What bird is best for me?

[Aikoiscute]

Consider a rat or a ferret both make great pets.


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My brother owns 2, they're really cute and cuddly and social, but they only live for a couple of years and die very easily plus I get sick too often to be around them and you can pass colds onto them I would probably kill it with one of my sicknesses in a matter of months... Ferrets are so mean I wouldn't want to go near one. My brother has been through over 30 rats and 18 died of cancer tumours and the others died of other causes like getting my brothers cold or injuring themselves from jumping places they shouldn't have (they have terrible depth perception and will jump from anywhere) I want something more permanent and that lasts at least 10 years.

 

[Scoza]

you think DOGS stink????? Wooo child, you have no business owning a parrot then. I promise you they smell ten times worse. Even budgies.



We have a yorkie in an apartment, it works out really well. No shedding to worry about, don't siink, very affectionate to the point of being codependent.

I have not experienced this with my 15 mo CAG, if I sniff her up close I can pick up the odor od dander and the general odor that is different than a human, but all in all I do not think she or my home stink at all b/c of her.



If anything makes my home stink it's the stench the Cleveland Browns leave behind after they have been on my TV.

Its funny I never thought my bird or house smelt but I walked into a shop and I said to my wife the moment we went in the doors there's a bird in here. I could smell it. Sure enough there was a quaker on the counter. I don't notice it in my home because its not out of place but I was able to easily recognise the smell when it was out of place in this fashion boutique. The reason I instantly recognised it was I live with it.


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[Aikoiscute]

you think DOGS stink????? Wooo child, you have no business owning a parrot then. I promise you they smell ten times worse. Even budgies.



We have a yorkie in an apartment, it works out really well. No shedding to worry about, don't siink, very affectionate to the point of being codependent.

I have not experienced this with my 15 mo CAG, if I sniff her up close I can pick up the odor od dander and the general odor that is different than a human, but all in all I do not think she or my home stink at all b/c of her.



If anything makes my home stink it's the stench the Cleveland Browns leave behind after they have been on my TV.

Its funny I never thought my bird or house smelt but I walked into a shop and I said to my wife the moment we went in the doors there's a bird in here. I could smell it. Sure enough there was a quaker on the counter. I don't notice it in my home because its not out of place but I was able to easily recognise the smell when it was out of place in this fashion boutique. The reason I instantly recognised it was I live with it.


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Yes birds have a distinct smell, but they don't smell bad. It's a calming smell almost when you step into a pet store and step right into the bird section that's probably why I want a bird, because they smell good to me and it smells homely and calming to me.

 

[wrench13]

2 suggestions.

1) BeeBee or Canary ( Yellow) wing parrot. Species is Brotogeris Chiriri ( you can google this and get more info. Here is a good site about their pet qualities. I have had one, and he was a great family parrot, who loved scratches and would fall asleep in the crook of my neck. Website: https://www.beautyofbirds.com/brotogerisaspets.html

2) Adopt a older conure ( 3-4+ years old) . Judging on your needs and limits, the change when puberty hits most parrots will cause you to fall out of love with your baby. If you adopt one that is past that, well this is how the parrotwill act for the remainder of his life ( probably). And there are many many many older parrots that need forever homes. Check out a local parrot rescue or ASPCA.

But you have been getting good advice here. All parrots are hard work for the owners. If you're not willing to take that on, for 20-30 or more years, then please do yourself and them a favor and consider a different pet. You dont sound like a bad pet owner, but parrot owners are a special breed of person, willing to become a slave to your feathered master, eh folks? Good luck and keep us all posted!

 

[itzjbean]

You keep mentioning that smaller birds can't be affectionate with you or show you love. Here, watch these videos...

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgTjzl4hbOA"]Cuddly cockatiel [/ame]

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJievQrjQRg"]Another cuddly cockatiel[/ame]

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBnIeeRYBfA"]An affectionate budgie[/ame]

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDhfLOElREE"]Loving sun conure[/ame]

Just because you see some skittish birds in pet stores, doesn't mean ALL birds are like this. If you get a bird from a reputable breeder who cares for their babies, you will find a very affectionate friend When you earn a bird's trust, they will show you love.

 

[chris-md]

you think DOGS stink????? Wooo child, you have no business owning a parrot then. I promise you they smell ten times worse. Even budgies.

We have a yorkie in an apartment, it works out really well. No shedding to worry about, don't siink, very affectionate to the point of being codependent.

I have not experienced this with my 15 mo CAG, if I sniff her up close I can pick up the odor od dander and the general odor that is different than a human, but all in all I do not think she or my home stink at all b/c of her.

If anything makes my home stink it's the stench the Cleveland Browns leave behind after they have been on my TV.

Lmfao!!

I'm referring to the cage and playstands. Though I have noticed a sickeningly sweet smell from Parker himself when he becomes hormonal.

 

[Aikoiscute]

You keep mentioning that smaller birds can't be affectionate with you or show you love. Here, watch these videos...

Cuddly cockatiel

Another cuddly cockatiel

An affectionate budgie

Loving sun conure

Just because you see some skittish birds in pet stores, doesn't mean ALL birds are like this. If you get a bird from a reputable breeder who cares for their babies, you will find a very affectionate friend When you earn a bird's trust, they will show you love.

Awww. They look pretty loving and way different from the ones I see in the pet store. are they hard to bond with or do they warm up to you right away? The cockatiel looks like the best choice for me, or what the other user mentioned to me that maybe I should get an older bird who already has a personality so I won't be in for a surprise when they hit puberty.

 

[MosaicMadness]

Honestly, I don't know of anything that will just sit there and let you pet it until you get tired of doing that. Most will want attention when and how they want it. Have you tried sensory toys? My daughter has started making slime and she and her siblings will sit and mess with it for hours while watching TV. Longer haired animals that are conditioned for grooming tend to sit still longer: angora rabbit, ragdoll cat If you definitely want a bird, in your current circumstances, a handfed cockatiel might work. My mom had a hand fed girl and she was very sweet, she'd enjoy head scritches for a bit, then maybe walk up to a shoulder, around the back of the couch and preen some hair, back on an arm, etc... more scritches. But they don't just sit there and let you keep petting them. Good luck.

 

[GaleriaGila]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this thread!

So many facets to this wonderful bird fancy, yes?

In my case, what bird was best for me? The one that invaded my life and refused to leave.
*sigh*

I love how our community shares and supports.

 

[Kentuckienne]

Since you mentioned that you yourself are loud, energetic, active and outgoing...these are traits that frighten many animals, including birds. Many animals are attracted to quiet people. I am a little allergic to cats, for example, so I don't call to them or approach them, and as a result they come over to me and rub their sneezy little hairs all over me. With parrots, most will be frightened by an active energetic person or perceive them as aggressive, and respond with fear or aggression of their own. This may be why the rabbit "hates you" - it doesn't hate you, maybe, but is afraid of you and is trying to protect itself or escape. Animals don't really understand our intentions and you have to see things from their perspective. If you experiment with making yourself very calm and grounded, you might notice a different reaction from both animals and people. As far as animals...you might have better luck with a predator species, which can handle aggressive behavior, than with a prey species which is afraid you might eat it. So perhaps a dog, one that does well with high energy surroundings but doesn't get overstimulated. A smaller dog will be easier to manage in a smaller home, and all dogs need walking, exercise, training, interaction, and so on. Some dogs can help humans to deal with stress and anxiety as well, coming over to give comfort and love. A companion animal can be a wonderful help in life so it's important to find the right one. Good luck!

 

[Aikoiscute]

Honestly, I don't know of anything that will just sit there and let you pet it until you get tired of doing that. Most will want attention when and how they want it. Have you tried sensory toys? My daughter has started making slime and she and her siblings will sit and mess with it for hours while watching TV. Longer haired animals that are conditioned for grooming tend to sit still longer: angora rabbit, ragdoll cat If you definitely want a bird, in your current circumstances, a handfed cockatiel might work. My mom had a hand fed girl and she was very sweet, she'd enjoy head scritches for a bit, then maybe walk up to a shoulder, around the back of the couch and preen some hair, back on an arm, etc... more scritches. But they don't just sit there and let you keep petting them. Good luck.

Oh no I wouldn't want to pet it all the time lol but I need to constantly interact with something like constantly talk to it or play with it all day or just have him holding on to me or sitting on my shoulder while I'm doing chores around the house. I have separation anxiety and cannot be alone in the house. That's why it's nice to have a pet around the house that I could talk to and have it respond even if it's just a little squeak or chirp every once in a while. I don't want a screaming pet though, because my neighbors don't like loud noises at night. I do have interactive toys like playdoh and fidget cubes and Chinese finger traps that I'm constantly using in my hand, I even have a spinny necklace that I wear to work and the kids I work with love it (I work at a daycare)

 

[Aikoiscute]

Since you mentioned that you yourself are loud, energetic, active and outgoing...these are traits that frighten many animals, including birds. Many animals are attracted to quiet people. I am a little allergic to cats, for example, so I don't call to them or approach them, and as a result they come over to me and rub their sneezy little hairs all over me. With parrots, most will be frightened by an active energetic person or perceive them as aggressive, and respond with fear or aggression of their own. This may be why the rabbit "hates you" - it doesn't hate you, maybe, but is afraid of you and is trying to protect itself or escape. Animals don't really understand our intentions and you have to see things from their perspective. If you experiment with making yourself very calm and grounded, you might notice a different reaction from both animals and people. As far as animals...you might have better luck with a predator species, which can handle aggressive behavior, than with a prey species which is afraid you might eat it. So perhaps a dog, one that does well with high energy surroundings but doesn't get overstimulated. A smaller dog will be easier to manage in a smaller home, and all dogs need walking, exercise, training, interaction, and so on. Some dogs can help humans to deal with stress and anxiety as well, coming over to give comfort and love. A companion animal can be a wonderful help in life so it's important to find the right one. Good luck!

I never thought of it that way... It's hard for me to be calm and still since I'm almost always fidgeting or holding something in my hand. I can be quiet and I usually am around my rabbit when I'm doing his food or letting him out of his cage since everytime I am loud he has a heart attack and it's not a good time for him but sometimes I can't help it and I just make weird noises because I get a sudden burst of energy and have to let it out lol. he probably doesn't like me because I always have so much energy and he can probably feel it and I'm always trying to play with him and let him out of his cage all the time. When I let him outside though he's really happy with me and gets excited and running and jumping as much as I am . I already did mention that my boyfriend absolutely hates dogs of any kind so I can't have one even if I wanted to :/ you said predator species, are there any other predators that are high energy and compatible with someone like me?

 

[MosaicMadness]

Maybe try a ferret. They are small, energetic, predator species, playful... Rabbits, birds are prey species. Cats and dogs would be predator. Rats maybe?

 

[Oli]

I'm really concerned about your views on birds. NO bird will fit what you're describing, I can guarantee that.

And yes parrots still can have a smell, even if they are healthy- although mine does not. you should listen to people who actually own parrots on that one.

One thing that really concerned me was that you said "ridiculous vet costs" in reference to dogs.

You have... no idea how expensive it is to take an exotic pet to a vet, let alone find a good bird specialist. You NEED to take a bird to a vet as often as possible because of how fragile they are and how easy it is for them to hide sickness- and boy that is expensive.


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[wrench13]

More and more it is sounding like a parrot would be a poor to bad match for you. But it's a free country and no one can stop you from buying a parrot. But please, look at it from the parrot ( who is at least as intelligent as a 2yr old human baby) point of view. They do well in a nurturing, thoughtful environment where the human provides an environment that will allow the parrot to be just what it is. A wild animal that has to live in modern society, best done with an owner who is not self absorbed with personality disorders, who is empathic to the parrots needs, sometimes over the desires of the owner. Here is a typical scenario: Your parrot seems a bit sleepy lately. He should be checked out by an Avian vet, which might run $100-200, maybe more. But there is a really nice jacket at *******'s boutique, it will look great on you. Which one gets the money? Or: Your boyfriend wants to get away for the weekend. You could use it too. What do you do with your parrot? Board him ( $$$)? Let a friend watch him? Leave him alone , with extra food and water? Take him with you, with all the resulting stress on you both? Or suggest to the boyfriend that you skip going away, settle in for the weekend with some good movies, a bottle or 2 of wine and extra play time with your parrot? Which would you choose?

 

[itzjbean]

I have a lot of animals....a Doberman Pinscher, 2 Ragdoll cats, 2 birds, and a tank of fish. They are all different in their own ways. Dogs generally are fine with high energy people and want to be with you where ever you go. Cats are more aloof, will play and cuddle with you on their own terms. Our male cat Meeko is not really part of that though, he is first to greet us at the door and sleeps by my head at night and is always in the mood for pets and cuddles. It all just depends on the personality.

Our two cockatiels are tame, I can pick them up, but I can't really cuddle with them. They are bonded to each other and prefer the other's company to human interaction, which is totally fine. All animals are different! All have different personalities. But generally if you want a bird to be bonded to you and cuddle with you, keep one or keep them in separate cages. You have to be committed to spending time with them and letting them out of their cage a lot, too so they stay happy.

 

[Nerine]

You do have a long list of 'requirements' for a pet bird, which makes it difficult to determine which bird would be the best for you, but I wish you good luck on your search.

 

[Kentuckienne]

It is a dilemma, to find a pet that would fit all these requirements. Just about all animals make noise, smell bad sometimes, cost a lot for medical care at times. But there's no animal that naturally wants to cuddle and play during all waking hours, because they would not have survived as a species. I don't know how you would feel about it, but I once had a pet lab mouse. Lab mice are bred for specific traits, including being easy to handle and tolerant of weird surroundings. They can be cute as the dickens, little white fur balls, and very clean. I don't know if they can be house trained, but you might be able to carry one around in a pouch and cuddle it as much as you like as they are very docile. Just don't get one and then let it free - they won't survive on their own. Lab rats, pet rats, can also be very docile and cuddly. Rats and mice are much nicer pets than expected, and they are quiet and easy to take care of. Keep thinking about it - you might find that an animal helps you to be calm, and it will be enough to just have it around even if you aren't always touching.

 

[Oli]

It is a dilemma, to find a pet that would fit all these requirements. Just about all animals make noise, smell bad sometimes, cost a lot for medical care at times. But there's no animal that naturally wants to cuddle and play during all waking hours, because they would not have survived as a species. I don't know how you would feel about it, but I once had a pet lab mouse. Lab mice are bred for specific traits, including being easy to handle and tolerant of weird surroundings. They can be cute as the dickens, little white fur balls, and very clean. I don't know if they can be house trained, but you might be able to carry one around in a pouch and cuddle it as much as you like as they are very docile. Just don't get one and then let it free - they won't survive on their own. Lab rats, pet rats, can also be very docile and cuddly. Rats and mice are much nicer pets than expected, and they are quiet and easy to take care of. Keep thinking about it - you might find that an animal helps you to be calm, and it will be enough to just have it around even if you aren't always touching.

This is the best suggestion I've seen ^