What would be the best bird.?

Question

what would be the best sort of bird bird to get with kids. 1 that likes to be handled cuddled & talks well. Also easy 2 look after & train.1 That can really be part of the family. Thanks 4 any help.

Answer 1

Cockatiels are good birds to start out with. They live 20-25 years, so make sure you're willing to commit to such an intelligent animal! They need frequent attention and constant mental stimulation (as with any bird).

I am going to recommend against something like an african grey as a first bird, especially around children. Sure, most end up being excellent talkers, but they aren't terribly cuddly, can live 50+ years, and have a tendency to pull out their feathers, scream, or other psychological issues related to chaotic, inconsistant, or generally busy lifestyles (children).  

Answer 2

Cockatiels are good birds, the males tend to learn to speak better.

Answer 3

I recommend that you get the kid a subscription to Bird Talk or some other bird magazine or buy them some bird books.

1.  If this is your child are you going to take this bird to the vet at any sign of illness?  Birds hide illness really well and when they show the signs it is it is often too late.  They also require yearly check ups just like dogs and cats.  My last vet check for just one bird was $250.

2.  Are you going to buy pellets for the bird and fruits and veggies?  My birds eat better than my family does (I'm a terrible mom I know :).

3.  Are you going to buy an endless supply of toys or learn how to make them?  They are extremely expensive.

4.  Will you or your child spend at least 30 minutes one on one time with the bird a day and 4 hours of out of the cage time with this bird?  They are very needy.  

5.  Are you going to take care of this bird when your child loses interest?  Depending on the age of your child I can almost promise you they will.

You also need to understand that this is a life long commitment.  Most birds live at least 15 years and the big species live 30 to 100 years.  This bird will be like a child for the rest of its life and yours or your child's.  It isn't fair to them to just re-home them or sell them once you have had enough.  They do know what is going on.  They understand.

Now if you can answer yes to all these questions and understand the life long commitment and no re-homing then go for it and I wish you luck.

If you answer no to even one question look into that magazine subscription.

Answer 4

well a cockatiel would be good. cause its small. but there are african greys. there so nice