Bird Experience?

[imbadatmakingusernames]

(Just wondering). What does it mean to have bird experience? Would it be like owing 2 Cockatiels and an IRN; or having a bird live out the expected life span?
Because we always here how you need bird experience to own birds, but how doe "measure" it?

 

[MonicaMc]

I would have to say that you would need a minimum of 3 months with a particular species to say that you have experiences with *that* species.... of course, the longer the better!


I got into birds in 2000, and have yet to have a bird live to it's potential lifespan, but I've had others live to their expected as well as average lifespans, and others that died far too early.

 

[mtdoramike]

Well to me, bird experience is very subjective. If you have owned a parakeet or finch in the past and decide that you want to get a Macaw without having any interaction with a large or extra large bird would be questionable. But any bird experience no matter what the species, would be bird experience to me. It's just what type of bird experience does one have would be the question I would ask.

Small to medium birds require less care or monetary expense as well as experience. But when you step up to a Large bird like Cockatoo's, Greys, Eclectus and yes Macaws, the bird experience becomes more helpful. But not necessarily required. Take macaws for instance, they can be moody, and a bit aggressive at times especially if they think they can intimidate you and on the other hand they can be sweet and cuddly when they want as well. You have to handle them as their mood permit or you are going to get hurt.

 

[mtdoramike]

I would also like to add that is you want to get bird experience dealing with different species of birds in a quick way, volunteer at a bird rescue group in your area.

 

[imbadatmakingusernames]

Well to me, bird experience is very subjective. If you have owned a parakeet or finch in the past and decide that you want to get a Macaw without having any interaction with a large or extra large bird would be questionable. But any bird experience no matter what the species, would be bird experience to me. It's just what type of bird experience does one have would be the question I would ask.

Small to medium birds require less care or monetary expense as well as experience. But when you step up to a Large bird like Cockatoo's, Greys, Eclectus and yes Macaws, the bird experience becomes more helpful. But not necessarily required. Take macaws for instance, they can be moody, and a bit aggressive at times especially if they think they can intimidate you and on the other hand they can be sweet and cuddly when they want as well. You have to handle them as their mood permit or you are going to get hurt.

I started getting worried that you were psychic from your second paragraph, but I really want to try get the more nippy birds to build up to a macaw (and maybe a grey).
I'm also finally volunteering at our local shelter, helping out with the few birds that come (the parrot sanctuary is on the Big Island, so its WAY too far).

 

[jugoya]

I wouldn't get a bird to 'build up to' a bigger bird.

Get a bird for the sake of having the bird.

If you want a bigger bird but have no experience with large ones.. well do research; ask questions. Find someone in the area who owns one maybe....

Talk to a local Avian Vet.. that sort of thing.

But never get a bird as practice for a big one. NEver ever ever.

Little birds are just as complex as the big ones, never doubt it.

 

[Birdman666]

It's a difficult thing to quantify, and kind of a why bother to quantify it thing...

Are we going to brag about our "bird experience" to other people?

The question to ask yourself, do you know enough about this species, and it's particular quirks, housing needs, temperament, feeding needs, and species tendencies, to provide the right environment for it....

You don't necessarily need to learn everything there is to know about them, but know how to handle them safely, and know what their care needs are, and be willing and able to provide that for them the rest of their lives...

 

[Pinkbirdy]

I wanted a Too [and of course that's a big no no] . She was my first bigger bird and was bound and determined to make it work . I went on the "my Toos" site .Not to be talked out of them. But to try to be aware of what not to do. Great advice from those above [get what you truly want ] and make it work.Try to be around has many birds as you can to learn about them .Ask owners about the species your interested in . Don't believe everything you read on the internet about them.

 

[imbadatmakingusernames]

I wouldn't get a bird to 'build up to' a bigger bird.

Get a bird for the sake of having the bird.

If you want a bigger bird but have no experience with large ones.. well do research; ask questions. Find someone in the area who owns one maybe....

Talk to a local Avian Vet.. that sort of thing.

But never get a bird as practice for a big one. NEver ever ever.

Little birds are just as complex as the big ones, never doubt it.

The only problem of having a bird for the sake of having one is that I want all of them!!! I have a list of at least 15 types of birds that I would love to have!

 

[imbadatmakingusernames]

It's a difficult thing to quantify, and kind of a why bother to quantify it thing...

Are we going to brag about our "bird experience" to other people?

The question to ask yourself, do you know enough about this species, and it's particular quirks, housing needs, temperament, feeding needs, and species tendencies, to provide the right environment for it....

You don't necessarily need to learn everything there is to know about them, but know how to handle them safely, and know what their care needs are, and be willing and able to provide that for them the rest of their lives...

I'm glad to say that I have done A LOT of research, pretty much 2 months finding everything a B&G Macaw needs, I just need to save enough money to spoil him/her, and a breeder. I really want to grow up with a bird and make a really close relationship

 

[imbadatmakingusernames]

I wanted a Too [and of course that's a big no no] . She was my first bigger bird and was bound and determined to make it work . I went on the "my Toos" site .Not to be talked out of them. But to try to be aware of what not to do. Great advice from those above [get what you truly want ] and make it work.Try to be around has many birds as you can to learn about them .Ask owners about the species your interested in . Don't believe everything you read on the internet about them.

Cockatoos (Greater/Umbrella) where my first option birds, but their care discouraged me quite a lot. And there is beyond amazing knowledge from the people above, I feel so much better in my choice then ever!

I'm talking to a CAG (i think she got hers for free) owner (and 5 other birds) and she's been telling me her stories of the cops being called from the murdering screams!