Hello... I'm new here

[Audbug]

Hi all, I am new here. I dont have a parrot and I've never owned a bird in my life but am interested in learning about birds and how to care for them. I have been researching African grey parrots. I really am drawn to the birds who talk or who shows lots of personality. Everytime I go to Petco, I always go visit the birds...the expensive ones...lol.
Any suggestions on what kind of bird is right for me? I am home more than I am not home. I have two little chihuahua dogs who are very loving and sweet. How do dogs and birds usually get along? I am also concerned about how to find a "bird doc". I appreciate any and all help. Thanks!

 

[oled]

Only you can find out if you are a bird person or not. Read a lot and "talk" to you perrot family on this forum. It seemd to me that you are a wice pet owner just writing "I am also concerned about how to find a "bird doc". ", I like that

Welcome to a great forum and good luck

 

[Sulphiria]

First off...welcome to the forums! The type of bird thats right for you depends on a lot of things. How much time do you have to interact with a bird? Do you live alone? In a house/apt? Can you afford it? How much noise can you handle? And what do you want in a bird? Hyper? Big? Colorful? Talkative? Snuggly? Theres a lot of factors.

As far as a vet goes, you can check The Association of Avian Veterinarians | Home

Also take a peek at http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/7244-parrot-me.html that will give you a good idea on what direction you want to go

Glad youre doing your research!

 

[wolf0994]

Welcome to the forums. Sulphiria gave some great advice there.

 

[Mozzie]

Welcome to the forum. Yes, just do as the others said and do LOTS of research, and you will figure it all out. As far as your chihuahua's go, I too have 2 chihuahua's and I have no problem with them and my parrots at all. My African Grey likes to trick them. She calls their names and tells them to "Come here", then when they do she tells them "No Barking!". It is pretty cute. But my dogs know not to mess with the parrots! Good luck!

 

[QuackQuack]

The biggest thing for you to understand before anything else is that they are wild animals versus a domesticated animal. Where a dog might seek companionship from you and you from it, a bird is different. You have to focus on how to please that wild animal that you chose to take into your life. It is a totally different experience in ownership. They have their own ideas about how life should be and it won't likely match yours! They have mood swings and unlike the family dog they may decide to bite you just for the heck of it and you have to gracefully smile and try again later If you can get around they parts of them such as their lovely calls - you may have a very rewarding relationship! I know that when I was 12 and my parents got me an african grey, my mother had planned to care for him while I was in college and take him if when I married or had children and he didn't accept. She sadly passed away and when I moved into the dorms I had to sell him - You CANNOT look far enough into the future with a bird! I have an 'in the event of my death' plan for my birds and I'm only 24 :22: My grey was too loud for an apartment, so if I got one today I would have to make sure that I will be in a house etc....it's a lot of planning!
I know you will learn so much here and find the perfect match for you in a feathered master if a bird is for you.
It's wonderful to have you !!!!