First bird owner

[Morganperkins]

Hello, I have never owned a parrot before but would absolutely love to have one. I am doing some research before I get one though. One of my biggest concerns is that my work schedule will conflict too much and I won’t be able to give the bird a happy life. I work 10 hours a day Monday through Thursday on night shift. So most of the time I would be able to spend with the bird would be at night. I’m just wondering if this is compatible with a parrot or any bird? And also any other advice for a first time owner is much appreciated.
I have read that getting two birds that are already bonded can help them to be less lonely. If this is the case could I get some input concerning cages? What size would I need for two conures? What shape and type would be the most suitable? How many toys and what kind of toys would I need to put in the cage?
I’m also confused on the feeding. It seems like there are many different opinions on how to feed parrots. What have you guys found to work best for you and your bird?
Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Morganperkins]

I would also like to note that I am looking at adopting the bird from a rescue.

 

[Violet_Diva]

Welcome to you! Great to read thankyou are researching before buying a bird!

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that most birds adapt well to routines around work schedules.

Different types of birds require differing amounts of care. Also, different species of parrots require different diets.

Is there a specific size of bird you feel you would be comfortable owning? (Keeping in mind that all parrots will bite at some point!)

An important question to ask you would be, what kind of relationship are you hoping to have with your bird(s)? Some birds are better suited than others to different levels of contact and care. Some are alot more hands on!

Hopefully if you can give us a little more information, some more people will be able to advise you.

 

[Morganperkins]

I am mostly interested in a small to medium sized bird. I want to be pretty hands on. Something I can play with and interact (cuddle, carry around, etc.) with on a daily basis. I still live with my parents and I know that my mother would also want to interact with it and talk to it. I’ve been mostly considering conures. But if there are other birds this size or smaller some recommendations would be nice.
I also know that birds are pretty messy and require a lot of cleaning and can be loud and noisy. None of this bothers me or my family.

 

[Flboy]

Welcome to you!

 

[wrench13]

Welcome and be welcomed

 

[Jen5200]

Welcome! Lots of great reading on here. I have 3 rescue conures and I definitely don't regret getting adult birds . I also have a rehomed cockatiel who is an absolute doll. Both species are lovely small to medium birds that are affectionate and interactive.

I would also agree that birds can adapt pretty well to a work schedule. Mine get whatever free time I have during the week (quality of the time can count more than quantity). They get much more time on my days off.

Something to consider about birds that are bonded to each other - it can be more difficult for you to bond with them since they have each other (not "always the case", but can be more of a challenge). I have 2 conures that are bonded, and they both like hanging out with me but are not as cuddly as my other conure who is not bonded to another bird. Another thing to consider is that multiple birds do not always get along, and you should be prepared to cage them separately if needed. I would always recommend the biggest cage you can get. But definitely consider getting a flight cage, they are wider to allow for more room to move around. Wider cages have been a far better shape for my birds, they tend to use horizontal space way more than vertical.

Food - most will recommend a combination of a good quality pellet, fresh fruits and veggies and a small amount of seed or sprouts. Different species may have slightly different dietary preferences and needs. My cockatiel doesn't like fruit particularly, so I generally leave it out of her diet. Tons of great threads on diet here, you'll figure out what works best for you and your bird(s). Birds have individual likes/dislikes that you'll get to know.

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, kudos for researching and seeking to adopt from a rescue!

A conure seems a good fit, provided you can prioritize quality time each day and especially on your days off. Plenty of reference material in this forum, but if you can spend some time at a rescue, an appropriate species may be easier to determine.

Time spent vs quality: directly interacting with your bird is more meaningful than having it out of the cage on a stand with you in the general area.

Adopting two birds can be risky. No guarantee a pair of birds will get along or "learn" to tolerate. Or they may prefer each other and tend to bond less with you. However, if you find a pair living successfully living together and will socialized, the task will be easier.

For most birds, a combination of fresh vegetables/fruits and quality pellet is best. Some species do best without pellets, such as Eclectus, and others require some seeds.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Wonderful advice. And so much to learn!
Good for you for reaching out and being open-minded.
Parrot ownership is a great investment of time and love and companionship. I got the Rickeybird when I was in college, and I'm now retired. He's been my longest successful relationship!

 

[YUMgrinder]

I have a few conures, my nanday is the biggest sweetheart but also bigger than the other conures I have. He is also very loud sometimes. He loves human interaction. I have a black capped and a green cheek conure too, they live together and they pretty much stick by each other always. My green cheek is very inquisitive, likes to goof around upside down. My black capped is reserved, always keeping an eye out for predators at the top of his perch. Now, I also have a cockatiel, and I have my strongest bond with him. Tiels are really great, much different than conures and my personal favorite of the medium sized birds. Plus their crest makes it easy to tell their mood, he talks a little, all of my birds talk in their own way, but my tiel is the singer. He whistles and sings and it melts my heart everytime. So that's my experience, I hope you find a bird you cant live without! Good luck!

just remember, all birds are different, all birds have their own personality so our experience may not be yours. I think you'll be fine with your hours, my schedule changes a lot and I often can only spend time with them after bedtime, but they are always eager to get out of the cage and have playtime no matter the time. They should adjust, patiently wait for your return, and enjoy at least an hour, hopefully several, outside the cage.

 

[Terry57]

Welcome to the forum! I think it's wonderful that you are doing your research. I also think it's great that you are thinking of a rescue. Perhaps there is a rescue close enough that you could volunteer at to gain even ore knowledge? Birds can definitely adapt to your schedule, as long as they get their time with you.

 

[LordTriggs]

I'll always push conures as they are awesome.

The best advice I can offer you is to go to the rescue you feel is the best near you and ask them, be honest and open about yourself and what you want. They'll be able to help you find a bird that gets most enjoyment from you