my 10 year old sun wants a bird

[koa]

he says he wants a african grey parrot or a cockatiel or a biggish parrot thanks. btw first time on the forum

[Mare]

Have you visited other bird forums? Have you a clue as to what an undertaking it is to be a bird caregiver? Do your homework, is my suggestion. Birds aren't like taking on a hamster or any other kind of critter,,not any that I've ever experienced, anyways! Please don't bring home a bird until you've done a lot of research, serious research :). They have so many needs that most folks aren't ready to handle!

[koa]

i have been doing a bit of homework so has my sun but would the bird eat my meny reptiles?
i used to have a cockatoo parakeets and a few cockatiels when i was i kid

[Mare]

The bird won't eat your reptiles but the reptiles could eat a bird! Where do you live?

[koa]

i live in NY my reptiles are not snakes so not a reel prob. btw your birds look reel cute

[Mare]

Okaaay, yeah, my birds ARE really cute and beautiful, smart, demanding, needing attention to survive, enchanting animals! If you cannot think of this possible scenario with your own bird...DONT GET ONE!

[koa]

ok? u are just no help leveing this forum

[Mare]

I'm sorry if I seem harsh. There are SO many birds that are not taken well care of and rehomed or worse, die, because their owners weren't prepared for what they were getting into when bringing in this bird.

[plax]

Hi koa... Please don't take Mare's expressed sentiment personally. As she indicated in her last post, there are a tremendous number of throw-away birds out there because the folks who decided to originally acquire them didn't realize what they would be getting into, since they didn't research adequately. All too often, these poor birds end up suffering for the rest of their lives. Many even end up dying from stress-related illnesses. We are simply concerned and thus want folks to understand what bringing a parrot into their life actually entails.

I hope you won't leave us!

[coltfire]

Koa , Mare isnt having a go , she is just letting you know what you need to do before getting a bird, now there is a big difference between a African grey and a cockateil ,they are both different birds with different needs, so please do lots of research first then do some more, this is the first help you need , so please research and ask lots of questions.

[Turquoise]

Hi Koa and welcome to the forum. I do hope you stay and have a look around at the many threads on caring for a parrot we have here. Besides reading and researching, bird forums are a plethora of knowledge and experience that can help first time bird owners. We really are here to help you learn all you can before you decide on taking in a feathered darling.

I have to say tho that I would not suggest an African Grey or actually any of the medium to large parrots for a first bird for someone as young as your son. Greys are wonderful birds, but not always the easiest bird to learn how to handle and care for until you get a little experience under your belt. And if anyone in your house has asthma or breathing health issues an African Grey can make those issues worse since they create a very good amount of feather dust. Most folks who keep them or actually any of the medium and large parrots invest in an air purifier in the room the bird is kept to help reduce the affects of breathing the dust for the humans as well as the birds.

I would suggest looking into a smaller species to begin with such as the Cockatiel you mentioned. They are very nice sweet birds that adore being held and loved. Your son could even learn to teach it tricks and they live a long time with proper care. Please let us know what you decide on if you get your son a bird and we will be glad to give you plenty of help in caring for it. :)

[Mandi]

My 9 yr old has a greencheek conure
I do all the work he gets the cuddles
I wouldn't advise a African grey or any other large bird
They are known to dislike children and also choose one person and I doubt that would be your son I'm afraid
They are like Havin a 2 yr old child for the rest of your life
My advice would be DONT DO IT
think of holidays n winds away - you most prob won't get any ever again xx


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[koa]

mandi i know what you mean by big birds are not good for kids i used to have a cockatoo but it bit evrythng but me

[Honesty]

Welcome to the forum Koa :)

I agree with De'Andrea, a Cockatiel would be a great choice. Whatever you decide on, we are always here to help!

[koa]

thanks:) i am thinking Budgies would be good cockatiels because they look bigger then the Budgies maybe when he gets older like say 12 or 13 andd i maybe will let him get a Cockatoo boy i sure loved the Cockatoo i had:)

[Honesty]

Cockatoo's are lovely birds. I used to have a Galah and I think these are much better in temperament than the larger Cockatoo's :)

[koa]

i had a Lesser Sulfur Crested Cockatoo they are lovey. to tell you the truth i like mid to big sized birds more then small ones

[Honesty]

Yes, Galah's are medium size.

[koa]

they are i will look in to them not for my sun but for me

[Mare]

Hi koa, I really need to apologize for jumping down your throat earlier, I'm sorry :ohsorry: I'm passionate about birds and sometimes it overwhelms me! Welcome to our forum, there are many knowledgable people here and I'm glad I didn't scare you off :). My cockatoos are umbrella, Goffin's and cockatiel, they are ALL dusty, air purifiers help. If I were to recommend a bird for your 10yr old, it would be a hand raised cockatiel. Like Mandi points out, you really need to be aware that your life may be altered when it comes time for leaving on vacations. Please let us know what you decide on :)

[koa]

yea its ok.and i think a nice cockatiel would be a good starter bird for him now i need care cleaning and what i do when i go somewhere for a week or 2?!

[Mare]

Yep! :)

[koa]

now what happens if i want to go on a trip for a week

[Mare]

You have to find someone to take care of him/her. My husband and I rarely vacation together anymore, not since the birds.

[Debra]

I don't remember the last vacation I took. When we go out of town, it's only for one night. I don't have anyone near me who can look after my birds.

[koa]

:(
to bad

[Honesty]

I am lucky as my Son takes care of Codie when I go away :)

[Debra]

Don't get me wrong, I love my life with my birds. I'm really a homebody so travelling just isn't something I enjoy. There really aren't too many places I'd like to see. I'd much rather stay home and work around the house or just do nothing.

[koa]

i will prob get in to birds will just have to get a good pet siter lol

[Mare]

When Amigo came into our lives, it was a whole life changer! Not just anyone could take care of him, plus the fact that I couldn't find anyone to volunteer. The vacations that my husband and I normally took together, at least two to three times a year, were no longer happening :( Now, he goes then I go, it kinda sucks for that reason. I brought Sassy into the mix because heck, someone has to be here all the time ANYWAY! Sassy has been a wonderful addition to our flock, (most times), she also gives Amigo some good bird room company.

I also love my life with my birds and it is not impossible to find someone to help when you leave :). It took me a few years to finally relax enough to think that maybe they might survive without me! :th_biggrin: