Help

[me2007]

:confused: I would really like a parrot i want one that talks alot and that is cuddly. i am not sure which kinds to get i also need to be able to leave it alone while i am at school however i am planning to get it during the summer but i will still have to leave every now and then. i would like one that i would be able to train and i want it to be very talkative but i don't want a really really big one. any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!! thanx sooo much.


p.s. i am 14 and i am good with animals and birds are my favorite i am very responsible. and this will be my only pet so i won't have a bunch of other ones to take care of. although i have had pets before!

[Redstorm1721]

Well,The redbellied ones talk real good,also are not really big. Same as the Sengal,and they are very good left alone. They can entertain themselves for hours. Also aferican greys are really good talkers and also can be alone for a few hours. They can really entertain themselves. But they are also very depended on you for just about everything. They all talk. Actually most birds can talk. This is if they feel like it . even Budgie's will. So it really depends on the bird if they want to or not. But good luck on finding your new bird!

[Jenny]

Hey! I'm fourteen as well and currently have six birds: two conures (green-cheeked and blue-crowned), three budgies, and a lovebird (peachfaced). The most important thing is that you've researched and read tons about parrots before getting one. They are so different than other types of pets and you really need to have read alot first before you get one- it will save you and your bird lots of trouble as well as problems that will develop. As for the talking issue... Please rethink getting a parrot if you are set on having a talking one. I know having a bird that talks human is pretty neat, but it's only the icing on the cake of the bird- there's so much more to them than that! You can't guarantee that any bird will talk, much less be extremely talkative. So far I'm having trouble of thinking of any bird that is very cuddly and guaranteed to talk alot. All birds are different, and even if their species is known for being talkative or cuddly, not all of that kind will be like that. My point is I guess that you need to realize that no parrot will be exactly how you want it to be. I'm sorry if I sound like I'm preaching at you, it's just that I've seen numerous instances where adults or kids got a parrot expecting alot out of it and then wanting ot give away the bird when it didn't fulfill their expectations- I don't want that to happen for you! Then, the poor parrot is usually given up to a different home, which is hard on it. Ok, now onto which kind I'd suggest if you realize that you can't really expect a parrot to be a certain way. I don't know if they're illegal where you live because in some states they are, but quakers are rather small and make good companions. I don't know about them being cuddly, but most learn to say a few words and some talk alot. They could be a very good choice. Like Gail said, redbellies are great and can talk well (not all do, though) but I'm not sure how cuddly they are. Maybe it's because I have one, but I think green-cheeked conures are excellent: they don't talk alot though most will say a few words and some learn alot, and they love being cuddled by you and would rather be with you than anything. They also can play by themselves though, and Kirby (my green-cheek) does fine while I'm at school as long as I've given him plenty to do and play with him and spend lots of time with him when I'm home. Parrots are a big responsibility- even the small ones- so make sure you research whatever kind you're thinking of first and that you're absolutely sure you're prepard for it. Sorry this was so long, but good luck! :)

[Redstorm1721]

Yes well said! Research is the thing. I forgot to say that too. But follow what Jenny says, she has great info on all aspects! welcome to the boared and good luck!

[birdgirl]

I'm 15. I think for you a budgie would be the best bet they are not cuddly but they can be great talkers and they are small my budgie likes to give kisses and he is fine when I'm away I think a budgie is the perfect first time bird for any one.
one last ting READ, READ, READ all you can before getting yourself into being a birds pet.

[Jenny]

Ha-ha! Ain't that the truth! Yeah, budgies make great pets but don't expect them to be cuddly, although they can talk alot! I didn't mention cockatiels because the females, although cuddly, don't often talk (though they are TERRIFIC birds and great friends) and the males, although in many cases they can talk some, aren't that cuddly! You should still think about a 'tiel or 'keet though because they are fantastic little birds!

[JSimko]

I have two birds. A blue and gold maccaw, which is a very large bird and a parakeet. My parakeet talks, is very intelligent, and highly social. She is not completely dependant on me, but also really enjoys being let out of her cage to be with me. Her favorite phrase is "Let me out.", because she knows it gets her out. Tweety gives great kisses and loves to travel outside our home in my shirt pocket. She was also easily trained to poop on command. She never has accidents and is a very family friendly bird. Be careful what you believe about parakeets, based on what you hear from people who do not have birds. My parents 6 years ago did not have any interest in birds, because they heard that they are filthy and stupid like a goldfish that swims around in a tank, but you can never interact with it. Well 6 years ago, I convinced them to try getting a bird and now they cannot live without having them. We now have 4 all together, but the two that I mentioned belong to me. Also to compare their intelligence to that of a dog, I can fool the dog with the same dirty trick indefinately, but the birds after once or twice remember it and can't be fooled.

[dlaura]

Our family has 4 birds. 2 belonging to our son and 2 belonging to my husband & I. The latter being a green cheek conure, Einstein; and a goffins cockatoo, Angel. I have been amazed to see how intelligient these creatures are - and how social they can be!

The "dirty trick" my son mentioned in above post is saying to our dog (golden retriever, Amber) "Let's go for a walk" in order to get her to follow him into laundry room, where we have her sleep for the night. Amber is trained well, he doesn't need to do this, as all I need to do is say "Bedtime- lets go to your room" and Amber will go immediately.

In answer to your ?, Jenny is right - I also would suggest you get a conure. Our green cheek is very, very cuddly and talks a little. If you are looking for snuggly - I think a green cheek would be a good choice. Einstein will snuggle in our hands for hours and hours - only leaving to attend to potty needs. He gives kisses and communicates with us very well - but will also "hollar" at us if he is denied what he wants. Einstein would eat peanut after peanut if we let him - but we only allow it as a treat - and that upsets him. Every bird is different, with their own personality and our conure certainly has personality. All our birds have a different personality, unique eating habits and food likes & dislikes. Two love to take a bath - two hate baths. So, remember as Jenny said - just because certain types of birds are said to be snuggly or good talkers - doesn't mean the bird your get will have those qualities.

Good Luck and let us know what kind of bird you decide on.

Diane (JSimko's mom)

[Redstorm1721]

Oh Please don't forget to maybe get a Senegal? They are all the obove. Mine ( she) is so snuggly and a ham. she kises all the time. she loves attention, and always wants to sit with me. They also can be on their own, and play all day if you go somewhere.Their is a pic of her in the picture area of this site.they are only about 8 to 9 inches long from head to tail feathers. they will talk as long as you talk to them all the time. Its a different kinda talk,very low and they don't have a voice box like us but they learn very well. They can let out a big scream,but for the most part are very quiet and happy. They are known to pluck their feathers so make sure if you get one to keep them busy,lots of different toys and a spray mist bath,different foods,(what every you are eating) No Junk. also a climbing tree and lots of out of the cage time. check out your pet stores near you,or perhaps a breader. Gail

[Pet_lover92]

My bird, Cuddles, is chattering like mad. But his beak only chatters on and off repeatedly. And he's been shivering during those periodes... What do I do since at this moment I am unable to bring him to an aviarian vet???

Please help me!