Still Stuck!

[Skip]

So I was thinking of getting a grey cockatiel. I saw one with no tail at the pet shop. Its just just going through molting. And then there are some breeders that sells them. But the thing is, I think that the air-shipping will make it all stressed. And I don't know the whole process it's going through. Do I pick it up at a air-port? Does it ship to my house? Do I ask the breeder? Am I asking a lot of question? Wait, yeah I am. Sorry.

I'm thinking of getting a female cockatiel because it eliminates the whole whistling part. I don't like bird that whistle but a cockatiel is a starter bird and I'm young, so I think the personality fits my age. Just sayin.

So what happens during the whole process of air-shipping and how long will it take?

P.S. I was looking for a advanced small parrot, like a conure, but they cost too much. So that's out of the question.

[liz]

I personally don't believe in shipping animals. I think it is cruel.

Did you know a cockatiel can live 24 years?

[Mum2rory]

Cockatiels are a great bird, good choice. I would prefer to have gotton a male (mine isnt dna- sexed, and I think he is a she, omly because of lack of different types of vocalisation, only has one sound, a flock call) The only reason I would have preferred a male is because of egg-binding, I have heard it can be common in a tiel. Good luck

[GlassOnion]

I would never discount looking through Craigslist, Kijiji or a rescue for Cockatiels. There are WAY too many Cockatiels out there without homes, and they do not have any behavioural problems. My Cockatiel is a rehome and he's such a sweetie.

[Zazu]

Just an idea...

I was in the market for a cockatiel, similar to you, but I ended up doing some more research about conures and found the Green Cheek Conure. They are about the same price at cocktiels, maybe like 25 more. Much more smart (so far in what I've seen). Also they are extremely quiet compared to conures. Same size as cockatiels and hve beautiful colors! Just thought I would let you know if you are stil interested in conures. I found it to be a great decision! My green cheek is incredibly cuddly, sweet, intellient, and social. I've only had him about a month but he is already extremely attached, loving, and learning extremely fast. In no way am I saying to not get a cockatiel though, I am sure they are fantastic. Just thought I would share what I found when I was in a similar situation to you.

[Skip]

Ya but the conures down here are $345.99. Like I said, that's out of the question.
The cockatiel is $75.
Ha ha.

[Mum2rory]

Skip, I dont think you can go wrong getting a tiel. They are great little fluffbutts. Personally, my tiel is more loving than my gcc. Probably cos I got the tiel as a 7week old from a breeder (loving, cubble bunny, loves scritches, hardly nips) and the gcc at 5-6months from a pet shop (will step up, doesnt let you really scritch him, sits on my shoulder but can give a not so nice nip if he wants to). Having said that, birds differ so you may get a nippy tiel or a great gcc. It really depends what YOU want and can care for. PS: Generally Gcc's are more known for nippiness than tiels tho, and they have bigger/stronger beaks. Can you 'speak" to Parrotlover, he has a tiel, Chevy, and get his imput?

[liz]

Shadow is alpha male and sings to me every morning and night. Since he doesn't get out often, he comes to the side of the cage to talk to me and he does talk. Sweetie is his mate and the woman behind the man. She tweeters to me alot and dances when he sings.

Lemone' came to me with Shadow but is more timid and has given Shadow the lead. Twinkle is the youngest at 2 years old and Lemon's mate. She is a sweet little girl and loves for me to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

Tommy is my daughter tiel. He is so friendly that he climbs on when I reach in the cage to do things. He also talks and loves to have birdie conversations. His mate used to be the same way. One of Rachel's cats got her and took her outside. Now she only comes out when I tell her it is safe.

All 6 are in a flock but still have deffinate personalities.

Go to YouTube and key in cockatiels to see what these tiny little parrots can be. They are little beings with big personalities. You can't go wrong with a tiel.

[Skip]

It's just that shipping will maybe stress it out a little. Oh well.

[Eric&Rebecca]

[quote="Skip"]

I'm thinking of getting a female cockatiel because it eliminates the whole whistling part. I don't like bird that whistle but a cockatiel is a starter bird and I'm young, so I think the personality fits my age. Just sayin.

Hi,

Firstly, both female and male cockatiels can whistle and make noise. Females are less likely to mimic and whistle but they will still chirp, screech and some can sing and whistle just as well as males. Also, young birds cannot be sexed by vision, they must be DNA tested. Visual appearance alone after the first molt can also be deceiving so you can't 100% guarantee it'll be female, just like you can't guarantee by getting a female it will eliminate whistling. Birds are not quiet animals necessarily.

Secondly, air shipped birds is not something I would buy. It's stressful to the bird and quite frankly a little cruel. There are people who breed cockatiels everywhere without the need for air shipping which means you may have to be willing to shed a little more cash. Our bird cost the equivalent of nearly a $100 by himself but it was so worth it because he is healthy and had been well treated. He was hand reared rather than wild but don't be drawn into getting the cheapest cockatiel.

Finally, cockatiel's are good starter birds providing you are willing to put the time and money into it's care. Avian vets are expensive if they get sick and you have to be sure that you can cover these expenses and not get caught in the 'I can't afford to take my bird to a vet' scenario.

I'm sure you're aware of the last part as you are so keen on getting a bird but it's a good idea to mention anyway