Adoption Specifics, Please help

[entrancedbymyGCC]

Let's just say they are disproportionately expensive for being exotic/rare. I don't see them as a prime choice. Not the best bang for the buck. If it's specifically what you want, go for it but otherwise I think other similar species can be a better deal and achieve the same goals/results.

Actually, to turn things all the way around, I have the impression that the humble budgie is rather under-estimated because they are so inexpensive. Even hand-fed babies are reasonably priced. I have never had a budgie, and I don't think they have the intellectual capacity of some parrots, but they are said to be rather good talkers when worked with and they are easygoing. Would those of you have budgies agree? Anyone put really serious training effort into a budgie?

[Chicklet]

Actually, to turn things all the way around, I have the impression that the humble budgie is rather under-estimated because they are so inexpensive. Even hand-fed babies are reasonably priced. I have never had a budgie, and I don't think they have the intellectual capacity of some parrots, but they are said to be rather good talkers when worked with and they are easygoing. Would those of you have budgies agree? Anyone put really serious training effort into a budgie?

I have budgies, and before I got Ralph and George, I put some effort into training Finn so he wouldn't be too lonely. He picked up on a few simple tricks very quickly. He forgot most of them once he discovered he had budgie friends:p But when he was alone he learned step up, recall, give kisses and spin around a perch all in under a month and before that month he was an untame budgie from a pet store. But I agree, they are definitely not as intelligent as my larger parrots.

[Kathleen]

What is intelligence? Have there been scientific behavioral studies to compare?

[entrancedbymyGCC]

What is intelligence? Have there been scientific behavioral studies to compare?

Yes. Read Pepprberg among others. Admittedly not a lot comparing finches and budgies and Greys, but I think the concept of avian intelligence is fairly well defined.

[silentobserver]

Tragedy, only two weeks, i did hear they were very cheerful little birds, if you could say though which would you prefer, your segenal or the parrotlet?

Er, I think that's like asking, "do you prefer your son or your daughter?" Scooter and Scotty are VERY different types of bird, but I'd be hesitant to say which one I preferred. I can however enumerate the ways in which they are different.

Very true, but some parents do have favorites

[silentobserver]

but are you saying they are a wonderful pet, for me i am more concerned with the quality of what i am purchasing, not the price tag. If i have to shell out a few extra clams i wont lose sleep over it, ya know?

Let's just say they are disproportionately expensive for being exotic/rare. I don't see them as a prime choice. Not the best bang for the buck. If it's specifically what you want, go for it but otherwise I think other similar species can be a better deal and achieve the same goals/results.

duely noted