I am looking for a bird?

Question

I have never owned a bird, but I have taken care of zebra finches for awhile. I want a bird that is relatively small and quiet, and can live on its own or in a pair. It would be best if it was $50 or under. I would also have about one hour or less to spend with it on weekdays, and on weekends it would be with me all day. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Getting a bird for under $50 is not possible. The bird itself may cost less than that, but a decent cage will cost money, the first vet appointment, the food, the toys.... birds are not cheap. Also, an hour or less is not enough time. Wait until you have more time to spend with your bird, and you have the finances to take care of one.

Answer 2

I also have zebra finches. I just recently got a parakeet too. She only cost about $20. She's pretty quiet and a lot less messy than the finches. If I ignore her or leave her alone all day, she gets angry and bites me. If you can only spend an hour or less on weekdays with your bird, I would suggest getting a pair.

Answer 3

When you say it would be with you all day on weekends, I assume you're talking about parrots, since very very few finches/canaries/doves/quail are willing to be handled. In that case, the only parrot you can get for that price is a budgie.

To complicate that, a pair of parrots alone for > 23 hours a day during the week will bond with each other far more than you, and you may have difficulty handling them.

If you're looking for some cool birds who are independent and possibly handleable, I'd reccomend a pair of button quail. They're very cute, and they are more likely to let you handle them than a finch.

Answer 4

I think Parakeets would be a good match they are cheerful perky birds. Very playful and are usually fifty dollars or less. :) A good sized cage will cost more thought. I would recomend at least a 15 inch by 15 inch cage. Wider then higher since birds dont fly up. xP

Answer 5

I myself think you should get a cockatiel but not a male because they don't know when to stop chirping. Trust me, I would know I have a male. You should get a female. Females are much friendlier than males and much quieter. They are also much more patient with training. If you do get one and you are gone most of the day you should get a second one so it does not get bored.

Answer 6

I had finches and parakeets. I loved both. Althought both could be messy and they all made noise. They are usually more vocal in the morning, but I didn't find it annoying.

Answer 7

i have a quaker, dont buy a bird why not call the shelters and see if ther are any or ask around. Maybe someone cant take care of there bird anymore and will give it to you for free!

Answer 8

Since it sounds like you won't have much time during the week to spend with it, I would recommend the good old parakeet. Their quite easy to take care of and can be tamed and pretty low maintenance.

Answer 9

Budgies (parakeets) are great birds, that are also cheap ($20). If quality time is spent with them, they can even learn to talk! They like to chirp, but it's not loud, and they tend to be quiet if you cover their cage for the night.

Answer 10

finche would be cool for you or a pareteet
if you want to try a quaker parrot they are great pets... but they love more company more then one hour but if your home you'll be playing with him or her they are soo cute!
but they cost more to in pet stores you can pay up to 400 for a green one... i got mine from a local breeder i found through the internet for 150 i had a cage tho too! love my birdy!