what type of bird would be good for a 13 year old beginner?

Question

since my dad wont let me get a cat, he said a bird is a possibility. what temps are they ok at? what about hot drafts from a blower for a wood/coal furnace? What questions should i ask the bird breeder, handler, dealer person? is it really ok to get a bird at a pet department store? What qualities should i look for in the bird im looking for?

Answer 1

First, I must say that birds make absolutely wonderful pets! Their antics and impressionable personalities make them a joy in any household.
Drafts are not very good in general when it comes to any avian species. Cool drafts can chill them and make them vulnerable to an assortment of infections including upper respiratory infections. Hot drafts from a wood burner can suffocate them and aftern have toxic fumes, so I would keep your bird in another room if you have a stove like this. Bird lungs are very sensitive to any chemicals including cleaners, insecticide (even the unscented), perfume, candles, and air freshener. These all are hazardous to birds.
Your bird can come from a number of places including a breeder, a speciality shop, or a chain store. All of these different places have their own ups and downs. Personally, I like to get my birds from breeders because I know where the babies came from and the environment in which they were raised. No matter where you get your bird you should make sure it it fully weaned (no longer requiring hand/parent feedings) and can eat completely on its own. Also, you need to ask what diet the bird is used to, how old the bird is, and if the bird has ever seen a vet. It is completely up to you whether or not you get the bird from a department store. Petco, Petland, Petsmart and others can be good stores, but this varies from city to city. Our Petco and Petsmart here are good, but Petland is not. Just make sure that the birds seem to be in a clean environment (no caked on poop on branches or murky water) and are active an healthy. Never pick a bird that seems lethargic because it could be a sign of illness.
When getting a new bird (in your case a first bird) you have to consider what to want from the bird. Do you want a bird that will sit and sing to you in a pleasant voice or a bird that can mimic phrases? Are you looking for someone who will be a cuddle bug or someone who might like to play games with you?
If you are looking for a singing bird, a male canary or dove is a wonderful choice. Canaries have beautiful, and sometimes very extravagant songs. They come in many colors verying from an almost whitish yellow to a deep orange/red. Dove's don't have songs quite like canaries, but they make a very pleasant cooing sound that is very relaxing and nice to listen to.
If you want someone who can mimic phrases and will play games, a budgie (parakeet) is an excellent choice. Bird Talk magazine rated the budgie among the top three talking parrot species. Most people don't know that budgies can talk so well because their talking is often high pitched and difficult to understand. Also, they are very acrobatic and will swing from toys and climb on ladders all day long! My two also enjoy climbing in a make shift tree gym that I made from natural branches and toys. Budgies also make sweet chirping sounds.
If you were thinking cuddle bug, a cockatiel is a wonderful idea. Not only can you teach these guys to whistle tunes, (depending on your bird, not all will whistle tines) but they just LOVE to be held and cuddled with. My two cockatiels live for head rubbings, so be prepared to be your cockatiel's head rubbing slave. :) Even though some people consider the cockatiels "drabby" because they lack the color of other parrot species, their personality much outweighs their feather colors. Looks aren't everything, remember that!
If you were still thinking of a more "exotic looking" bird with more colorful feathering you might want to consider a small conure species such as the green cheeked conure. These guys aren't known for cuddling much, but they love to play, so provide them with plenty of toys and out of cage time! Contrary to popular belief, conures can make wonderful first birds for people who put in the effort to research their new pets. In fact most birds can (and will) make wonderful first pets. The key is research, research, research! You need to know the facts about whatever bird you decide to add to your family so that you can be prepared to provide an enriching environment tailored to their specific needs. Get bird books and read as much as you can from reliable internet sources.

If you have any more questions about getting a new bird, I would suggest subscribing to the Bird talk magazine or reading some of their articles on www.birdchannel.com!

I hope that was helpful! :) Good luck getting your new baby!

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

I know it sounds disappointing, but you might want to start out with some fish and move up to a bird. While a bird can make a good first pet, you might want to make sure you're comfortable with regular feeding and occasionally cleaning the tank (or cage for a bird).

But if you really, really want a bird, go with a small one. A budgie or parakeet would be a good first bird (a cockatiel perhaps, too, but no bigger than that). Make sure to find one that is "hand-raised" and active. You'll need a good sized cage, food and water available, and patience. Buying from a department store is OK, but make sure you to do some research or buy a book about the bird before jumping into it. Ask lots of questions about how to take care of it!

Answer 4

A young parakeet or cockatiel would be an excellent first choice. They can usually be handled easily if worked with. They are ok at cooler temps, but drafts from air blowing on them is dangerous. You don't want them under an air vent or fan, or exposed to sudden temperature changes. If the wood stove is in the room, you have the danger of fumes that could be toxic to a bird. You might want to check out www.cockatielcottage.net. Great site will answer your many care questions.

Answer 5

although most will say a cockatiel or a parraket I recomend a had raised dove. not only are they amazingly gentle in nature and make to most soothing sounds, where are others are rather loud, I happen to have 3 turtle doves up for adoption, if you decide to go the other route I can get you into contact with some other rescue groups

Answer 6

get a cockatiel. i have the cutest cockatiel and im 14 years old. MY cockatiel is my first bird. She can already give kisses, laugh, and sing.

Answer 7

I'd say a parakeet. Many can learn to say words too and they come in really pretty colors. No, they cant be by drafts, they can die!

Answer 8

Parakeet or Coitail

Answer 9

cockatiel or a lovebird

Answer 10

A talking parrot...