BirdChannel Forum / Life With Birds / Bringing Home a New Bird

Getting a Amazon

birdlover03 — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:49:05 GMT

I have a Severe Macaw named Rainbow who is 15 years old I was planning on getting a Amazon. I was wondering if Rainbow would get along with the new bird is there any way that they could become friends?

Attention: Parrotlet Owners

LittleRainbowBird — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 08:02:05 GMT

I was thinking of getting a parrotlet. I've read alot about them and from having birds for 8 years, I think it won't be tooo much trouble. But i was wondering about the positives and negatives about parrotlets. Thank you!

I just got a parakeet..

Misonokiji — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:13:57 GMT

I brought home a parakeet just a few weeks ago. From what I can tell he's still a baby.

However, he's still so flighty. I need some advice on calming him down when he comes out. He always tries to fly away from me. I'm hoping that one day I can take him out without him flying.

I'm not used to this. With all my other birds I intreracted with them them while they were being handfed, so I never had this problem.

male cockatiel

jimmy_72 — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 22:12:22 GMT

I just purchesed a 9 mo old male. I brought him home and introduced him to my female. Shes very lovly toward use but mean to him. Will she warm up to him?

got my lovie a boyfriend... but... is this normal?

crystal dawn — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:54:43 GMT

she chases him all over the cage. I know the girls are more aggressive but is it normal in the beginning for her to chase him and nip at him? It's a huge home (50 x 95 x 170cm), so he's not trapped in a corner or anything, but still I feel bad for him :( this is only the first day, first hour actually haha. might they still get along after time? or do lovies usually fall in love right away?

Should I take the Parrotlet my mom can't keep?

lucylu216 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 19:23:21 GMT

I am 22 and have had my dusly conure Lucy for 9 years. I would love to have more birds but was planning to wait till sometime next year to get another bird. On Saturday my mom decided to buy a parrotlet from a bird show. She has now realized that she is allergic to the bird. I am considering keeping him but I am not sure what to do. I do not yet know alot about parrotlets. I also do not really know anything about this bird or who bred him or anything. I just know he is about 4 months old and male. I am not sure if it is the right kind of bird for me. Especially since my Lucy is very spoiled and can be aggressive. Lucy wants to spend all her time out of her cage and she is almost always out when I am home (unless she is sleeping of course.) I don't what having another bird would be like or how Lucy would handle it. I also don't know if such a small bird is a good choice. He seems like a sweet, adorable bird. I just don't know if it is the right fit.

Any advice?

A Thanksgiving gift

Lorek — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 07:31:30 GMT

Yesterday I got to go pick up Gino, my new sun conure No pics yet... but hopefully soon. Unfortunately there won't be much of a quarentine as I have to move in 5 days and its a two day car ride. But none the less I am doing what I can and they are housed separate and all will be in their own carriers for the trip. So far things have been good. He is a bit nippy and a bit loud... but has been fairly well behaved in both aspects so far. Only a few calls this morning (and an hour and a half later than would be expected!!)

There was definitely a bit of turmoil with the arrival yesterday... two birds plastered to their cage doors screaming and calling and getting angry at the sight of the new bird.

Also, as i said... I am already packed and am now just counting the days till I move. I am driving with a friend from Pittsburgh, PA to the middle of Kansas to my new home. I can only picture it now as a carnival.... My friend is driving the moving truck and I am driving the car full of living things... 2 snakes, 1 crested gecko, 2 5gal buckets full of fish, 1 dog, 3 birds, and my half a dozen plants that I can't part with. An adventure it shall be.

And a further update... it looks like my compy is dead for good... the repair job came back with only more bills to foot (such as a bad motherboard now too!!!) and well... its starting to look like i need to save for a new comp

I'm going to go post my last question in another post! Hope everyone is doing well!

I am getting a caique!!!!

Caique — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:25:12 GMT

Finally after a year and a half of asking for one I am getting one:)

She is a little girl and we are going to name her Maya.

I have been waiting 2 months and she is still on the formula the feed they baby birds. She is about 4 months old.

the Toos i was getting turned out to be TIELS

lizzie in parrotdise! — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:07:04 GMT

i dont know how many of you read my last post- about me getting a TOO!.. well, apparently my dad's aunt who gave them to me, thought they were cockatoos. but no, they are grey cockatiels. 2 boys. one is the dad, the other is his baby.. the oldest is 9, the "baby" is one.

so far i made a little progress, i got one to "step up", after a lot of biting. the other is still scared of me. They arrived in a dirty cage with concrete perches and nothing but seed.

so the first order of business was to replace them with natural perches, add toys, and provide fruits and veggies. at first they looked at this food with disgust, but yesterday they started to eat a carrot! which i cleverly covered in seed, so they'd have to have a taste. Yay!

they are currently downstairs, my other 10 are upstairs. how long should they be in quarantine for?

the older one has 2 bumps on him, which i suspect are fatty tumors. they are both so malnourished, the keelbones stick out so bad their chests are in V shapes. Poor things. im trying to get them all better with a good diet and good care.

would it be safe to put them in with my other tiels?

oh, and PS. sorry about my other post "you guys might think im crazy, but...." apparently some ppl took it the wrong way. i was not saying bird keeping is a bad thing! did not mean to ruffle anyones feathers, lol..

I think I found a breeder

luvmycadillac — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:08:22 GMT

As some of you may know I am going to get a U2. I have been doing the research for what seems like forever. In the state I live in they are few and far between and when the avian store gets one they are usually already sold as they have a wait list. I have considered adoption but because I have a young child in my home the facility will not consider me they said they do not adopt large birds out to families with small children. Even though my son has been around birds since utero!

So Ive checked out a few breeders online and found one I am highly considering. They even had requests this year from the disney resorts for two lovely harlequin macaws.

I have made initial contact with them, I have asked them for referances but what other questions should I ask. I asked simple things such as if they are hand fed or hand raised (as there is a differance), if the birds are socialized with other birds and persons of various age groups. I asked about their deposit policy and since Delta does not fly into this god forsaken state I'd have to drive 5 hours to the closest facility but I am willing to do that.

Any other suggestions as to what I should ask? I considered asking if the birds were vacinnated against polyoma but not sure if this is a routine practice and didnt want to appear to be a total idiot

http://www.birdfarm.com/

Anyhow my fear is they are a "bird mill" kinda like a puppy mill based on the large number of birds they breed. How can I feel OKAY with dealing over the internet?

Update on my new baby

Heartlets — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:15:26 GMT

So, we called the bird store yesterday and they said the baby greys will be at the store on the 7th and will be ready to be visited. They said they are down to eating baby food only twice a day now and they should be ready to go by mid December. I can't wait to go and see them! I'll be sure to take some pictures. I believe there will be 5 and i get first pick. I would like a boy but i don't know if they've been sexed. I'm still trying to come up with a name, any suggestions?? I like different/uncommon names. Thanks! Perhaps unisex names because i don't know what i'm getting yet.

adding a new bird

tonabyrd — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:04:31 GMT

i have a peachfaced lovebird and a sun conure. they are best buddies. i have an opportunity to get a 3 month old blue fronted amazon and was wondering if the larger birds tend to get along well with the smaller birds. i would really love to get him but just want to make sure my little ones will be safe. also was wondering what the best way to introduce them would be. thanks for any input you can give me

We might be getting a new fid :)

BirdCrazy — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 19:53:05 GMT

My sister may be getting a budgie :) or possibly a parrotlet We want to get one from a breeder this time- got my Pete from Parrot Domain a couple years ago...but he definitely was not hand tame. Took me 2 years to tame him...and he still only would come to me. Anybody know of good bird breeders in Virginia?

Update on baby tiels.

Erines11 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:00:47 GMT

Okay I know its facts of life but its terrible we believe one of the babies got eaten when she was away for school for a day. But the remaining four are looking healthy they have there eyes open. And starting to get pin feathers on there heads and tips of there wings. There so cute!! and bout 2weeks is the average age of all.

I wish i can get one!!! lol

It's a girl!

broccoli — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:47:16 GMT

Yup, broccoli is a girl- but now I want to name her Kiwi lol.

For a girl she sure is loud and playful- I thought it was the boys who were supposed to be more aggressive and loud and playful- I heard though cuz she's a girl she won't be a talker- I was kind of disapointed but I'm still gonna try- when we watch funny things and laugh she tries to chime in and it almost sounds like a laugh it's so cute. :D

What Kind?

Honey_Bunches_of_oats — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:05:14 GMT

Okay, so I was thinking about possibly adding a new bird to my family. Havn't really talked to the parents about it yet, so it is totally and completely hypothetical. I was wondering what kind to get. I already have a cockatiel, but I want to get something that is a little more challenging. Since I'm at school from early morning to around 3:00 it would need to be a parrot that could be by its self quite a bit, and it would be nice if it wasn't very loud because the rest of my family wouldn't put up with it very well. Something not crazy expensive too, because being only fifteen I have a limited budget but I do have a partime job, so I could save up and am able to spend some money, and limited space, so not a huge bird either.

I Adopted A Lovebird!

_Bird_Lover_ — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:02:52 GMT

Tonight I adopted a lovebird! It hatched in the end of May 2008, so it is about 4 months old now. His (or her) father was a peach faced lovebird and his mother was a black masked. His former owner told me he was a lilac faced lovebird, but I'm not sure if that is the correct term. He isn't very tame, but he doesn't bite, so he should be easy to train. Right now he is in his new cage (quarentened of course) and is playing with his new toys. In his previous home he had only 1 toy that he shared with his other 4 siblings. He didn't come from the best of homes, but he is going to have a good one here!

Here is a picture of him and his siblings taken by the previous owner (she didn't keep the cages very clean):

He is unnamed at the moment. Right now I'm thinking either Nalo (loveable in African) or Kitoko (beautiful in African). Here are some pictures of the new cutie!

Catania

ditty — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:46:31 GMT

Come on, it is Monday already. You mean momma was not breaking down the door at 5 am waiting to bring you home?

Can't wait to meet ya!!

Adopting a Fantail Pigeon

quakerbaby — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 17:16:57 GMT

I am thinking about adopting a fantail pigeon.. and I do not know much about them.. and I cannot seem to find much information.
Anything you could tell me would be appreciated!!! Especially about their diet!!

mystery bird need feedback

mazey — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:24:45 GMT

hi! im mazey, i went camping a couple days ago and when we went to our campsite a nest had been knocked out of its tree by crows. all the babies were dead except one. i figured it was a girl because she was brown, foliage colored females usually are ,she did have mostly feathers but some stalks too, she had a sprained wing i took her in. i named her kyla, i was in a really small town with no pet stores, so i had to buy human baby formula kyla seemes to be doing fine on baby formula so far, anyway she's brown, just plain brown but she has a white tip on each feather. shes a flat bill not hooked bill, her bill is really pudgy and short, kyla has LONG flesh coulored legs, shes about 12 cm., 4 1/2 in. in length, yes shes a wild bird, she seems very attached to me... her wing is better now but shes still on formula and i dont know this breed of bird so i dont know what she eats, any help? feed back please?

dont lecture me

luvmycadillac — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:40:17 GMT

I was wondering if any of you have purchased your "hand fed hand raised" birds sight unseen and had them shipped to you? What was your experience? Was it good-bad would you recommended it? I often go to http://birdbreeders.com/breedersearch.aspx to check out birds and what the breeders are asking for them plus shipping and wonder even though they have "great references" are they really worth the hype?

I live in an area where there are not many breeders and our birds that we have come from an avian store that hand picks its breeders and the birds it will sell. And the prices though Im not complaining go very high for them. My CAG cost me 500 dollars more to get it from the avian store then it would have had I bought it directly from a breeder and had it shipped to me.

Please do not lecture me on its not safe to ship a bird I understand your opinion on this but birds are shipped all the time and the weather must be between certain temps in order to ship birds. I ask this because in the near future I will be purchasing an umbrella cockatoo our local avian store where I got my other birds wants 600 dollars more for the bird then if I'd buy it directly from a breeder and have it flown to me.

My dad said yes!

parakeetlover — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:43:02 GMT

My dad said yes. Next month we can get two birds!

My new quaker!

Conure — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:30:43 GMT

I recently (today) adopted a rescued quaker!!!! He's been at my dad's vet clinic all day, and I just picked him up and brought him home. I sat with him in my bedroom bonding with him, and he's a DOLL!!!! He cuddled under my chin, and sat on my shoulder while preening my hair and cooing in my ear. Awwww! It's love at first sight! When I gave him some ZuPreem fruit pellets, he submerged his head in it! LOL!! I put him to bed, It's been a long and exciting day for him. I'm sooo happy! I'll take some pics, I'll see if I can post them... Tomorrow maybe? He is temporarily in a bit of a small cage, I didn't expect to get him today. I thought, in 5 days, maybe less? So I don't have a new cage, but I have one picked out, I just can't bring it home yet. It could house a african grey, although it would be a tad too small for one, but it's just perfect for him! Sorry about this, but, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Getting a baby English Budgie tomorrow!

Kermitsmom — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 07:16:25 GMT

I am so excited! I decided to call the breeder that I got Mollie from to see what babies might be available - I am (and Kermit too) really missing Dickens so I am getting an English Budgie! A little boy! Grey with a yellow face! I cannot wait to see him. Rena says he is a little sweetie and I can take him home with me tomorrow! I have named him already-Nigel! (An English Budgie needs an English name!) Thanks for listening to me carry on!

Coming Home....Today!

Kito&TupisMom&Dad — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 10:56:42 GMT

K&T Dad... Well, mom left me a note before she went off to work stating that she wanted to pick up the baby Scarlet Chested Parakeet today! Sure, why not I cleaned one of the spare cages and set it up. We will probably make the trip in a little over an hour from now. So, this evening??? There will be many PICS I am a tad worried as it is over 90 degrees, and the humidity is brutal! I am sure all will go well..Stay Tuned!

YAAAAAYYY Newbie!!

QuakerLuv127 — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 21:18:09 GMT

Every couple of months I go to a bird fair in Oak Creek, WI to buy food (wayyyyy cheaper) and toys (also wayyyy cheaper). We also enjoy looking at all of the pretty birds, and its even where we found Cosmo. It was nice to meet his breeders and see his brothers and sisters. Well, I took my mom up to see everything and we found Tiko. He is a 10 year old Lilac Crowned Amazonnn! I was originally looking to adopt another Quaker (since we lost Bowie not too long ago ) but ran into Tiko instead. Coincidentally enough, he loves Quakers! Now I know that doesn't mean he and Cosmo will get along, but its a ray of hope. I'm very excited. He has some issues though, he is terrified of men and they think he was hit before because he freaks if you raise your hand at him. He is perch trained to come out of his cage and you can pick him up off the floor. I have my work cut out for me but am looking forward to it. He just has this look in his eye, not a mean look, but a curious but weary look. I am very excited. We are bringing him home as a trial for a few weeks to make sure we get along and he doesn't hate me or Cos. I've never had a bird that large, so I want to make sure I can properly work with him before I commit to the rest of his 50+ years with me. Wow, long time! He will grow grey with me! I would love to hear suggestions on how to make this transition easier for him. He is coming from a busy house with a lot of other rescues and other animals too. Any suggestions? I am really open. I have done a lot of research but would love to hear real experience. Also, can I teach a ten year old to accept pellets?

I am a proud mama today!

broccoli — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 12:05:28 GMT

Broc has been moving up by leaps and bounds- his progress is phenomenal. I'm like a proud mama with her baby who is learning so quickly.

He has started wanting to take baths- I figured this out when I saw him trying to bathe in his water dish lol.

I bought him a large shallow bowl and he bathes almost daily now- he loves the blow dryer- I set it on low and put him about a foot away and he just sits there and enjoys it lol.

And today I gave him a piece of whole wheat bread and put the piece in front of him and he picked it up with his foot today and was eating it! I was so proud- he's never done that before- NEVER! I swear I wanted to be like BABE GET THE CAMERA he's using his foot! lol.

New Finches in the flock!

Future_aviculturist — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:40:19 GMT

Today my Dad and I went to a local bird shop and got five pretty new finches; my dad's Java pair, my Shaft-tail pair, and a single Zebra male (the deal was too good to pass up on him, but there weren't any girls). It was insane trying to sex/catch them when they're all fluttering about like that! Especially the Shaft-tail, because two were a breeding pair- the rest (10+ birds) were their children! I'll try to get some pictures in once I find that camera! ^.^ I'm so giddy!

Can't wait to name them! (Julius for the male?)

Gold Capped Conure

Kito&TupisMom&Dad — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:25:25 GMT

K&T Dad... Just curious to hear if anyone has experience with gold capped conures? Ahh, Hmm.. Brilliant Fids(Truman) How loud actually are they? Personality, compatibility with other Parrots, Etc? NOW, I am not saying we are getting one, but the rescue we are close with thinks this one "Papaya" would be good "fit" for us He/she is about 5-6 years old and was adopted out 2 years ago only to be returned for unknown reasons. Just curious