New here

[Katu]

I'm pretty quiet usually, but I thought it would be courteous to follow forum etiquette and make a brief introduction. I'm an early retiree, and I love birds. I've had a canary, a budgie and a cockatiel. To be honest, I haven't owned a bird in 30 years now, and I'm still haunted by the death of my cockatiel because it seemed very sudden.

I have been casually researching getting a bird again. I'm not ready to commit, and don't know if it's best to get a young bird, or adopt one. I don't know what species would be best either. I would like to try a different type this time. Not too sure about conures because I know someone who has them and she advised me against it. So I'm looking at other small to medium sized parrots.

I have 3 chihuahuas currently. My kids are grown and I have a lot of time on my hands.

 

[Flboy]

Welcome to you!

 

[Terry57]

Hello and welcome! I am so sorry for the loss of your cockatiel, it is so hard to lose one, especially when it is sudden.

I love chihuahuas! What are their names?
I am so happy you joined us

 

[Scott]

Welcome to early retirement and the joys of experiencing life unfettered. (well, mostly!)

The passing of a treasured companion is indeed haunting. Hopefully the forums will help you debate the merits of living with another feathered friend. One bit of advice many offer is when searching for the ideal bird is to keep an open mind and allow them to "choose" you.

Hope your experience here takes you full-circle to an earlier time of joy!

 

[Katu]

Might take me a while to figure out quoting system here. Thank you all for the welcome. I am most smitten by quakers right now, but I expect this decision to take a year or longer.

My dogs are Lola (8), Murphy (6) and Casper (2). They are not tiny specimens at all, and they are well behaved and would never bite anyone ever. I imagine any bird I get is going to learn to imitate them barking. They hear and see things that aren't there, I swear.

 

[LeaKP]

Welcome, you will find lots of support here and good advice. Read the different forums on the different species. I love cockatiels, budgies, parrotlets, linnies....(lineolated parakeet)... Im sure you'll find the best for you.

Anyway, you are so very welcome!