Is a Senegal Right for Me?

[Natacha]

Since you never had a pet before, get a budgie. I think having a pet is great for kids with the responsibilities it bring. Also birds are fine first pets as long as you choose the right bird (budgies or other easier birds). Buy a pair since you will not have as much time to give it attention.

This is implying that the notion of "starter bird" is ok - budgies deserve better.

[Nir]

Since you never had a pet before, get a budgie. I think having a pet is great for kids with the responsibilities it bring. Also birds are fine first pets as long as you choose the right bird (budgies or other easier birds). Buy a pair since you will not have as much time to give it attention.

This is implying that the notion of "starter bird" is ok - budgies deserve better.

I had a budgie when I was young and I am sure many of us here have as well. I am sure he will be fine as long as he knows what to do. Keeping a bird happy isnt exactly rocket science especially a budgie who can be just as happy independently with another bird. As long as he does his research and spends time with the bird, it will be fine. More importantly, it will teach him responsibilities.

And not sure where you read starter bird on my post. I specifically choose not to use that word since it confuses people.

[Natacha]

I didn't say that you said it, I did say you implied it.

"Since you never had a pet before, get a budgie" - very strong implication in that line.

[Nir]

I didn't say that you said it, I did say you implied it.

"Since you never had a pet before, get a budgie" - very strong implication in that line.

Not at all. People seem to associate "starter birds" to anyone saying saying to get a budgie because they are new to birds. Budgies are EASIER pets to deal with. Its that simple. Not sure how anyone can disagree with this. They are far more forgiving for errors someone might make. And they are just as happy to be independent since he doesnt have to be a velcro bird (and often isnt). This doesnt mean budgies are throw away birds..

I mean come on... i am not getting a senegal or other birds right now which i want very much BECAUSE i am worried about my budgies well being. And With my current life, i am very ready to since school/job is already taken care of and is stable. And financials arent a problem. But still taking extra cautions such as moving to a new place in the future before getting another bird. So common sense would suggest that i was definitely not implying on budgie being aka "throw away bird."

[Rokin'Rats]

Okay I get everyone's point. I am curently caring for two lizards, two rats(My little babies !), and three fish! Plus i take half of the responsibility of my little brother's pets(gerbil, hamster). And in my opinion when your a kid is a great time to have a pet(or many). It teaches you to have responsibility, and when you don't have any friends like me my rats are always listen. So anyway, thanks marie83, Elizebird. And Please don't automatically think I have never had a pet, Thank you.

[Polarn]

I don't deny that for kids being around pets is great, and it they have certain shores todo dealing with them that's great too, however I still think that the end responsibility should land on the parents, wich means the parents should be as interested in taking care of the pets as the kids innitially were before (if) they grew tired of them. However birds are long lived and they unlike most domestic animals find their mate in the person caring for them, wich means it is more of a divorce and wait for the bird to find a new mate incase of a shift of home or caretaker. While most domesticated animals looses a friend and gains a new one almost instantly. Wich makes birds one of the least suitable pets for kids, I still interact my birds with my nefue (who lives here 3 days a week and is 10) and he loves when the birds land on him and he can slend hours with me making toys and talking to the birds, but I still wouldn't give him one of his own. What would be closer then is getting one he really likes and sozialize it with my flock have it living here and let him take extra care of that bird while he is here, but still with me as the primary caretaker, meaning if he skips something I do it, no question about it! So yes kids n pets match pretty good, but I think the parents/caretakers needs to be involved in the pet as well, atleast to the point where they feel they will care for it if your growing tired of it.

[pennyandrocky]

well said polarn

Okay I get everyone's point. I am curently caring for two lizards, two rats(My little babies !), and three fish! Plus i take half of the responsibility of my little brother's pets(gerbil, hamster). And in my opinion when your a kid is a great time to have a pet(or many). It teaches you to have responsibility, and when you don't have any friends like me my rats are always listen. So anyway, thanks marie83, Elizebird. And Please don't automatically think I have never had a pet, Thank you.

after reading this i think you have enough to take care of while going to school and doing homework. even a budgie is a big commitment for a child to make.you said you have no friends?that's sad but a pet is not a replacement for human relationships,believe me i'm a stay at home mother and have no contact with real people over the age of 9(my son's father is like a wall so he doesn't count) it can drive you insane.so now that it's back to school maybe work on that.

[Nir]

Okay I get everyone's point. I am curently caring for two lizards, two rats(My little babies !), and three fish! Plus i take half of the responsibility of my little brother's pets(gerbil, hamster). And in my opinion when your a kid is a great time to have a pet(or many). It teaches you to have responsibility, and when you don't have any friends like me my rats are always listen. So anyway, thanks marie83, Elizebird. And Please don't automatically think I have never had a pet, Thank you.

i think you should definitely socialize and make friends.. Being a loner is just not healthy. Make some friends and then if you still want a bird then go ahead.

[Karigan]

If you are insistent on having a bird in your life, budgies and cockatiels are amazing when they're purchased from a good breeder. They can be trusting, cuddly, and even sometimes talk. A budgie especially with its lifespan would be good for you, as you wouldn't have to worry what happens to it once you graduate.

You just have to make sure you're dedicated in maintenance and affection. A bird can become quite untame and destructive if left alone too long.

[pionus]

Okay I get everyone's point. I am curently caring for two lizards, two rats(My little babies !), and three fish! Plus i take half of the responsibility of my little brother's pets(gerbil, hamster). And in my opinion when your a kid is a great time to have a pet(or many). It teaches you to have responsibility, and when you don't have any friends like me my rats are always listen. So anyway, thanks marie83, Elizebird. And Please don't automatically think I have never had a pet, Thank you.

i think you should definitely socialize and make friends.. Being a loner is just not healthy. Make some friends and then if you still want a bird then go ahead.

ok, sorry nir for bringing this up again, but urgh! i really don't like it when people say that it's not healthy, or it's sad, to be alone, and to not have friends for whatever reason. Rockin' Rats, i am also eleven, and i have ONE friend that lives a ferry ride away. and like you, animals are my friends. AND I LOVE IT.

but to answer your original question, i do not think that a senegal would be a good pet for someone our age (i researched them thinking they were ). many people on here can tell you that senegals can be very aggressive. ask Micheal, he knows.
but if you really like birds and want to be around them, try volunteering at a parrot rescue.

i hope i helped! and i apolagize for my little rant up there