Thinking about getting a bird

[Dominique]

Hi, I was thinking about getting a bird. Is there such thing as a more "friendly" breed? Would you have to train them not to fly away or bite if you want to take it out and play? Thanks.

[lovechick]

Most of the birds are friendly if theyre trained first or handfed babies, so u should consider getting a younger bird. Since you're probably a begginer bird owner, you might want to get a smaller parrot like parakeet or cockatiels, those are the most popular small parrots. They ussually dont need much care and are friendly, but as I said before, its better to get a bird from a breeder, that way, theyre hand-fed and are used to being with people. When u do get a bird, make sure not to bother the bird right away when it comes home, wait about a week, then start opening cage door for the bird to come out and socialize with you. Make sure the wings are trimmed so the bird wont fly away, I dont cut my birds flight feathers just because I think birds should be birds, but I take extreme precautions for it, like locking all the doors and windows and warning everyone that bird is out! If u dont know how to trim feathers I advice going to the avian vet first, so he will show u the right way.
I also forgot to mention that birds like canaries and finches are not good as social pets, ussually they hate being handled, and are ussually kept for the singing.
Whatever bird u choose to get, do A lot of research, read books, look on internet, do as much research as u can, its very helpful..
good luck!:D

[MagnoliaFly]

Dominique? Your thinking about getting a bird AND a cat or maybe one or the other?

Cats and birds dont mix very well. Thats just my experience (I've got two cats and a new budgie Edison). I've got to fence Edisons little area off from the cats do they dont terrorize him to death.

[Dominique]

Heheh, yeah, I figured as much. But I don't think I wan't a cat anymore, I've been considering a pretty finch I saw. I need to look into finches.

[MagnoliaFly]

Speaking from a laymans point of view, I'd rather have a bird I can train/hold and from what I've seen, Finches are pretty much wild and for decorative purposes only.

Anyone correct me if I'm wrong please.

[lovechick]

Yes its true, as I said previously birds like canaries and finches and not good pets in sense of, you cant play with them. As far as I know about finches, they are ussually kept in small groups, in aviaries, I'm not sure what cage size they need, but definitely bigger than your average parakeet cage.

[Dominique]

Yay! I did it! I bought a baby hand fed cockatiel! ^_^ It's so nice! It's not done being hand-fed yet so it will be with me in about a month. Can't wait!

[MagnoliaFly]

What are you going to name it?

Post lots of pictures!!