What Bird is right for me?

[Nathaniel]

Alright, even though I agree with you. I also disagree, I think Preperation and none impulsive buying is the key to any pet.
I have narrowed it down to:
-Budgerigar
-Red-Bellied Parrot

[Kim S]

Thats very true. I never imagined owning a senegal, till Kika decided my shoulder was the perfect perch

Anyway, ask as many questions you want! This is not being picky, this is being very consious about choosing a buddy for the next 20 to 50 years!
The minimal cage I advice for a budgie is 16x12x20 inches (wxdxh) and for cockatiels 20x12x24. So the cage size you mention is ok for 1 budgie, a cockatiel or 2 budgies if they can get out often.
I own and breed cockatiels and budgies and my experience is that budgies are annoyingly chattery in the livingroom. While cockatiels have a very penetrating whislte/screetch they dont make noise that often. Budgies make noise even when they sleep. Although the little chattering sounds can be very very cute (I think so) it can drive other people nuts.

Personally I feel the cage is too small for anything larger than a cockatiel.

[Nathaniel]

Can I get list of supplies that I need. I find it dificult to shop for these guys because I don't know what stuff I need and what stuff is just BS.

[Natacha]

Can I get list of supplies that I need. I find it dificult to shop for these guys because I don't know what stuff I need and what stuff is just BS.

-Cage (I would got at least with a 24" x 22" for a Senegal or Red-bellied or any other bird that size);
-Travel cage;
-Different type of toys (wood, leather, rope, chewable materials, etc);
-A few extra bowls (always handy);
-Perches of different nature (rope, wood (please go for natural branches over dowel-type perches), etc);
-Food;
-Stand(s)/play gym(s) to put somewhere else to allow the bird to follow you throughout the house;
-Harness if you choose to train your parrot to wearing one;

Anyone else care to add to this?

[Nathaniel]

cuttlebone?
Mineral Block?
Vitimin Supl.?
I decided to start small and go with a budgerigar as my first bird and add to my flock later.

[Nathaniel]

If I were to try to breed budgies could I keep them in seperate cages and then introduce them in a breeding cage every once and a while or do they need to be kept together to keep their relationship?
p.s. I would keep the cages near by.
p.s.s Could I get a trio of budgies?

[pchela]

I wrote a post about supplies needed before getting your new bird. It is near the bottom of the page. It says it's for Senegals but it applies to any bird.
It's called Supplies you'll need before bringing home your new parrot.
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=348

18 x 18 would be fine for a green cheek conure. Senegals and Red Bellies require a bigger cage. I'd say 24 x 20 is minimum and bigger is better. Avian Adventures makes a cage that is 28 x 22 I think called the Chiquita. It's on sale at Petsmart (or maybe Petco) with free shipping.

I have never seen a harness small enough for a budgie.

[Nathaniel]

Lineolated Parakeets - they are really cool little birds with the potential to talk and are quite playful..

I think I will atempt one of these after I start with a Budgie. They do look very cool though.

[Nathaniel]

This is for one budgie:
>Cage- Super Pet EZ Care Bow Front Mini Playtop Bird Cage for Small Birds

>Food- AvianMaintenance Natural Parakeet 2-1/4 lbs, Dr Foster and Smith Premium Parakeet Blend 5 lbs, Roudybush Low Fat Daily Maintenance Diet 44 oz, Golden Sunburst Millet 1 lb (Training)

>Travel Cage- Top Wing® Tall, Square Bird Cage

>Perchs- Small and Medium Cable Comfy Perch, Thermo-Perch, MAC's Creatures & Critters Natural Wood Perches for Birds, Sandy Perches Mini Straight, and two small Java Perches

>Swings and Ladders: Polly's Arch Swing, Small Cotton Wreath, Bendable Bead Ladder

>Toys: Nature's Instinct Barrel of Fun Foraging Bird Toy, ActiviToys™ Hall of Mirrors™ Bird Toy, Paradise Toys Twisted Pins Bird Toy, Activitoy Triple Mirror Bird Toy, 2 Top Wing Large Chrome Bell Bird Toy, Hanging Munch Ball Regular 8-1/2" long, Rope Knots 6" long x 5/8" dia, Bird Kabob Toy Original 2" x 6-3/4" long, Rings Game Small.

>Cleaning: Poop-Off 16 oz - w/Brush, Poop-Off Wipes 6" x 7-7/8", 70 ct, Cage Cleaning Kit 6-in-1 Tool

>Other: Top Paw® Clicker, Happy Hut Hideaway by Multipet, Ceramic Crock 10.2 oz Hooded, Aviator Harness & Leash Set, Lixit Flip-Top Bird Bottle 10 oz, Stainless Steel Cup Small Hanging, Cholla Cactus Perch(foraging)



If there is anything I have missed or need more of let me know. Also if you have found some of these items are not sutible for a budgerigar then tell me.

Total cost (without cost of bird or future toys, first aid and vet visits)
=$566.51

[Mr.Darcy]

I am in the process of getting a bird too. I looked at Quaker (monk parakeets) they live 25yrish and I looked at conure but all the material indicated that they are loud! I did not want a practice bird that I might not be totally happy with...I personally ended up with the Hahn's Macaw they live 30ish. my cage is the Avian Adventures Chiquita playtop around $450 canadian and the bird is $1200. plus toys etc....look on youtube at the species you are most interested in. A lot of people put honest noisy videos too....and get the book Birds for Dummies awesome reference....and good luck this little guy will be around for a long time whether it's a budgie, senegal, conure or mini macaw or something else!

Marlies