by friend2parrots » Sun Dec 23, 2012 9:41 am
yes, either a boy or girl would make a wonderful pet. the green ones (green on tummy and yellow head and face - check what a Wild budgerigar looks like on the web - thats what im talking about) generally have fewer health problems in the long run (they tend to have fewer genetic problems than the other colors) .
whichever bird you pick, look for the following:
ALERT, LIVELY, and ACTIVE behavior in the cage where its being kept (when its not paying attention to you). it should be interacting with its cage mates in a happy, excited, and cheerful way, generally moving around a lot and looking amusing and funny and being very social with the other birds. NEVER pick a bird that is sitting still and avoiding others. also don't pick a bird that looks sluggish or sleepy, when the others are all awake and jumpy. also try to avoid the antisocial ones (the ones that open their beak a little to scare away other birds that come and try to play with them). you must watch the birds closely, sit in front of their cage unnoticed by them (sit still on a chair about four feet away) for about 20 minutes minimum, to see their natural personalities. the longer you can sit and watch them, the better.
you dont need to worry whether the one you pick likes you or not at this stage. if you get one with the "right" personality as i describe above, it will definitely be a very sweet and playful bird with you, and love you as time goes on.
if youre not satisfied with any of the birds in this breeder's collection, you can keep looking around. i am not able to advise you which one to pick from the pictures you sent me because i cannot observe their movements, posture, or behavior. so you must be the best judge of that.
Ringo - Green Cheek Conure
Toby - Bourke Parakeet