I really want a pet bird, but my mom hates pets, so I figured I'd just wait the year and a half until I'm off to college to get one (provided I can find a pet-compatible place to stay and all that). Anyway, here's my question (actually I have two).
Reading around here, I see a lot of people talking about how their birds watch TV with them and talk with them and stuff. Is that really true? They just sit there and watch TV with you, or watch you while your on the computer? Maybe it seems a little strange to someone who doesn't have pets, I dunno.
Also, I took my little cousin to the pet store and saw this bird that was pretty much all red (more of a scarlet), but had a few purple spots. No, it wasn't a parrot, but it looked really cool and I wanted to know what kind it was. It was a medium-sized bird, bigger than cokatoos but smaller than those big parrots. Anyway know what that was?
Also, last random question: can you pet birds? The ones at the pet store just bit me.
2007-01-17 08:58:07 · 7 answers · asked by milan 4 in Pets ➔ Birds
No, its not the femal eclectus. It was completely scarlet. I'm pretty sure it had tiny little purple patches, just on the end of a feather or two, but i could be wrong. I remember it was completely scarlet.
2007-01-17 12:07:44 · update #1
Sounds to me like the bird you encountered was a female eclectus. Look that up in pictures and see if that's it. They're mostly red with purple under their feathers and tail feathers, and then as they get older, they almost look like they've got purple eyeliner around their eyes. They're beautiful.
And, yep...my birds like to watch tv with me. Heck...sometimes they like to just watch it by themselves. My birds pretty much do everything with me.
2007-01-17 11:59:04 · answer #1 · answered by sdkramer76 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1. go back to the store and ask them what the bird is/was.
2. The Parrots family can be "tamed" (which needs to start very leaving the nest) and in most cases they quite enjoy human contact and most can be taught to talk (repeat phrases).
3. Finch family don't like human contact (this includes canaries).
4. Animals and birds are often attracted to moving object and i know that dogs are able to recognise the owners and other dogs on TV so birds probably see the moving images as an interesting distraction.
5. Remember that the bigger the bird is then generally the more exercise it needs and will also mean a larger cage, more food and also more interaction with you to prevent any destructive habits forming as a big bird not only bites harder but can really do damage to property as well.
2007-01-20 09:14:36 · answer #2 · answered by magpiez 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some birds will sit still and sit with you on the computer or watching TV for about 20 minutes or so before they get bored. I keep a play gym in the living room for my birds, that way when they are bored, they have toys to play with.
Without a better description, I can't tell you what kind of bird you saw. I would ask the pet store.
As for petting birds, it depends on the bird. I have three that will let me pet and touch them, but the others I have don't like being touched.
I would take the time before college to visit breeders and interact with some of the smaller species. Having been in college recently and still dealing with a rental place, I can tell you from experience that the smaller birds are more readily accepted. Not all places will let you have one though!
Keep in mind that you will have to buy toys for the bird, a healthy pelleted diet, treats, veggies, and keep $$ aside for vet visits. Birds always seem to get sick just when it is the least convenient. Avian vets aren't cheap either!
2007-01-17 17:26:05 · answer #3 · answered by Christie D 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To answer your question. Yes they love tv and music. They are very intelligent. I own 4 parrots or should I say I am owned by 4 parrots LOL. Each one is very different in what they like and dislike. I have some picky eaters. Some that eat anything you give them. LOL. Some love to be petted others are happy not being touched. But all of mine will let you pet them,....some will come to side of cage after they are put in it and want you to pet them. 3 out of 4 of my parrots are escape artist! LOL I am not sure what kind or bird you are talking about wish I could help you. Best of luck making a great choice there are so many wonderful parrots to chose from. :)
2007-01-18 11:05:43 · answer #4 · answered by Dana A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you hand raise a bird, they can be great friends. I had a pigeon once who always wanted to be on me and she let me pet her and everything. It takes time and patience though. Another thing to keep in mind is that birds are messy! I have 2 cockatiels and the dust they give off makes me clean often...not to mention seeds all over the floor.
2007-01-17 17:36:26 · answer #5 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats very true. i have 2 african grey parrots and they love to watch tv with me. they are the best
2007-01-17 18:12:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, i have no idea, and yes but you have to get one that was hand fed
2007-01-17 17:02:45 · answer #7 · answered by hockeyqueen13 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋