone who breeds handfed and RAISED (you can feed them by hand but still have an unsocialized bird-- mine came to me at 5 months and she steps up, gives kisses and jumps).  I have a 12 yr old golden retriever, a cat and 2 kids and all is well (so far!).  I would not reccommend an African Grey or Amazon.  Too big, too strong and not for the first time owners I am told by my vet.  Check out conures-- they are so affectionate and silly I be you will fall in love!

Answer 2

do not get a cockatoo  they will not be  good pets for children nor in youre home , they need more attention and they can get aggressive if not handled properly , a grey  can and will adjust just fine  , if you teach it as a baby , sounds like youre on the right track but cockatoos are and should not be  on youre mind. i have three and they are more hand full then the greys ,,,  greys can learn to talk they are clowns , and they are very smart .. good luck on youre decission,. but please dont get a cockatoo,  i personally wished cockatoos would stay in the wild but that s  not  going to happen

Answer 3

After spending the day at a friend's house yesterday who has a bird (and would like to find it a new home), my advice is DON'T get a bird.  They live forever and they are obnoxious.  The dogs barked at her most of the day and she squawked constantly.  I wouldn't worry so much about the bird liking your future kids, but the kids liking the bird.

Also, they are very expensive to keep and finding a place to board them when you are away is very difficult.  My friend has to remove the bird from the house any time they want to paint or have any work done in the house b/c it could kill the bird.

Answer 4

I would recommend a cockatoo for that type of commitment. And a cockatoo will love anyone living in the house and may even like strangers. Your dogs will learn the rules you teach them as far as the bird goes, and if they don't I am sure the bird will show them some rules LOL! I would recommend you doing what all your questions were about and take your time as well. A Cockatoo or at least mine, took 2 months before she got used to living here and now shes a cuddle bucket.  

Answer 5

I own a quaker parrot, and he is awesome. It seems to me your gonna be a great bird owner, but you're worrying to much. Make sure you're not the only one who plays with it bcz, then itll become a one person bird.

Meaning, it will probably not like your future kids. A bird isn't that much work, you just have to change it's food and water once a day, and play with a lot. Playing with it isn't that hard, just have him with you when you're watching t.v. Also, they can entertain themselves for hours with their toys, but remember to change them regularly to prevent boredom. As for your poodles, i doubt they'll become friends, but they certainly won't attack each other.

Answer 6

Sounds like you will be a good bird owner