Thinking about getting a bird...advice?

I'm not sure why, but it's been stuck in my head for a couple months now that I want to get a bird.

I don't know what kind or much about them at all.

Thought I'd start here.

Are they hard to take care of?

We have a dog, fish and frogs. And I have a soon to be 3 year old.


Bird people - what do you recommend?

TIA!!

Re: Thinking about getting a bird...advice?

While I love birds. I would no longer have them in the house.

They are a lot of maintenance. They make a mess. Just like rabbits, guinea pigs. The stuff flies off the cage all the time.

In addition, birds are VERY noisy!

Depending on the variety some have health issues to watch for. Like fungus on their beak, etc...

Message edited 2/1/2010 4:40:43 PM.

Re: Thinking about getting a bird...advice?

I've never had a bird as a pet. But when an African Gray Parrot showed up in my shrub one day, I looked them up and found they can live to 80 years old! I read that Parrots also can suffer from separation anxiety and will screech incessantly or pull their own feathers out.

LisaW has a bird, hopefully she'll come along and give you some insight.

Re: Thinking about getting a bird...advice?

As you know, I have a small parrot.

I don't find him difficult to take care of all- but of course I have no children or other pets

Is he messy? He can be...we tend to let him roam on the outside of his cage and he will eat there a lot (bring peanuts out, etc). We just put paper towels down and its not a big deal

He can be very loud when he is attention seeking. He then, like a child, goes for a time out We put him in his "night night" cage (smaller cage in the bedroom) for a bit and he usually gets the hint

That being said, I never ever ever thought I would have a pet bird. I actually made fun of DH when he got him while we were dating. I had no idea how much personality this little thing could have, how smart he is, and how I would melt when he yells my name

We keep his wings clipped so he can't fly- he can flutter safely to the floor if need be (and it need be bc like his mommy he is a klutz ). We always either take him to get his nails trimmed or I do it myself 'cause those mothers are like little razor blades!

Of course, this is a medium sized bird. You might want to start with something smaller such as a love bird or parakeet.

If you have any questions, ask away!

Re: Thinking about getting a bird...advice?

Posted by greenfreak

I've never had a bird as a pet. But when an African Gray Parrot showed up in my shrub one day, I looked them up and found they can live to 80 years old! I read that Parrots also can suffer from separation anxiety and will screech incessantly or pull their own feathers out.

LisaW has a bird, hopefully she'll come along and give you some insight.

Re: Thinking about getting a bird...advice?

Lauren...my mom has a cockatoo...it is VERY loud and he doesn't like me. I was away at college when she got him...my brother and sister were both living at home, so I guess he bonded with them and never with me. He always bit me everytime I was there. He doesn't come out of the cage now when I visit, or I have to go into another room so he doesn't see me. Needless to say...I'm not a fan.

Also...what are you going to do with a bird when you go to LI or to your parents? I think you have enough to handle with bringing the dog and a toddler

Good luck!

Re: Thinking about getting a bird...advice?

I have two female zebra finches. Not a lot of work at all. Clean their cage a few times a week, and vacuum under the cage every other day and you should be fine. They like to keep to themselves so they need no attention. They eat a mix of seed and pellets, and occasionally eggs and veggies. They just beep beep beep all day and I think it is so cute

Here's mine:

Message edited 2/2/2010 2:03:06 PM.

Re: Thinking about getting a bird...advice?

I have had birds my whole life. I had a parakeet, a Red Lory, a cockatiel before I was 10. My parents got an African Gray when I was 10 and now he's 21! I have a Blue Headed Pionus that is 20! A bird is a long commitment and they are not for everyone. Often they become attached to just one person, they can be very noisy (my parents' gray does not have an off switch!), and they can be messy. I love my birds very much but it isn't a decision to be gone into lightly. Most live waaaay longer than a dog or cat. I would recommend a much less needy first bird for you if you decide to go through with it. Definitely NOT a cockatoo or African Gray. These can have serious emotional issues and pluck their feathers and they live a very long time. I am not exactly sure what kind of bird you are looking for or what you are looking for from a bird. I would be happy to chat further with you about this if you would like. Drop me an FM...

ETA: My pionus HATES everyone but me, especially my husband!

Message edited 2/2/2010 2:07:33 PM.