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Birds--General/What?
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Question
Hi! I am thinking strongly about getting a pet bird, do you have any suggestions on what bird i should get. I dont want a fancy expensive one becasue i am just starting out, but i really want to bird that will be affectionate towards me, and will hop on my finger, and will be tame. What bird should i get?
Hi, Carlos,
I can't help you select a parrot for a pet bird because I don't know enough about your lifestyle, desires, etc. However, I will tell you that if you want an affectionate, tame bird, purchase a just-weaned, handfed baby parrot from a reputable parrot breeder.
There are no guarantees when it comes to parrots. A parrot's behavior is directly related to how the bird was socialized as a baby and its life experiences thus far in its lifetime. No one can tell you to buy a cockatiel, for instance, because they are tame and affectionate. This is not how it works! Any parrot can be affectionate and tame if the bird is socialized properly. So it's not really a choice of species/subspecies of parrot necessarily, it's a socialization issue.
If you buy an untame parrot from a pet store or other, it will take much time, patience, and knowledge on your part to tame the bird.
Chrys
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Answers by Expert:
Chrys Meatyard
Expertise
I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.
Experience
Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.
Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.
Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.
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