Help deciding what type of bird to get

[Sparki]

Hello! I am 19 years old. I live alone and am on ODSP. Since I do not work I spend most of my time at home alone. I currently can not have a pet where I live but I am on the waiting list to get into rent geared to income housing and I will be able to own a pet there.
I have owned in the past fish, guinea pigs, hamsters, dogs, a cat, hermit crabs, and two cocketiels. One of my cocketiels was a sickly rescue bird that had damadged lungs. The other was a beautiful male cocketiel who loved flying around the house, draging things off of counters and singing.

I want to get a bird again once I in a place where I can own a pet. I want an bird that wants to be around me nonstop and never leave my side. I would love to own a larger bird that that enjoys cuddling. I will be home most of the time so the bird will get tons of attention. I have a seven year wait to get into rent geared to income housing so I have lots of time to save up for the proper things needed to own a larger bird. I honestly have a very strong love for birds. I find they have the most personality out of all the animals I have owned. I really want a bird that will live for quite a while so it can be a life long companion for me. I do not do well with people so I need an animal by my side so I am not lonely.

Could I please get some advice on a breed to get? Also, when I end up getting this bird what are veterinary requirements going to be? I am ready for the amount of attention and work that it requires to own one of these lovely animals but as I have a rather limited income I would hate to have to give up my bird because I can not pay vet bills.

 

[Rival_of_the_Rickeybird]

My young friend, a big bird may not be for you if income is limited. I say this with deepest respect for your reaching out so responsibly.
Maybe just read, read, and read some more about the various species in the Forums.
This is a pretty sobering thread.
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/71897-cost-owning-parrots-6.html
I appreciate you for your research. You'll get great support and input here.

 

[Laurasea]

I always try to support dreams...but a large parrot will be to loud for your neighbors, as well as expensive chewing toys, and food. I would lean towards a hand raised and really played with by breeder green cheek conure. They usually can only learn a few words( like 4 ish or none) but they can be exceptionally cuddly and playful. They can be nippy occasionally, and you need to do a lot of reading and research to help prevent and work through this. Expect a beaking period when young not the same as biting but you want to understand and prevent it from becoming biting, then puberty, and then hormones seasonally...some bites are going to happen. A well handled and hand raised baby from a breeder after it is fully weaned is your best bet for happy FID. You should also start harness training read up about this, if you want it's best done when young, but done very gentle with positive training, never forcing.. take the time to read everything about the type of bird you choose, read the bad stories too. They live for 30 years mane sure that is something you can do. Read about bird sensitivity to air born toxins, diet needs research research

 

[ChristaNL]

Is there any chance you can help out as a volenteer at a nearby rescue in the meantime?
You would gain a ton of knowledge, meet a lot of different birds and they have an extra person to at least give the birds some attention and maybe a helping hand or two.
Once you have experience you could foster a parrot - afaik the cost of vet and some living (depends on the place you 'work' for ) will be for the organisation, not you as a person. You will have to give up the bird for adoption again, but you get to meet and care for a lot of them - and if you ever find your match... who knows.
(I know, you still will have to deal with the people at the rescue - but I think that parrotpeople could be easier than regular ones. They are for me )

 

[LeslieA]

I hate to play Debbie Downer here, but there are several reasons not to get a bird.

Financially birds upkeep is expensive. Not knowing your situation, the initial cost is high. Not only would the bird itself cost hundreds even thousands, the cage isn't cheap. Then add in the cost of toys or parts and food. Start up isn't cheap.

Then you need to consider medical care. Some people get by on just an annual visit which usually costs hundreds. I haven't met anyone that gets by on an annual wellness exam only. (I just took 4 birds in for nail trims and it cost me $68.)

In addition to vet bills, my closest AV is almost 3 hours away. Each one has a separate transport cage on top of that.

Another consideration is your romantic life. You may not think now that marriage or significant other won't happen, but it will. Now, you must get the bird's approval, too. What about children? What if the bird gets jealous and goes after the child?

Birds can be noisy. Not everyone is tolerant of noise. Even though pets are allowed, your new neighbors might not like it. Be considerate of them, too.

I have no doubt about your abilities as a parront or your desire. What I do question is the unknown, the future.

If you still feel you must have a bird, volunteer at rescue or sanctuary. Learn about the many bird types. Let a bird choose you.

 

[wrench13]

Sorry ut parrots = $$ spent and the bigger the parrot the more they tend to cost both initially and in up keep. A conure is a good comprimise and they are really cuddly.

 

[noodles123]

My big bird has cost me SOOOOOOOOO much more than research could have ever indicated....It is crazy. You assume your bird will be healthy etc, but birds die so easily. Taking your bird to the vet cannot be a waiting game, as they hide illness and decline overnight (literally!!!) ....Despite spending hundreds on the cage and toys, the vet bills are the worst..like, close to $300-400 in the past 2-3 months with a fairly healthy bird who had to have 2 blood panels,toenail/beak-trim (x2), and occasional gram-stains...130 was yesterday's bill (follow-up blood, beak, nails). In the past year alone, I have spent AT LEAST $1000 on food, toys and vet---and I would say it is closer to 2000 when considering the impact she has on my ability to travel (boarding)+ meds + fresh fruit/veg. It is like getting a toddler who flies, has deadly food allergies, special emotional needs and has a knife attached to its face. Remember--- all of the costs outlined above excluded the price of the cage, bird, perches and initial food/toys....It's impossible to "save"...it is a like a bathtub draining.

I am a special education teacher so I have summers off, but I can tell you, even if you are home 24/7, a bird that wants to constantly be by your side is problematic...Imagine a clingy girlfriend on crack with fewer charms and a beak...who wants to be with you when you poop or change your shirt or clean....Don't encourage that, should you get a bird.

I love my bird to death, but it sometimes feels like I will bankrupt myself trying to ensure her well-being- NO, I will never re-home her and no, I am not Les-Miserables desperate (I have a very steady income etc), but without a SOLID financial platform, I wouldn't dive in.