what is the ideal bird pet?

Answer 1

It depends on your personality and the time you have to devote to your bird. I'll give you some examples...

If you have a lot of time on your hands, are generally a loving, caring individual who doesn't mind setting boundaries and disciplining your bird, then some would suggest one of the Cockatoo species. Cockatoo's are loud, strange creatures. They like to be touched, rubbed, kissed on and hugged pretty much 100% of the time. The discipline I speak of comes in not allowing them to run your life. They have to learn to play on their own and to entertain themselves. If you spend too much time playing and cuddling these species, you will make a monster of your bird. These guys are also really hard to read. If you do get a cockatoo, I wouldn't recommend a male. Females seem to be more even tempered. You can't see eye pinning in these guys very easily, and their bites are vicious. Their beaks are made for tearing instead of crushing, and I've seen a lot of hospital bills related to owning cockatoos. Cockatoos are especially prone to feather picking, and biting issues even if you do properly take care of them.

If you're a flamboyant, goofball of a person with a bright, fun personality, maybe the macaw species is good for you. Macaws are crazy, fun, silly and goofy individuals that are full of all kinds of personality. If you must have a large bird, I'd rather see you get a macaw over a cockatoo any day of the week. These guys MUST be stimulated with new toys and new activities pretty much all the time. They are ridiculously smart and if you don't stimulate them and teach them the rules of the roost and the home, you will pay for it with some pretty heinous behavioral problems which come in the form of feather picking, biting, and screaming. If you're looking for a way to go not-so-quietly insane, bring a macaw into your house and don't take care of it. The screaming will drive you mad. However, a properly cared for Macaw is the most wonderful pet in the whole wide world.

If you're a live and let live type of person, maybe an Eclectus is good for you. The eclectus, particularly the male is an independent, fun loving bird that you can easily teach tricks, and will love you, but doesn't need the constant human interaction that some of the other large species do. You'll still have to spend time every day with him, but Eclectus's do really well with ambient attention and are adorable little comedians with huge personality.

Amazons are known for being wildly unpredictable. As a matter of fact, we rescued a DHY Amazon recently that I deemed to not have a mean bone in his body. He is sweet as the day is long. I allow him on my shoulder (which I don't typically do with any bird) and he loves it when I nuzzle his face with my nose and scratch him. Yesterday, I was admitted into the hospital with a severe kidney stone and my husband was left to move him from the couch to his cage. He bit my husband, blood dripping down his arm and wouldn't let go. I love, love, love this bird. Of all the birds we have, he is hands down the love of my life. He'd never bite me like that, but again, I say that and next week, I could be in the ER having my nose put back together.

African Greys are highly intelligent as well. They are reported to be the #1 talker of all the species (though, I'll argue that to the death because I think that the DYH Amazon ranks first), but they are known to have all sorts of birdy-tude if you don't take the time to train every single day of their lives. These birds are known to speak in context (like the DYH Amazon) and since they're so smart, they know when they're being screwed over. You don't give them enough things to do, you'll hear about it through bites and all sorts of naughty behavior.

I don't know a whole lot about the conures and the smaller species. Personally, I'll take a macaw bite over a conure bite any day of the week. Those little birds can be viscious with their beaks!

Through all of the behavior issues and the biting, and the screaming...they are ALL my ideal pets. I don't even consider them pets. They are truly part of the family around here.

Answer 2

Budgies. Get a young male. He will learn to talk and give you kisses. The cage has to have the correct size spacing between the bars that is appropriate for each species of bird. Some cages are huge but can accommodate small finches. I also recommend you go to the local pet store and talk to the people who work there. Some birds are sweet but are so noisy that you will scream. That is why I prefer Budgies. If you need to get some quiet, just put their cover over the cage. They are not expensive to own and will become the most devoted pet. Have fun! and Good Luck!

Answer 3

That is really a choice of personal preference. Some would say the bigger the better -- go for a Macaw, while others like the smaller, compact parrot the Budgie. I share my home with Conures and think they are a wonderful species. My friend happily lives with two Cockatoos, an African Grey and a Blue and Gold Macaw. If you are trying to decide on a bird, choose one that fits your lifestyle, avian experience, time commitments and interest.

Answer 4

I have had several birds throughout the years. I have found that the Moluccan Cockatoo is by far the most affectionate, smart and has a personality that doesn't quit! They are very loud though, they love attention and won't stop til they get it. My Moluccan is really good. And I personally think they are the ideal bird!

Answer 5

There is no "ideal" pet bird. You need to look at what you can manage, what you can afford (and I don't mean just the initial cost of the bird itself -- I mean food, caging, vet expenses, toys and any number of other things you'll need), what kind of noise level you can tolerate, how much mess you can put up with (and birds can be messy-messy-messy), how much time you have to spend with the bird you want...you have to evaluate YOUR life before bring another creature into it.

Answer 6

What bird makes the best pet, or what is the ideal pet bird???

HOW original? WHAT is the difference?