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| | From:  Whitney551 (Original Message) | Sent: 7/6/2005 1:58 AM |
| I don't know which I should get a parakeet or a cockatiel? This is my first time with birds. I would like one that I could hold. And I believe I read somewhere that parakeets don't really like this is that true? Please let me know which bird you think I should get? |
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Whitney....I have personally never been able to hold a parakeet. My grandmother and great aunt raised the little guys for over 40 year and could get them to do anything! I have never had any trouble with cockatiels. I think it boils down to personality and how much time you spend with your birdie! It sounds like you are starting to do your homework and this is a good place to bounce ideas off of fellow bird lovers  . You should get LOTS of advice from everyone here! -Adrienne & Gonzo |
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Hi Whitney, Welcome to BB. There are a few things to think about before you get a bird. I know you are 14 years old. Are your parents willing to buy the bird and cage, fresh veggies to be fed daily and the regular diet, plus pay for vet care if the bird should get sick? It is pretty expensive and a shock to most people to see a vet bill for bird care. Are they willing to care for the bird, cage cleaning and feeding, if you decide to go away on a school trip? Have you considered what you will do when you go off to college? That's only a few years away and you need a plan in mind to have someone take care of him. Many people don't realize how messy birds are, seeds on the floor, feathers and down flying around the room. I had a call a week ago from a lady who bought her 13 year old daughter a parrot for Christmas and they are sick of the mess, plus they don't have time to get him out of the cage to play. So they are trying to find him another home. This is a long time commitment because they live many years, at least 10 to 25 years, and they need a permanent home. Let us know what you and your folks decide. We are interested and will help if we can. Annie |
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I had Cockatiels that I rescued for a while, and I
did not really like them. I could smell chicken smell in the house when I had
just 2 in one big clean cage. Course I grew up with Chickens as work, LOL. I
finally found them a home and owner and birds are quite happy. A lot of people
love them to death, so they will probably not like me saying they smell like
chickens. LOL. But then the ones I had were biters, and did not come from a
loving home, so I did not get a good take on them as pets.
Budgies are small and cheap and suppose to be
great talkers, I would get one of those if I was wanting to start small.. I do
not know much about parakeets..
My first bird was a Crow, that I saved, then I got
a Red Lored Amazon, Now I have a CAG I added. The CAG is not a "first bird"
choice I think.. Course I got one older with baggage.
But the RLA is an amazing bird.. She was used (2
years old) but she will travel in a travel cage, not care or stress. or she is
fine staying with Family while we are gone on trips if we take her cage. She
thinks Dogs are funny, she thinks kids are annoying but tolerable.. She is happy
if it is winter and we are in the house all day with her, or if it is summer and
she can see out a window while no one is around all day.. She demands that you
give her popcorn and let her pick through your plate. She will eat her pellets
and set in the cage all day on busy days, or set on her living room perch all
day (if you forget her she will get on the window sill) She will se on your
chest while you watch TV and groom your hair.. She just never gets upset or
stresses, and she is always laid back and happy.. RLA's are not big talkers but
sure are sweet easy going birds..
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My first bird was a parakeet. I spent LOTS of time with him. Absolutely no regrets, they're small, cute, like all birds they can be noisey, but I never found it irritating. I tried to teach him a few words, but thanks to my mom, he said "stupid bird," "dirty bird", "shitty bird" and "JOHN" (wake up call for my brother). Dianne |
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I think you should get a cockatiel. They are wonderful especially if this is your first bird. If you get a male it may talk a little too.I love parakeets. They are a big bird in a little birds body, not as easy to handle as a cockatiel. Handfed cockatiels are very sweet and a perfect bird to start with. |
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You can hold parakeets they make wonderful pets but not for a first time bird owner. i agree that cockatiels are a better choice |
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| | | From: mompjb | Sent: 7/21/2005 12:39 AM |
Well I just got a new baby parakeet, his is adorable. He doesnt like to be held, want to fly away (of course wings are clipped so he just glides down), HOWEVER, in the evening he sits on my daughters chest/stomach and falls asleep. She just loves it. This is the third in my life time and not one of them are cuddly bugs but very cute, personality is fun.
Cockatiel, very laid back, very soft. One we had a long long time ago loved to be held. One I held in the store the other day was hand tamed and loved to be held and petted.
Difference also is that the cockatiel will have alittle white dusting that gets on you,furniture,etc parakeets do not.
Good luck to you. Patti |
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One caution about cockatiels. They are highly allergenic. So if you are susceptible to allergies, they probably are not a good choice. |
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| Thanks for all your guyses inputs. I have decided to get a cockatiel. I do not think the allergy part will be a problem. And when my whole family is away we have a great family friend who already has a cockatiel. My mom found a breeder of them too I just have to wait a while because her femal cockatiel just past away. But when she has a litter of birds I get to see and hold all of them to decide which one I like best and the one that bonds with me the most. Thanks for all your help! |
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Hi Annie Oakie...I haven't been able to come on here since my beloved Amazon, Peppy, passed away in my arms. I had him 28 yrs. and he was the best..I am filled with such a large hole in my heart. If the people you spoke about, or anyone, knows where I could adopt a larger (Amazon or Macaw) I would love the baby to pieces. I am in So. Calif. but have someone willing to pay for shipping. It must be a hand-fed or at least gentle bird. Nancy |
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Hi Nancy, you have been missing for a long long time. I am so sorry about the loss of your bird. That's so sad to lose one who has been with you for such a long time. I feel certain that the lady has found a home for the bird. It was along time ago when she called, almost two years. I can't even remember her name. You live in an area where there are lots of parrot breeders. Have you checked to see if they have babies or even older birds who need new homes? Another possibility is at the animal shelters. Depending on the size of the town you live in, they may get quite a few. You could leave your name with them. Hope you find your new bird soon. Annie |
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You won't regret choosing a cockatiel. They are quite funny. Just remember, if you spray them often, you won't have any trouble with the white dust.
I had one that was given to me because the owners said they were allergic. I sprayed that bird and never had trouble with my allergies.He whistled the Andy Griffith song and said a few words too.
Good Luck!
Dot |
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| | | From: Beelady | Sent: 4/24/2007 10:35 AM |
With me, it's a tie between parakeets & cockatiels. I grew up with a parakeet "buddy" ... I was an only child and our parakeet, Judy, helped fill my void. My dad raised parakeets (this was in the '50's) ... he thought Judy was a female turned out to be a male. But the name stuck. One night while I was doing my homework, Judy kept trying to chew my textbook. My mother went to swat beside him but he ran under the newspaper. This broke his wing and when it healed, he never could fly far. Sounded like a helicopter!  We could go outside with him on our shoulder. We had him a little more than 5 years. One morning my grandfather went outside with Judy on his shoulder ... something frightened him and he flew ... my g/father couldn't turn around fast enough to see where he went.  Needless to say, I was devastated -- I was 12 at the time and it was like losing a family member! After Judy I had more parakeets and have fond memories of them all, but Judy understandably holds a special place in my heart. Fast-forward to 10 years ago when I got my first cockatiel, Dixie, who was a white-faced grey. I'm now up to three -- each has their own personality, as other 'tiel & bird owners can vouch for. Cirrus (7 years old) is a cuddler -- loves to press up against my chin for a scritch or just to sit and preen or sleep. Dixie II (my first Dixie escaped ... ) is 7 years old and Charlie (one I adopted and is 15 years old) enjoy sitting on my knees & legs doing their preening, etc. I see you've decided on a cockatiel ... you're going to really love your bird! |
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What is it with cockatiels and the Andy Griffith song? Mine sings it too, and I didn't teach him that! |
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And so did our quakers... they loved that song... we had to be dead silent when the show came on so we didn't disturb their repertoire |
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