Best pet

[Begginer]

Hi, Im new to the forums and I have a few questions. I am interesested in getting a bird. Im thinking either a cockatiel or a conure of some kind. I want a bird that is social, intelligent, pretty, and wont cost an arm and a leg. I have a screen cage that is 4x2x2 and I wonder if a bird can even be housed in a screen cage or if i could modify it so it can house a bird. Also, where should I buy the bird? Thankyou

 

[MosaicMadness]

For a screen cage, I would only consider soft bill birds like canaries or finches, hookbills can tear through that. Pretty is in the eye of the beholder, so can't help you there, but good birds for beginners that are social and intelligent I would recommend budgies or cockatiels. The best place to buy any animal is directly from the breeder.

 

[Begginer]

Could the cage be modified in any way such as putting on plexiglass sides?

 

[Roanoke]

I'd suggest finches. They come in some pretty amazing colors, you know.
What are your intentions? Seeing the thread title, let me just say- parrots make terrible pets. No dedicated owner will deny that.
As companions, however, they're better than any other animal. Besides people, of course, but that's debatable
If you just like the way they look and sound and flutter about, I'd go for tropical finches or budgies at best (Keep in mind even the humble budgie needs flockmates,
stimulation and a nutritious diet!). Screen cages can only hold doves and other softbills anyways.
And when you say 'an arm and a leg' how much are you talking? Because as a general rule, birds are expensive. I spent $90
on my conure for Black Friday and only bought some food, two dishes, a tabletop perch and a little wood perch. And that's 20%-40% off.

As to where to buy the bird, look up a local rescue. There are always plenty of brokenhearted little guys looking for good homes. Try and spend time with them before you make any decisions!

And while your cage can probably be modified, I'd suggest buying a new one. Only after you decide what species you're getting, so you can find one with proper bar spacing.

 

[Peppo]

I agree! parrots are far from pets, but they can be your best friend complete with all the arguments, full belly laughs and just hang time that you would expect from any "BFF!"

 

[ZephyrFly]

For my green cheek conure I set aside £500 for everything (pazu himself, cage, and toys). That's about $750.
Plus more over time for toys and vets costs.

 

[KrisandPenelope]

I am with ZephyrFly on this one, between the cost of my conure (crimson belly) and the cage it was close to $1,000 and then more down the road with the vet check and more toys. As for the screened in cage a cockatiel and most definitely a conure could get through it. I wouldn't recommend putting the plexi glass up because you limit air circulation which will lower the air quality plus you will lose the ability to hang perches and dishes like you'd be able too on a cage with bars.

 

[Minimaker]

I have a screen cage for my budgies and quickly had to replace the screen on the side next to the perches with plexiglass due to chewing. They don't bother the front screen door because everything they want is away from it. If they land on it, it's momentary and they fly right off again. A conure beak would devastate the screen, I can assure you that. Anything bigger than a finch would if there is a perch near it.