I need input on buying a bird!!

[February_Stormz]

My husband and I have decided to add a bird to our family of one dog, one cat and one fish.

We would prefer a smaller bird such as a parakeet, canary or finch. I have been told by a few people that cockateils make wonderful pet birds.

We would like a bird that sings pretty and were told a male canary is the perfect candidate.

I need feed back on those of you who own birds. What birds should I consider buying and why????????

I would appreciate your help.......

[BabyRider]

I have never owned a bird, mainly because the one I want is an African Grey parrot, and it is out of my price range right now, but while I was researching, I found a great site:
avianbreeders.com. They have TONS of great information, I'd suggest starting there. Good luck, and let us know what you decide!

[rachelg]

Before I got into showing dogs, I bred birds: American and English parakeets, several of the type canaries, cockatiels, Nanday Conures, Lady Gouldian and Zebra Finches and I owned several other types just to have. I've had eggs from my Molucan Cockatoos and Goffins Cockatoos, but no babies ever hatched. If I wanted to hear singing I would get a canary, but if you want one that talks, I would reccommend a Cockatiel. Parrots require an experienced handler sometimes, and even the handfed ones can get ornery! They could potentially remove a finger so a smaller bird is better if you have kids. I think as a pet, the cockatiels are better because you can handle them, and rarely ever do canaries become hand tame. Just my input

[abbey]

Hiya pixiechick, i have a cockatiel called dolly she's 6 years old & has a wide repetoire of tunes her favorite are the x files & the simpsons accompanied by the banging of her bell, my brother got her for me when she was a chick & she soon learned to talk and whistle tunes , he got me a female because the breeder said they make better talkers.
Unfortunatley she does'nt talk anymore the dog scared her about 4 years ago & she has'nt said a word since, shame really because it was lovely listening to her.
Good luck x

[valerie]

I hafta vote with Rachelg on the cockatiels. I had one for many, many,
years, he was the greatest. My Mom said "Name him something exotic"
So I said "Okay, MOZAMBIQUE" and then he of course ended up as "Moe"
and because of the feathers on his head, everybody thought I mixed him
up with Curly!!

His greatest trait was his absolute lack of fear of Siamese cats or Siberian
Husky dogs!! He would climb right down to the bottom of his cage, look
cat or dog straight in the eye and say "Hello Baby, what ARE you doing?"
and completely disarmed them. Woulda been a whole other deal entirely
if he'd fluttered around and been scared, they all woulda out and out
GONE for him.

Good luck, and let us know what you decide!!

[Bill Sikes]

I have *never* done that in my life, and anyone who says I have is.... Oh. Apologies. Not that sort of thread.

[Cass]

Looks like you have the whole food chain happening in your house

I can't stand budgies, they are loud and messy ~ we were happy when ours finally expired. If you ever need help chosing a turkey, I'm your girl

[Peg]

I've had parakeets that could talk, a lot, but no bird will ever compare to my cockateil Opie. He whistled Mayberry and Dixie, told me what a pretty bird he was, constantly gave me kisses, and was just absolutely wonderful.

[pantsonfire321@aol.com]

Whatever you do dont buy a parrot unless its a tame captive breed one i have what is known in the trade as a squawker a wild bird sold as captive breed (the parrot was given to me )its very hard but not impossible to tame and you will find them cheap to buy but from my expireance thay are a lot of work very grumpy and a big commitment.sarah jane

[February_Stormz]

Originally Posted by abbey

Hiya pixiechick, i have a cockatiel called dolly she's 6 years old & has a wide repetoire of tunes her favorite are the x files & the simpsons accompanied by the banging of her bell, my brother got her for me when she was a chick & she soon learned to talk and whistle tunes , he got me a female because the breeder said they make better talkers.
Unfortunatley she does'nt talk anymore the dog scared her about 4 years ago & she has'nt said a word since, shame really because it was lovely listening to her.
Good luck x

Thanks for the input Abbey. Could you tell me how long it normally takes for a cockateil to learn how to talk? Also, do they make alot of noise?

So far, I am leaning toward a cockateil.