Thinking of getting a pet bird

Question

hi, im thinking of getting either a budgie or a cockatiel-or if my parents let me a gray parrot, but i think there quite hard to look after, and expensive. could you give me pros an cons or the budgie and cockatiel, and what i need to feed them and how often. i have never owned a bird before but if you think i could handle a kind of parrot could you include that 2, thanks!

Answer 1

A Lineolated Parakeet would be a nice option for you!!

Lineolated Parakeets are like mini parrots, lots of parrot like personality, beauty, but in a neat little package..

they can learn to talk also and have very, very special personalities.

they make great pets!!

you can find out more about them by typing in lineolated parakeet on your browser ..

or, go to Yahoos Linnie Lovers group, join in and please feel free to ask lots of questions, we will answer them as best as we can.    We also have lots of photo's of our babies....

Answer 2

The place to be http://forums.budgiebreeders.asn.au/

Answer 3

1: get a handfed/tame bird! some petstores have tame birds, but don't buy one that cannot be handled by the employee.

Budgies and Cockatiels are both good choices. the cockatiel might be a little louder, but can imitate whistles very well.  Budgies usually learn to talk a little, they're quiet but pretty good at it(handfed birds).

a Bird Breeder/Aviary would be the least expensive route. Make sure the budgie or tiel isn't too frightened of you when you handle it(keep in mind it might be a little timid of strangers). Most good breeders will have already started teaching them step up and can easily handle the birds.

good luck! :)

sites to try below

Answer 4

Well your on your way because budgies and cockatiels are great starters.

Now it depends on what you are looking for in a bird. If you don't want it attached to your hip you most likely want a budgie, It can still happen but its harder.  Cockatiels on the otherhand, If its hand fed and you give it a lot of attention, he will want to be with you all the time, want to be pet, and even cuddle with you. If you want them to sing, cockatiel or budgie, you want a male, you want them quiet, female. Cockatiels wont really talk but the males may say mumbled words. The male parakeet may as well but its a lot harder.

As for feeding them, give them fresh food every morning. I HIGHLY recommend a pellet diet. I had my budgies ans cockatiels on seed diets and I had a lot of problems with them getting sick. I switched to a pellet diet and havent had and problems. Also try to stick to organic pellets, not that rainbow colored stuff. You also want to feed then fruits and veggies. I will list at the bottom what they CANNOT have. You can also IM me or Email me. you can find my s/n under my name in my profile, ask for my email ill give it to you. I've had cockatiels and budgies for over 10 years.

Cannot have

Grapes-unless you peel them

rasins

avocatos

iceberg lettuce

Any pits or seed you wouldn't eat

Answer 5

Cockatiel all the way.

I have two myself.

My oldest one was the first pet I ever got.

They are both well and healthy (I've never had to take them to the vet)

They are friendly and my little grey one can whistle tunes. They are extremely smart and lovable. Pretty easy maintenance as well. Mine tend to be a bit messy with their seeds but other than that, they're fine. They love to perch on your finger. Oh but make sure you don't get one that's too old. When they've already been raised by someone else or around a lot of other cockatiels, they can be kind of mean. Also see how hard it bites before you get it. I've seen some that can do some damage but mine only nibble at your fingers. (thats why i wouldn't recommend a parrot...they can make you bleed.)There is food you can buy at places like petstores or even wal-mart for cockatiels. They are easily entertained and love new toys to chew on. I'd say change their food every other day. Vary it and give them a fruit or a piece of bread or something when you can. They LOVE millet spray so keep some handy if you can. Make sure to play with your bird about an hour everyday if you can. Birds need exercise too. But always be gentle and if they get spooked, don't force em to do anything or they might think you're dangerous. When you get a cockatiel, get their wings clipped. It makes them more dependant on you and more likely to obey you. It's pretty cheap. I get mine done for $5-$10. Cockatiels live many many years too so you will definitely be getting your money's worth. I bought Rupert(my oldest one for $30) and Lucy(my 5 month old baby) for $50.

If you aren't good with responsibility, don't get a baby. You have to hand-feed them and if you forget....it could get ugly.

I guess for some added words of wisdom...the only problem i've ever had with mine are night frights. Kind of like bad dreams. They can get spooked at night and flap around their cage. It's rare that it happens. I think its happened to me.....twice. cockatiels are absolutely darling pets. Oh! and if you need any advice you can use the sites i listed that will tell you Everything you need to know. The first is the homepage, and the second is the frequently asked questions.

Good Luck with your bird!

Oh...people say males are more talkative than females but its actually my male that does tricks and my female that talks. haha. My male chirps but he won't whistle or say anything.

Answer 6

cockatiels are nice, especiall if you get a hand fed one, they need fresh food every day, especially if its seed your feeding them, and you should give them fresh water too        

if you want a chance of them talking males are the best bet, females are more quiet

Answer 7

I'd say the grey parrot is a bit too much work for a first time bird owner, they are quite expensive to take care of, and to purchase as well.  They also require a very large cage which can also empty your pockets.  I'd say your best bet is the cockatiels, they are usually very friendly with distinct personalities.  With some time and effort they can also be taught to whistle tunes or even talk! One of mine whisltes the Andy Griffith tune.  I have two, and they are fairly easy to manage as long as you pay attention to them a lot.  Food and water need to be changed everyday.  They sell food at most pet stores specifically for cockatiels, as well as fun treats and toys.  My cage for the two of them is about 3 1/2 x 5 feet with plenty of perches for them to stand and climb on.  Newspaper will be fine to line the cage bottom, as long as its just black and white in, the color ink in newspapers contains lead which is toxic.  Hope this helps.