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 #2006215


Ashleymarie69x
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 Interested In Birds

So I am interested in getting a Parakeet. I bought a book the other day and I have been researching them non stop. I have a few questions, are they good starter birds The book I read indiated they were not good starter birds? I also read something about non-stick surfaces. But I have seen many bird owners that keep there birds right in the kitchen and know nothing about this and have had there birds for upwards of eight years, with no problems. Is this absolutely necissary or just a precaution? I am very confused, I really dont want to get one until I know absolutely everything about them. Thanks (:
05/17/09  08:02am

 #2007084


Mk_ms_reptile
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   Message To: Ashleymarie69x   In reference to Message Id: 2006215


 Interested In Birds

I would never recommend that anyone keep their birds in the kitchen. First off, birds are VERY sensitive to smells and the gas/smoke from a stove could easily kill a bird and/or shorten its lifespan greatly. The non-stick surface thing refers to the stove tops that have the coatings on them. The fumes from them can harm a birds delicate repitory tract. This is the same reason you should NEVER smoke or burn candles around them.

Second off, birds are very dusty and dirty. Keep in mind that the bird is NOT going to keep all the seeds and hulls and poop inside the cage. They are messy animals. Don’t get me wrong, I love my birds to death but they are gross as far as mess goes.

The reason I do not recommend budgie parakeets as a good starter bird is because they are prone to so many health problems. They are also naturally skittish and are going to take A LOT of work to socialize. They are a better choice than a conure or a larger parakeet though if you’re looking for something that doesn’t require as much attention.

Keep in mind that budgies can live up to 15+ years. The key to a long and healthy live span is keeping the bird happy and social and providing a lot of variety in its diet. I’ve always had at least three sets of toys. Two I kept hidden away and I had at least three toys in the cage at all times. Mine liked coconut fiber toys and wood blocks best. They also loved anything with beads on it. I would take the old toys out of the cage and replace them with new ones after a week. Every two or three weeks I’d buy new ones.

As far as feeding goes, I always had a fortified seed diet and offered fresh fruits and veggies daily. I also always had cuddle bone available.

Although budgies wouldn’t be my personal first choice they do make good pets with some time and patience.
05/18/09  02:46pm

 #2007854


Ashleymarie69x
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   Message To: Mk_ms_reptile   In reference to Message Id: 2007084


 Interested In Birds

Okay well Im not sure on what to do yet, but Im not running out to the petstore anytime soon to buy one I want to do my re-search carefully and pick the best one possible for my life style thaks for the help
05/19/09  10:19pm

 #2008498


Kimforster
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   Message To: Ashleymarie69x   In reference to Message Id: 2007854


 Interested In Birds

By parakeet you mean budgie???? Budgies are excellent starter birds so perhaps you should look for other budgie books. If you’re talking about parakeets other than budgies it can depend on which one you’re referring to.

Wow, that would have to be the first I’ve ever read such bad things about budgies. You had a bad run with them????

Budgies are more prone to tumors than anything else. It is an unfortunate thing but it is not something that every single budgie gets. A good healthy budgie on a good healthy proper diet & regular vet checks can prevent this. they’re not prone to getting ill just like that. Like all birds they need to be taken proper care of to stay healthy & come from good clean breeding lines. I’d also like to point out that budgies are not the only birds to be prone to certain sickness, all birds are.

Being skittish can depend on the individual. There are MANY budgie that’re right out there. The right training & taming will make your budgie a social little butterfly.

As for a bird that doesn’t require much attention. There is no such thing. Any bird you have requires a lot of attention. Any bird that you give little attention to will not have good social skills & can develop behaviours. A budgie is better suited than a larger bird. The larger you go, the more attention the bird is likely to need need & the bigger the behaviours can become. A green cheek conure can be a good choice as a first bird too but they need double the attention, space & toys of a budgie. As I said about, as for other parakeets, it depends on which ones since some are extremely difficult to tame & train compared to a budgie.
05/20/09  11:12pm


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