Logistics of owning a bird

[BirdCurious]

I don't know where to put this, it's probably a human issue but I guess it could be a bird one too, please move it if this isn't the right place.

Hi, new to the forum!:hihihi:

I don't own a bird and never have, for the last two and a half years I've been reading everything I can about pet parrots online and at my library. It all started with a search for 'bird toys' for my pet rats.

About me: 20 years old, live with my parents and it's an ok situation for all and the plan is for me to live at home for the next 5-9 years while I work and save to buy my own house meanwhile I take care of my disabled father(cook, clean, take him his meds, ect while mom's at work), work part time 3-4 evenings a week on a flexible schedual, am going to school to be a vet tech in the fall so I won't be working. We're animal people - 5 dogs, I have three rats who live in an extremely large cage in my bedroom(or will once the introductions are done)... anyways, I am considering sometime this summer likely in july possibly aquiring a conure or a parrotlet. My reasoning for july is that in all likelyhood by then I will have lost my dog and my eldest rat, both are extremely old for their species and in a health decline that vetrinary medicine can do nothing about and very soon I'm going to make some extremely hard choices. In 2008 our family lost one 6 year old dog to a brain tumor, one 4 year old dog due to surgical complications, our 20 year old cat to kidney failure, and my 14 month old rat to post op complications. It was a really hard year and 2009 probably won't be much better.

To explain, now that I'm legally an adult my parents and I agreed on a separation of responsibilities - I pay my own pets feed and vet bills(I have a good savings account built up for this), but when needed everyone helps everyone with any animals care(toenails, giving meds, trips to the vet, feeding while someone's gone on occasion). AND my parents are agreeable to my having a bird so long as it isn't louder than 5 dogs barking at the mail man, personally I would like a bird with an at least sometime pleasant voice...

At this point I'm extremely attracted to the idea of a pet who will stay with me longer than 3 or 15 years. - is that a good enough reason to get a parrot?

I also love the physical scale of having a small animal. My rats I've only had for around four years and that was accidental I saw a need to rescue and then they sort of took over my life :rolleyes: but I love them, I love their playfulness and primal behaviors. When it happens, I don't even mind being bitten and I handle it calmly and without anger, which makes me think maybe I could handle a bird, maybe?

Having rats has opened my eyes to a lot of things, including what 'animal proof' is and what a house needs to be to keep animals its impossible to house train - over the last few years I have severely decluttered my room, the new furniture I have, what furniture, because there's only a rat cage, dresser, platform bed and spare cabinet cage with a lamp and small stereo on top in my room - are now all 'rat proof' and I think bird proof as well. Next week demo is slated to begin in my room and the carpet is being ripped up and replaced with linoleum(non-vinyl because it off gases with no VOC glue). I've done all this work because obviously, things were getting shredded - the cable line in my room twice, electrical cords, headphones, my bedding - so I made some serious changes and now everything even remotely dangerous is out of the way or protected.

The logistics of owning a bird, even a small one though - do small birds still need outdoor aviaries?

As I was researching I read about birds needing a good nights sleep and was thinking about where a sleep cage could be located, we do have an unused bedroom that doubles as an office but it's got a window air conditioner and stays extremely cold (50's to 60's)in the summer. That wouldn't be a good place to keep a bird even part time would it? Would it be possible to use my half bathroom that I rarely use? It's right off my bedroom and nice and quiet. I have a tendancy to stay up late with the rats so I think a sleep area will be required.

Is it even wise to think that I can keep a bird, how ever small, in my bedroom where I spend a lot of time and sleep? My rats as well, rats have extremely sensitive respiratory systems, hence the lino going in and I know if it's dusty it will affect them - they don't live on wood shavings they live on fleece in their cage and I change that every day so I'm not too worried about rat fumes bothering a bird - should I be? Other than an air filter is there anything else that can be done to keep the room super clean? How often will I need to clean the whole room?

Can my mom use teflon pans in the kitchen at the opposite end of our ranch style house with the vent on if my windows are open, door closed as it always is(no central air to bring fumes in), or is teflon something that literally cannot ever be in the house?

I'll stop there, so I don't make this too long. Thanks for reading!

[too&me]

No Teflon at all if you have a bird it is not worth the loss of life and it really is not good for our own health either. If you read about Bohdi who just died from an exposure to Teflon very suddenly it will educate you. It is good you are asking some great questions before you have a bird. It sounds like you have the room in your heart and understand some important needs. You may even try to find a bird rescue or Sanctuary situation where you could volunteer and get a feel for the activity levels and sound levels of the varied species. We love them all but I think Cockatiels may be your best choice for a pet. Read about Sam on theis board. Conures are lovely but for a smaller bird they are loud. Pionus owner think their Fids are the best, not too big, not too loud, smart and colorful birds. I have 4-Tiels, 2-Parakeets, 1-Elanora2,1-CAG and 1-Umbrella2. Of these my Elanora is the easiest bird to live with followed by the Tiels and Congo African Grey. The Umbie is the most challenging and ususally the loudest. Sleeping time for the larger birds should be 10-12 hrs year round and covering the cage may work for your bird. More of us will drop by and share informationa and experience for you to process. Welcome to the Happybirdy board-you are welcome to stay with or with out a bird-Glad you came by.

[Patty, Linus and Co.]

I agree with everything above, but would like to add that you rethink the term pet in its traditional sense. I have or have had cats, dogs and rats (who make just wonderful companions) and then I got a bird and all the rules changed. I started with cockateils which are terrific birds - friendly and smart, not too loud. Birds are very intelligent, emotionally complex little beings and require a different level of care if they are to thrive. Birds are not domesticated animals. We take on a different set of responsibilities when we bring home a bird and keep it in a cage. You sound very dedicated to your pets and would likely make a great bird owner. The most important thing you can do is to research the different species. Know what kind of behaviors you might be bringing into your parents home and choose carefully. Rescues are already full of birds that are unwanted by good intentioned people who didn't know what they were getting themselves into. If you have questions about a species, chances are very good someone on this board has one and can help.

[Dot]

I agree with everything above, but would like to add that you rethink the term pet in its traditional sense. I have or have had cats, dogs and rats (who make just wonderful companions) and then I got a bird and all the rules changed. I started with cockateils which are terrific birds - friendly and smart, not too loud. Birds are very intelligent, emotionally complex little beings and require a different level of care if they are to thrive. Birds are not domesticated animals. We take on a different set of responsibilities when we bring home a bird and keep it in a cage. You sound very dedicated to your pets and would likely make a great bird owner. The most important thing you can do is to research the different species. Know what kind of behaviors you might be bringing into your parents home and choose carefully. Rescues are already full of birds that are unwanted by good intentioned people who didn't know what they were getting themselves into. If you have questions about a species, chances are very good someone on this board has one and can help.

This post is awesome. You do have good questions, but having a bird is a totally different commitment. I've had my first born 19 years and I am still learning about how to live with a parrot.

[BirdCurious]

Thanks, the story of Bodhi was really sad I'm sorry that happened I must have misread I thought he was in the same room as the pan. Can anyone recommend an alternative to teflon coated pans? My mom loves her skillets but I'm sure she'd accept and use a mothers day/valentines day/easter present of a new set of something but I'm not a real cook so I don't have the foggiest what would be a good substitute.

My mother and I are friends with someone who has a 18 year old conure, her best friend sold him to her when he was 2 and her best friends mom raises conures and handfeeds. I've been around hers a lot - one day she was having a bbq and we were there basically from noon to midnight and I have never heard her make this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYFMo5Ar1k0&NR=1 she is the sweetest thing alive and mostly talks, burbles peeps and makes a sound that reminds me of a little bark which is quite pleasant which is why I was considering a conure. Our friend just found out she's pregnant and is home all the time so she's planning on getting her bird a mate and learning to handfeed the one clutch of chicks herself, what are the chances if I got a conure from this sweet bird and an equally sweet mate and it was raised by my friend who obviously knows how to keep a bird happy and healthy that it might not scream so much? I could handle 5 minutes of that screaming a few times a day, talked to my parents and they could too but maybe a conure since it has the potential to make *that much* noise wouldn't be a good choice...

Are parrotlets that loud? I was considering a parrotlet because I definitely want a playful bird and everything I've read manages to slip playful in there when talking about them.

You've all really impressed upon me the seriousness of the commitment and how unlike other pets birds are... I honestly can't fathom it having never expierenced it. I've read horror stories on the internet. I do know about good diet, good vet care, careful health monitoring and weekly weighing(dogs and rats are on a schedual), a clean enviroment, stimulation - and the root of most all behavior problems - lack of excersize. Maybe I'm wrong, but I assume caring intensely for all these needs, as well as training like clickertraining and one on one play time and being benignly tolerant of seasonal behavior and bird behavior like the need to destroy is what it takes to take care of a bird. Am I way off base?

[Anne-Samantha's Mom]

hello there..no parottlets are not loud..they are mightlittle terrors though, incredibly comical and wonderful companions..also budgies are too..budgies are little comedians. I have a tiel and she is mighty demanding, smart, loveable, and can be loud..nothing like an ear peircing shriek of greeting...well a parrotlet sound slike a wonderful idea..they are very small, very cute, incredibly smart..a tad on the bitey side but who cares...nope I dont think you are way off base.

[too&me]

There are so many types of Conure can you tell us what kind of Conure your friend has? some are louder and more aggressive than others. A parrotlette can be a lot of fun kind of a tiny hyperactive little busy body. They can be a good choice and can learn some tricks to do. Maybe some of our Conure owners can offer their opinions too.
As for cooking well seasoned cast iron is easy to clean and heats very easily and can go in to the oven as easily as on the stove top. Just do not use soap or detergent on them it ruins the seasoned finish and food will stick & the pan will rust.Stainless steel is also a safe choice.

[Uncle]

Hi Tiffany,

Welcome to Happy Birdy.

First I want to say... you write very well and you have a depth of animal knowledge that is beyond the novice. I see that you are studying to become a vet tech. This old man here has seen and experienced a lot of things in life --- By what I see of you so far... you should consider going on with your studies and become a vet. A person like you with your deep passion and compassion for animals can change many animal lives for the better.

On the other subject... what bird to get? It really doesn't make any difference. Every species has its own quirks and needs. And within each species - each bird will have its own personality. Birds are more like humans in that regard than any other species on earth - including primates. Having a bird in you life is like having another human in your life. It is hard to explain and understand - until you have one of your own.

My point is... you can choose a species that would best suit your situation --- but do not "expect" that a particular bird will act and behave as its parents did. It will have its own personality and its own way of viewing the world. Like others here have said, birds are extremly complex and have deep emotions - unlike any other animal you have ever had.

You have to go with the flow... so to speak.

Please stay on Happy Birdy and ask your questions.

It's great to have you here.

[birdie]

I have a sun conure and a nanday conure, they can both be quite loud. their screach is very high pitched and to sensative ears not a pleasing sound. I think there are some conures that are more quiet. others here have green cheek conures and blue fronts and can maybe give some background on them. Mine are very clowninsh and love to watch/help when I'm doing things but also like to snuggle up to read a book.

[Patty, Linus and Co.]

Tiffany,
I use stainless steel cookware. Beware of anything that says non-stick, even if it doesn't use the word Teflon.

Why don't you look into a quaker? I have one sitting on my shoulder as I type. They are the cutest little guys, full of personality, and lots of fun quirky behaviors like their need to build funky little nests out of just about anything and wind things into their cage bars. They have the capacity to mimic pretty well too, look up Pluto the quaker parrot on youtube. You will also get an idea of what kind of volume they can work up. However, you can't count on having a talker, each bird has it's own personalities just like each child would.
This brings me to your question about the baby conure...you also can't count on a baby being like the mom or the dad, each one is truly unique. The best shot you have at getting the bird you described bird is getting one from a breeder who has well socialized the baby. The rest is up to nature and your dealings with the bird. And, by the way, a bird needing a home from a shelter or rescue can be everything you are looking for. Many of us here have rehomed birds that are the loves of our lives.

[BirdCurious]

I was just watching a quaker video and thinking, "what a little goof!" so I'll look into that more. I also read posts about Sam and I think she sounds downright... naughty? A tiel might actually be a good fit, it sounds like they do a bit more demanding and a bit less asking and that would help on the 'bird/human learning curve' and the tiel screech isn't entirely unpleasant. Talking honestly isn't so important to me... more important is a sense of fun, playfulness, interesting behavior, and a moderate interest in playing and interacting with me.

I'd love to adopt from a rescue, there aren't any local the nearest one is about 100 miles but I don't think a rescue, at least a good rescue would adopt to me/us for two reasons - 1. we have predatory animals in the house, I've read on at least some rescue sites they won't adopt to people with cats/dogs/ferrets.

2. Where we live there's a 4 pet policy, it's a good law inacted a few years ago because there were a few people on the outskirts of town who just happened to have multiple scarred up pitbulls who always 'belong to my cousin/sister/friend/nephew' - but the law counts small pets like rats and birds so technically we're at twice the limit with 5 dogs and 3 rats. I don't anticpate problems, we got advice that so long as we aren't doing horrible things and keep all our dogs registered and vaccinated it will never be a problem for us or anyone else in town, which we don't do and do and we've lived where we do about 20 years now and know and like all our neighbors... but I wouldn't lie if asked and if the rescue does research they could well turn us down for that and I would understand. Also, I don't know if the rescue 100 miles away would be able or willing to do a home check so far away, on their site it says we're about 15 miles outside their area of adoption. I did contact them about that and haven't gotten a response yet.

I would certainly adopt an older bird in a heartbeat, I think it would be a great thing to have my first bird be one who has at least some idea of 'the routine' and humans and I would be able to really pick someone who likes me and has a known personality.

The friends bird is a Green Cheeked Conure, 'Davey' the girl.

I was wondering, assuming my bedroom is where the bird will be kept - will I need full specturm lighting in the room at least part of the day? I ask because my room even in summer only gets about 2 hours of sunlight coming through the windows, which was also why I asked about the aviary. I sort of have this plan in my mind for building an aviary off my bedroom window that's above my bed, even building out an unusual frame inside the room so maybe the bird might not associate 'one window I can go out this other looks the same so I could go out that one too!' A structure maybe 3 feet off the ground, attached to the house with a shingled slanted roof, the actual structure made of furniture grade pvc and... what wire? I assume stainless steel but that's soo expensive. I was thinking maybe 4 feet high by 5-6 feet wide by 3-4 feet deep with swings, perches, and such so the bird could go outside in nice weather through my window and I could sit on my bed and read and watch closely, I hang out on that side of the patio a lot whenever I can.

Thank you very much for the help so far.