Hi!
I'm River. Currently, I'm birdless, though I've owned several parakeets in the past. We're only considering a bird at this point, as there are a lot of things to consider and a lot of research to do. This is, in part, why I joined this forum.
I'm not sure what to say about myself, personally. I like music, Marvel, animals, and Patrick Swayze. I use he/him pronouns. I do have a few questions regarding birds, and I hope it's okay to ask it here.
I have a lot of animals - four rabbits, three dogs, and two mice. None of them have ever shown an interest in smaller pets, and of course, will have no interaction with the bird. However, the dogs can be fairly loud - chihuahuas. Would this pose as an issue?
How often should a bird see a vet? I'm aware some animals with longer lifespans will need annual visits, and the internet is fairly controversial on whether or not this is true for all birds.
How likely is a bird to escape from the cage? How can any escapes be prevented? I had some escapee ground squirrels in the past that required full-on locks on the doors. Is this required for birds?
I'm interested in mostly larger small birds and medium birds. We're particularly looking into Quaker parrots, conures, and cockatiels. As far as these birds go, what's the recommended diet? If you have any preferred brand, feel free to recommend. I'll also supplement with vegetables and fruits, of course.
Lastly, as a younger person, I do have plans to leave for college. I'm not sure if I'll ever leave state, but if I do, it's very likely it'll come along. However, my mother also loves birds and will participate in it's care, so either way, it'll always have someone to stay with. Does this situation sound okay?
Any other tips are greatly appreciated. Sorry for the length of this post!