looking for right bird for me?

[samsonite133]

Hello, I am new here and recently my parents confirmed I can get a bird. I will be able to buy one in the date june 12 to 16 or some where around there. But before that date I want the perfect bird for me. so before than I would like to ask a few questions and what i am able to do to take care of my bird.

I am 12 years old and am dedicated to taking care of bird and wanted one since I was six but of coarse I new I was to young for one. so I have bought many other pets such as lizards like leoperd geckos, green anoles, day geckos, also amphibians and as I got older I took care of green spotted puffer fish. so I am used to taking commitment and alot of those pets died but lived over average life by 1 to 3 years. so
I am whiling to spend countless hours and hours of research and do the best I can to know all about them. I understand allot about cocktiels budgies and love birds and doves by researching and buying books about them. I am looking for any other type of birds I have mentioned that are preferably around the cocktiel size and bigger than a budgie but is not a grand total over 350 to 450$ for everything. good for beginners. and a quiter bird in the bird range. [color=#FF0000][/color]

[GlassOnion]

Welcome!

I would seriously suggest you look for a local bird rescue and try volunteering. Meeting various species yourself gives a very realistic idea of what connects with you. There is only so much to read, and even then, species are so different in person. Meeting and interacting is the best bet!

[cml]

Its good that you know responsibility when it comes to pets =)! Just be sure that you REALLY want a bird though, its a huge commitment and the species you mentioned all live around 15 years!
Also make sure your parents are onboard, as they will need to help you take care of the bird.
You will also need to make sure that you spend a few hours everyday interacting with the bird and have out of cage time, be sure that you can do this, you cant just buy a bird and let it be in the cage while you are at soccer practice ^^.

If you really can commit to all this, I think it sounds like you are a responsible kid and that you will be able to take care of a bird. I think a cockatiel, or preferably 2!

[Shelby]

or preferably 2!

I think it is actually best to start with just one bird, because they tend to bond with each other instead of you, if you don't get them very tame and spend a lot of time keeping them tame.

I also agree with the previous recommendations of volunteering at a shelter or bird shop to get experience and meet different species. Also, make sure your parents are aware that even tiny budgies can live up to 15 years! You will need to plan for who will take care of the bird if/when you go to college because most dorms do not allow you to have a pet.

[dorp]

get a cat

[GlassOnion]

Dorp, why the ____ are you still here? Lol.

[gabbagabbawill]

Adopt a cockatiel if you can find one. They seem to be very loving birds that will bond more readily than a budgie. Keep in mind that if/when you move out and/or go to college, that you will be taking the bird with you. I know it seems like a long way off, but it will be here faster than you think!

[Conure Mom]

...you cant just buy a bird and let it be in the cage while you are at soccer practice...

Umm, I tend to disagree with that. How many people have perfectly happy well adjusted birds and still work 8-10 hours per day? Many of us here, I'm sure. If you're wanting to make a point with a youth, be honest with them and don't exaggerate simply to make a point.

A bird can certainly be left in its cage while someone attends school, and even while they attend soccer practice once or twice a week. The problem lies when the bird is being left in his or her cage while the child goes to school, then goes to a friend's house, then comes home, does homework, eats dinner, plays video games, talks on the phone, takes a shower, then only has ten minutes to throw some food and fresh water in the dish before he has to go to bed.

If the bird is given priority over the majority of the activities listed above, then soccer practice (or whatever) once or twice a week shouldn't be a big deal. Just sayin'.

[GlassOnion]

I think flight time is important if the bird is going to be caged for 8-10hours a day. You should try keeping it flighted

[Cage Cleaner]