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Want a pet bird2007-11-24 17:16:28

For some reason I've been wanting to get a pet bird. I want one that talks and is very loving, does anyone know of what breed I should get with these characteristics?

Answers:

Cockatiels or budgerigars (parakeets) make excellent first birds. Both have lots of personality, can be taught to talk, and cockatiels can learn to whistle tunes. Budgies also can have HUGE vocabularies, even bigger than the big talking parrots.

Neither type of bird needs your attention in the amounts that bigger birds do, so you can go away during they day and they will be fine playing with their toys and napping while you are gone. Larger birds may not be as tolerant of your schedule and may begin self-destructive behavior, such as plucking and digging bloody holes into themselves if you are gone a lot.

Budgie and cockatiel beaks are also not that big so a bite from them won't hurt as much as the long-peaked beak of a Senegal parrot digging into your hand and taking chunks of flesh off of it. I've got a Senegal and though I love him, he sometimes does exactly that. You wouldn't want that done to your face, would you? Keep your bird off your shoulder then.

Please, don't buy your bird from a pet store. They are overpriced and often have hidden health issues. Go buy an issue of Birdtalk magazine and find a reputable home breeder near your area. Also, if they have a copy of Birds USA, that's a nice publication that helps you decide which bird is right for you. A good home breeder will let you come inspect the premises, see the parents and living conditions and let you handle the bird you are thinking about buying. They will also give you a menu of the food they have been giving your bird (NOT just seeds, but veggies, fruit, pasta, maybe even a specially formulated pellet diet).