I have a large family-2 adults, 5 kids, and we're thinking about getting a bird. We want one we can handle and play with, so we were thinking love birds, conures, or cockatiels. What can you tell me about the traits of these breeds? Any suggestions about other breeds we should consider?
The adults would always be present while the kids were with the bird of course.
2006-11-08
06:23:29
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12 answers
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asked by
lee_anne301
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Pets
➔ Birds
The kids are 8,7,5,5, & 2 mos. We live in MI, and we have about a 3' x 4' space for the cage. We don't mind noise (obviously, with 5 kids!). We have a dog (very friendly boxer/rott)& guinea pig. At first, while the bird is a novelty, we would probably spend a several hours with him/her everyday. Unless the bird has a very captivating personality, I'm guessing that would slow down to an hour or two most nights per week. We would love a parrot, but i don't think we have the time for one, or the right age group of kids for one. We don't mind a bird who mimics, vs. talks, but the more intelligent, the better.
2006-11-09
01:04:07 ·
update #1
What a great well-thought out question! And I was going to bring up supervising the kids...no issue there!
Do you have any other pets? This might come into play in choosing the species.
How old are your kids? Old enough to be responsible for helping with the upkeep? (vacuuming, changing the water and substrate newspaper, cutting up vegetables, etc.
When you say "play"... do you want to teach him tricks? Do you want a snugly bird, or one that just likes to be with the family on someones hand?
Where do you plan on putting his cage and how much room do you have? This will also help you select a species. What part of the copuntry do you live in?
You have to base your selection on a few more parameters than you have illustrated, but you are definitely on the right track.
Other questions:
How much time will the family be able to spend with your new family member?
And, have you done any research on birds in general? What species interests you the most if you could have any breed at all?
We can get a better idea of what intrigues you and then fit you with a bird based on those characteristics.
For someone with little or no experience but you are willing to learn, the smaller species are better suited. They are more tolerant of beginner misunderstandings and they are usually quite resiliant. They don't live as long as the larger species, so you have to take that into consideration.
If you have a lot of time to spend with the little guy, and depending on where you live, you could go a bit larger. Caiques are a ton of fun, as well as Poicephalus: Jardine's, Red Bellied, Cape, Meyer's etc. Sweet birds.
So you aren't just boxed into a Budgie or a Cockatiel. While these birds have their virtues, some of the others are just as wonderful and might have a tendency to be a bit more boisterous with your large brood.
Do your research and try and fit the personality and temperament of your family with a bird that is similiar.
Also, please do some research on adopting a very deserving bird. There are literally hundreds that need homes, and are waiting for someone to love them. By adopting a parrot, you also have a wonderful support system there to help you should you need any assistance.
Good Luck with your decision and if you have any other querstions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Edited to ADD: **********
Well, all the species you mentioned are indeed Parrots.
I'm not a huge fan of love birds, although lots of people simply adore them. (To each their own...) But if you get two like most people do, they bond with the other and you are not of much interest to them.
I'm still thinking a Caique would work for you, as well as an African Ringneck, or a Meyer's Parrot. They are a little sturdier than the Cockatiels and are warm, funny and consistant. I love Caiques...they're little clowns and love to play on their backs. I know one that dances!
Just a suggestion here:
While getting a new bird in your household is a novelty, you can't spend masses of time with him at first and then have the attention drop off. He'll come to expect the ton of time and when it drops off, they are heartbroken. You have to be consistant with it from the first, or he'll wonder what went wrong. That's when behavioral issues rear their heads. You have to show him right from the beginning when it's play time with the family...and you need to stick with that for a while. Providing him with lots of toys and stuff to do, and teaching him how to play with them is important. You teach them how to play with toys by playing with the toy with him. That way he'll will know what to do with the toys in his cage when he's on his own.
I hope I've helped. If I can be of any more assistance, please don't hesitate to ask.
2006-11-08 07:16:19
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answer #1
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answered by Phoenix 4
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having such young children, you should be careful about birds. The smaller the beak the less damage the bite. If you get a bird, make sure its fully handtrained before the youngsters hold it. If you are looking for a medium sized bird, Senegal Parrots, Lovebirds, Cockatiels, Conures, and plain old parakeets if your going for small. Kids tend to enjoy the company of parakeets. They are bright, not that loud and easy to train. I would recommend that until they are older and can handle something larger. I have a Derbyan Parakeet and Senegal Parrot. A derbyan parakeet is worth atleast a grand and a senegal is wortha bout $700.. while a parakeet is a mere $15.00!!!
2006-11-10 09:21:43
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answer #2
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answered by sweetascandii707 1
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It depends on how much time you have to spend with your bird. If you are sure that it will be taken care of, and cleaned at least 2 times a week. It also depends on the age of your children. I wouldn't let a child under the age of 8 handle a bird at any cost.
The best beginner bird is a budgie (Americans call them parakeets) They are often gentle, and lovable birds, and can actually learn to talk. (I had 2 that did) They come in a variety of colours, and are quite easy to take care of.
Males seem to be better, pet wise, but gender doesn't matter if you get one young enough. Please, keep it's wings clipped, unless you have a dog or cat. This will prevent it from flying out the door, or flying off if it accidentally finds itself on an unexpected person as they exit the house. (it has happened!)
If you need more care information, feel free to IM me
2006-11-08 07:12:05
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answer #3
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answered by SongWolf 2
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Personally I would get a male cockateil... I have had both a cockateil and a blue-crown conure...
The male cockateils can usually learn more sounds and talk better than the females and Sam (my bird) was the sweetest most wonderful bird ever, and the maintence wasnt too bad. He took showers with me, learned the andy griffith song and ran to the T.V. whenever he heard it, he followed me around like a puppy when I didnt have him on my shoulder, he loved spaghetti noodles and always tried to eat the food out of my mouth hahaha... he was so much fun, the only thing that sucked was biting jewelry and little cords =) and I got him when i was 11, so there were 6 people, 1 dog, and 1 cat... but when you get one you have to make it used to being around people and the animals... and out of the cage when they are young, or you can train him to be a cage bird but they tend to be more scared and not as friendly... I had him for about 8 years and they live alot longer but he got out one day and we only clipped his wings on occasion and he got out...
As for conures and other birds in the parrott family... If you are a busy family without alot of home and care time... dont get one. They are very expensive to buy and even more to take care off, they have to have 2 types of food and fresh fruit almost everyday, and a good amount of toys or the get bored and irritated... It is honestly like caring for a baby and then a toddler, and they bite REALLY HARD, even just playing it kind of hurts... they are sweet birds but I think more for a couple or more elderly people who have time and want to car for the bird as their child. My bird learned alot but he was SO MUCH to take care of and work and not being home got him depressed so I gave him to a friend of mine who had 2 parrots at home, no kids, no other animals, etc... Really with 5 kids I would go for a cockatiel... Good Luck
2006-11-08 06:42:53
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answer #4
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answered by BeachLvr2006 3
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I highly recommend Pionus parrots. White-cap (Pionus senilis) are usually the sweetest and the quietest...no matter how much noise is ok for you, conures can drive you crazy! Pionus are also very capable of entertaining themselves. I had a white-cap pionus who absolutely adored me and was friendly with everyone else who came to visit as well. He was not jealous at all, which is a problem that many parrots have. Pionus smell good and are not too messy, and are adventurous and devoted. (Mine would climb up my stairs to wake me up in the morning.) They're also very sturdy and love to cuddle. They're the only small to mid-size parrots that actually like being petted all over and not just on the head. They make little funny muttering noises, and also mimic your laugh when you are laughing, which is extremely funny. (My grandfather's Maximilian Pionus laughs at David Letterman with the audience.)
Caiques are also very sweet, if a bit more delicate. They're extremely affectionate as well, and very silly. Conures, as I said, can be adorable but literally eardrum-piercing. Unbelievable that anything that small can make that much noise. They're often excellent gymnasts though.
I also had a really great experience with my pet Senegal. They are smaller than Pionus but they think they're the biggest thing in the house. They have massive attitude, in a good way. Mine would walk up to me, give a big sigh, and climb all the way up me. They love getting completely wet, whistling, lying on their backs to play with toys with their feet, and eating your food. They are also incredible escape artists, so if you get one, put locks on the cage doors, even if you think it can't possibly open them. It will. Trust me. And you will find it in the kitchen, eating the dog food. It can be a little territorial that way -- you can be sure the dogs won't go near it.
Anyway, so my recommendation is, if you want affectionate, go with a pionus. If you want a bird that's practically exploding with impish energy, go with a Senegal. If you want a cute clown, go with a caique or a conure. I'm sure you'll be good owners, regardless, since you've put so much consideration into this. I wish all parrot owners thought as hard about their pets. Have fun with your new family member!
2006-11-09 09:34:49
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answer #5
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answered by thepracticaldragon 1
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Cockatiels are more easy going, easier to handle, and don't bite as hard when they get upset. Also they are a little quieter than the other birds you mentioned. With kids I would suggest a hand-fed baby cockatiel, which would make it easier to handle, and it will adjust easier to your family. Keep in mind, birds are like kids, they need lots of loving attention.
2006-11-08 06:36:02
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answer #6
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answered by Valarie7979 2
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We have a quaker parrot. She is a big love. Its me, my hubby, my four year old son, a cat , bunny and quaker.
It is the first and only bird we have ever had, we wanna get another one. You should look into them. OUrs was hand raised so she is so sweet. SHe can be a lil loud, but its a bird what do people expect.:):) Good luck
2006-11-08 15:48:03
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answer #7
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answered by HijabiMuslimah 3
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i imagine you need to get a budgie. My first poultry ever develop right into a budgie, and that i basically love them. My old budgie distinctly ate seeds, yet at times a minimum of two times a week I gave her end result like bananas, kiwi, and non salted crackers. She lived to be 11 years old! The budgie I extremely have now is nearly in a small/medium cage. i imagine that's ok though see you later as you enable them out widely used to get workout. in case you purchase the poultry from a puppy shop it would probable be round $10.00. nutrients for that's like $8 in step with %., yet lasts a lengthy time period. you won't be able to forget the cost of end result! i imagine your ultimate wager might want to be to get a hand raised budgie from a breeder. it will be harder to hit upon a breeder notwithstanding that's properly worth it. in case you get a poultry from Petco that's going to likely be extremely uncommon for it to be hand educated. Taming birds can take a lengthy time period. If petco is your in hardship-free words determination, ensure you get an exceedingly youthful one and that that's extremely lively in that's little play section. The puffy ones are often ill. Spend a number of time with it on a daily basis, they get lonely! As for personalities, they're extremely sweet. My old budgie used to love being round me, and loved having the bottom section lower than her wings scratched. They each and every have diverse personalities and continuously amuse you. strong success! :-)
2016-10-16 08:09:38
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answer #8
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answered by ? 4
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I have a quaker it is sweet. Loves looking in mirrors. Loves to climb on my 9 year old son's shoulder and nibble on his ear. :) I also have a yellow-nape,goffin cockatoo,african grey timneh but they are medium sized parrots. I would suggest a quaker if you want a parrot. At least to start out with.
2006-11-09 02:04:32
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answer #9
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answered by Dana A 3
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I would prefer a cockatiel but ultimately it's up to your family. Whatever you get make sure it is HAND RAISED! The hand raised ones are so much friendlier and you will find they make much better pets.
2006-11-08 06:30:02
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answer #10
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answered by dolly 6
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