Conference 7.286::pet_birds

    
    Bethany,
    
    Welcome to the wide wild world of birds!  I'm going to make a
    suggestion to you that I wouldn't have made a week ago, and at the same
    time issue an apology to all those folks (and their birds) that I have
    slighted over the years.  If you like what I have to say, perhaps you
    won't need to wait so long for a feathered friend.
    
    I got my first bird ten years ago.  Like you, I wanted a "real bird",
    not one of those silly, stupid little budgies or cockatiels that so
    many folks seemed to settle for.
    
    I got a wild caught, year old Timneh African grey parrot.  Although it
    took me over a year, she eventually tamed, and I loved her dearly.  I
    do not ever regret my relationship with that bird - she was special and
    precious.
    
    After her death (killed by a feral cat that got in through the
    chimney!) I bought an umbrella cockatoo, another wonderful, charming,
    demanding and expensive parrot.  
    
    Over time, I have acquired some number of birds - four pet hookbills
    including two cockatoos, a greycheek parakeet, and an amazon.  I have a
    wild pair of senegal parrots for breeding.  I also became, in time,
    fascinated by finches, setting them up in aviaries and observing their
    breeding and complex social interaction, although in terms of care they
    require more work than a hookbill.  I bred budgies for a while, and
    that was fun, although I never strongly bonded to any of them.
    
    Until last week, I would have stuck by my "real birds" conclusion.  but
    THEN...
    
    I had been planning a mixed aviary for a budgie that I had, and a
    tame diamond dove, and had decided that in order to make the thing work
    in my large ornamental aviary, I should have a third bird, a cockatiel,
    to keep the budgie distracted from tormenting the dove.  So, off I went
    looking for cocktiels, a type of bird that I always sort of thought was
    "beneath me" somehow.
    
    I found a local pet shop having a sale on handfed baby lutino 'tiels -
    $69 for a 9 week old handfed bird.  It was an exceptionally good price,
    and the birds were in fine shape.  I stuck my hand in the cage.  Most
    of the birds backed off a little, but one ran straight up my arm and
    stuck to me like glue, so I bought her.
    
    She came to live with me early this week, and I AM IN LOVE!  I had
    never truly understood how wonderfully intelligent, playful, sweet, and
    inquisitive these little birds are.  I have her in quarantine in my
    "telephone room"/den.  She will jump on my shoulder from her cage
    (after a mere 3 days there!) hop down and pull at my rings or tug at my
    fingers, chase around the room and play with everything in sight
    (latest object of affection - an orange chenille pipecleaner!), she
    burbles and chuckles and makes little noises, and is starting to try
    and say her name, "Mimosa".
    
    All you cockatiel owners that I looked down on:
    
    
    			I WAS WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    I now understand why this is one of the most popular pet birds in the
    world - because they *deserve* it!
    
    Despite all my experience with large exotic hookbills and fancy
    expensive finches, I can honestly say that this is one of the best
    birds I've ever owned, and at a price that cannot be beat.  She has all
    of the endearing qualities of my cockatoos, with none of their more
    unpleasant traits - she is far less demanding and noisy, but every bit
    as bright and cuddly and sweet.  If all my birds were to suddenly
    disappear, and I could only buy ONE bird, what would I get?  You guessed
    it, a cockatiel!  I've been won over by a bunch of yellow fluff that
    weighs no more than the sandwich I had for lunch!
    
    So, I would recommend in all seriousness that you go ahead and budget
    for the $100 or less price of a handfed cockatiel, and go ahead and get
    one.  Don't buy the first one you see - look at all the colours and
    mutations available, find one that appeals to you, and then find a bird
    that bonds to you personally.
    
    Oh, yeah, and then start putting aside a little cash every week for
    that African grey you're wanting - they are wonderful, two birds are
    twice as much fun, and you'll have practice in avian care with a less
    demanding species!
    
    
    						/Rita
    

    Re .1
    
    	I totaly agree.  I had a Cockatiel for some time.  She was very
    loving, and very smart.  She talked better than my Red Lored Amazon.
    Ever since her death I have been looking for another one.  I almost
    bought one in Florida one vacation, but decided not to at the time. 
    Next bird I get will be another Cockatiel.
    
    	Don't get me wrong, my Parrot is loving.  She is bonded to me
    completely.  She is very quiet.  I just had more fun with my Tiel. 
    Heck, just writing about it makes me want to go out and get one now.
    
    Jim Morton

    
    	As the owner of 5 tiels (plus 5 eggs) and 1 Conure and 1 African
    Grey - I agree with both previous notes. I started out with a female
    tiel - no plans on expanding - you guessed it - I got the bug!! Tiels
    are (I think!) the best first bird to get.(first, third,fouth,
    sixth,etc.)
    
    Then save up your money for more!! Take your time in choosing - and
    make sure the tiel is friendly toward you. Both my husband and myself
    truely love the little buggers! Of course my other two birds are absolutely
    terrific !!!
    
    			Good luck and keep us posted!
    
    
    				Dora

    Hi,
    
    I too, would have purchased a cockatiel, but because my wife has
    allergies, I ended up with budgies and a amazon. I was told Cockatiels
    and cockatoos shed more dust.
    
    just something to keep in mind,
    Good luck,
    Doug

    Hi Bethany,
    
    What you have to do is ask yourself just what you are looking for in
    a bird, and the time you have to devote to it.  Then it will narrow
    your selection process down a bit.
    
    Here are a few other questions you should consider before buying:
    
    Are you looking for a large bird or a small one?
    
    Have you ever had a bird before?
    
    Is noise a factor where you live?
    
    Are you primarily interested in a talking bird or a cuddly bird? (This
    is important, because an exceptional talking bird is more independent
    than a cuddling bird. You may find an exception, however it is usually
    an exception rather than the norm.)
    
    When I purchased my first bird I was dead set on a cockatiel, which I
    may add was a wise decision for a first bird, however I did not get a
    handfed baby, but unknowingly purchased a very shy untamed female who
    laid an egg a month after I purchased her - and I thought it was a
    male (she was a pied).  The rest is history.  Since I couldn't bond
    with her, I then got her a male and since collected over 60 more
    birds.
    
    Cockatiels are great first birds, but you will probably find afer a
    time, you want a larger, more interactive/intelligent bird.   Then
    those questions come in handy with the selection process.
    
    If You're looking for a great cuddling bird with limited talking
    abilities but love attention then the Cockatoo is a great bird, however
    please keep in mind that most cockatoos are VERY dependant on you for
    their entertainment and can be very loud and annoying if they don't
    get your undivided attention!  I know, I have a beautiful Moluccan
    which is a real pussycat, but really craves the attention!  They
    can feather pluck if they don't get the proper amount of TLC.
    Another thing to keep in mind with a Cockatoo, is that they love
    to chew wood (or anything for that matter), and their beaks are
    so powerful that they simply destroy wood of all types, including
    your furniture, in a blink of an eye!  And they are very clever
    and can undo most latches in a matter of minutes.  I have to 
    padlock my bird in her cage.  I can't begin to tell you what damage
    she did one day when she managed to get out of her cage!
    
    
    If talking is what you're after, then stick to the Yellow Crowned or
    Yellow Naped Amazons, Panama Amazons, or Congo African Greys.  The
    four best talking birds in the world.  They are superior talkers
    and wonderful entertainment, but are rather independent birds.  They
    don't need a great deal of attention like the cockatoo and can
    be moody - and will accept you on their terms, but are great
    buddies! (I have a yellow crown that is an absolute joy for the
    entertainment and enjoyment he brings.  He is bonded to my husband,
    but learns most of his songs and words from me.  If I had to get
    rid of all my birds, I would not ever give up this bird!  That is
    how much fun he is! )
    
    The best thing for you to do is to visit pet shops and read as much
    as you can about the birds that interest you.  Please keep in mind
    that ALL birds have their faults, since they are animals, and you
    have to put up with the bad as well as the good.  Make sure that
    you do your homework and find out the bird's personality traits
    prior to purchase, that way you will have an idea of what you're
    in for.
    
    It's ultimately your decision, and best of luck on what you decide
    on.  Please Let us know!
    
    Regards,
    Denise

	Don't buy a bird you are going to tame!  Buy a
	HAND FED DOMESTIC Bird....


	All problems associated with the big birds hold
	true however, Macaws are LOUD! Cockatoos are
	incredibly demanding Grays can be shy etc....

	However, if like me, you only plan to own ONE
	bird, get the one you REALLY want!

	I don't know where you live, but I second the
	comments, visit a shop that has hand fed baby
	birds so you get to know and understand the kind
	of temperment of the bird you want....

	Read alot, and ask lots of questions in this
	file, we all love to talk about our birds and
	will gladly give opinions, right or wrong, but
	we have opinions....

	good luck and welcome...

	-dick

    
    Well, after reading all your notes, I feel alot better.  My fiance'
    works for Dr. Phenix in Milford, NH.  He specializes in birds, and
    out of the ordinary animals, and also does the standard dogs/cats...  
    
    She has mentioned that there are people from DEC that got Dr. Phenix
    with there birds, so maybe you have run into her? 8^)
    
    She has been working for him for a few months now, and she has just
    fallen in LOVE with birds!  She wants a bird very BAD.  After reading
    through all this, I think it probably would be better to start with
    a Cokotiel (sp?), then work our way up from there.
    
    Sooo, does anyone know of any hand fed Cokotiel breeders located
    somewhere in Southern NH?  I see alot of birds in the local pet 
    stores, but I don't know if I can trust them.  I just remember hearing
    about the puppy mills and such...
    
    Thanks for any info you can provide.
    
				
    				Steve

	Wingsong in S.N.H.
	Fins and Feathers in Chelmsford
	New England Tropical Pet in Chelmsford
	Al Decoteau somewhere in Southern N.H.

	Check KEYWORDS for BREEDERS

	16.0
	23.0
	83.2
	112.0
	126.0
	133.0
	149.4
	222.0
	224.0
	255.0
	317.5
	457.0

	COCKATIELS
	COCKATIEL

	etc....

	-dick

    I was just at Birds of Paradise in Plaistow Sunday and she had some
    really nice hand fed cockatiels as well as other small hand-feds.
    I think that she has really excellent birds as she really spends time
    handling them and working with them rather than just leave them sitting
    in the cage.
    
    diane
    

    
    Re: .9
    
    Thanks Dick!  Yeah, I had forgot about keywords, and I was just doing
    that when I decided to check for new notes...
    
    Re: .10
    
    Thanks Diane!  As soon as I dig out a map and figure out where Plaistow
    is, I will check them out.  Sounds like a terrific place!
    
    
    				sms
    

    
    Off the top of my head, from when I lived in New England...
    
    SeaWorld (?) in Salem had lots of nice handfed birds, and Boston Pet
    also does...and I believe Jean Hutchings, whose number can be found
    under the "breeders" notes, had handfed 'tiels...
    
    And keep your eyes on this notesfile - there are often 'tiels looking
    for good homes advertised here.  You might check the WantAdvertiser,
    too.  Several breeders as well as individuals advertise there.  If you
    go to a reputable pet shop (as opposed to a mall pet shop) you are
    likely to find decent birds from local breeders - just look carefully
    at the birds' health and the conditions under which they are kept.
    
    Another possibility is that your fiancee may be able to connect with
    smaller hobby breeders through the vet's office.  I know that Littleton
    Animal Hospital has several small breeders with handfed 'tiels who
    advertise on their bulletin boards.
    
    						/Rita
    

    
    Well, last night I went into the vet's to check out the birds that had
    come in for boarding and surgery.  One of them was a beautiful
    cokoteil (sp? Someday I'll get it right!), that was in to get its leg
    fixed.  It had come from wingsong!  So, we are going to check out
    wingsong this weekend!
    
    
    
    				Steve

    Thank you so much for all of your replies.  I am definitely doing my
    homework on all types of birds, but I have a deep feeling that
    I will end up with a white cockateil for my first bird.
    
    This notes file is great, I will keep reading and learning.
    
    Thanks,
    Bethany
    

    I know of two members in my club that have baby hand-fed cockatiels for
    sale right now.  
    
            1 Cinnamon Pied, and 2 pied-split to cinnamon.  Ready
            by second week in February.  Sweet and cuddly.  $60.
            Call Susan Smith:  603-332-7120  (Rochester, NH)
    
           Baby handfed lutino Cockatiels, Ready end of February.
           Call Chris Bennington, 603-669-5293 (Manchester, NH)
    
    Both of the above have been raising cockatiels for a number of years
    and have top quality birds (Chris's lutino won first place in the
    Novice division at the Boston Cockatiel Show).  They both raise
    their birds in minimum quantities with TLC!  These are great
    prices!!
    
    Denise

    Thanks to all of you for your suggestions.  I was reading the paper
    yesterday and in the classified add was hand fed cockatiels for $80.00.
    We went last night to look at them and we put a deposit down on a
    pearled pied cockatiel.
    
    The birds are 11 weeks old and the one that I choose had the sweetest 
    disposition.  I pick her up in 10 days.
    
    
    Again thanks, I will keep reading all the different notes so that I can
    learn more and more about our feathered friends!
    
    A_new_feathered_friend_owner
    Bethany
    

    Why the 10 day wait?
    
    Chris D.

That's great, Bethany!

I love the pearl mutation cockatiels.  They are so pretty.  Have fun!


Roseanne

    The 10 day wait is due to financial reasons and I want to be able to
    set up the cage and everything perfect before she comes home.  
    
    Bethany

    
    Not to keep you all in the dark about our plans, but I think we have
    finally made a decision on the type of bird we are getting.
    
    My fiance' (Patti to alot of you that know her) and Dr. Phenix have
    been going back and forth about the type of bird she should get.  Well
    they finally settled on:
    
    		A Double Yellow Head.  
    
    At least I think that is what it is called.  It was very funny, because
    she kept telling him she wanted a big bird, and he kept telling her to
    get a parrokeet!  So, they have finally agreed, and hopefully be the
    middle of this summer we will be able to afford one!
    
    I wish we could get one now, since I saw a picture of one and I really
    liked the bird, but with the wedding only a few weeks away, our
    finances are pretty tight.  Since we are moving to Manchester, NH
    tommorrow, we do plan on joining BOAF as soon as the dust settles.
    
    Thanks to all for the suggestions!
    
    
    				Steve... A very nervous groom...
    

    with all due respect for very large birds ...  the cleverest and
    most endearing seems to be our smaller bird.
    
    	The amazon parrot is pretty quiet and self-contained - while
    the smaller conur is self-assertive and works at human interaction.
    
    	You gotta love it when a bird out of it's cage flies across an
    entire room to land on _your_ shoulder!  And - if you gotta be out
    of town for a few days the smaller birds are easier to find a bird-
    sitter for than one's that can bend metal with their beaks ...
    
    ~--sdt--~  our lease said "NO PETS" but our birds have their own
    		clause in the lease - and their own security deposit !!!