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This reminds me of another issue. Bird ownership is addictive. Most "bird people" I know go overboard. More bird people probably have ten birds than have one.
Ironically, my family started out that way in the late 70's, grew into a large bird farm in the 80's with over a thousand birds and now down to only 2 parrots.
Yes, for most people, once they acquired a bird, they strongly desire more. So, be warned, that bird ownership, just like eating chips, you won't be satisfied with just one. Don't let it get out of control. Keep it between 1 and 5.
I think this is the exception rather than the rule. I have had many birds in my life, parakeets, doves, conures, and amazons, and only ONE of my parakeets would interact with people. The other two prefered to be left alone and would never willingly come to me or anyone.
That being said swagger had the best advice.
Not to mention also, a bird is like having another child. Specially the larger up you go, parakeets are great because they can be on their own.
OP I agree to wait, 2 years is old is too young for a first bird. NOW, if they were YOUR birds that would be different, because he could learn about them and possibly in the future you can pick another pet for/with him.
Two very young kids would be hard to add a bird into the mix, we already have our two birds, and they are trained and we've had them for years, so when we add children to the mix it'll be easier because we are already used to it
And thanks for the further advice/info, everyone! We are still undecided about whether and when to get a bird, but we might be moving next month and I definitely want to wait until we are all settled in the new place before we decide on any pets. We did find out that there's a good chance we could have chickens, which I'm particularly excited about since I've been wanting to do that for a while now. As far as indoor pets, I'm actually leaning toward getting a couple of pet rats first since I've kept rats as pets in the past and absolutely love them, and it wouldn't be new territory for me while also dealing with a young child. Of course any pets we get now would be mine, and my son would just be an observer/casual participant.
I do remain interested in potentially getting a bird, so if and when I do, I'll definitely be back here for more helpful info and advice.
And thanks for the further advice/info, everyone! We are still undecided about whether and when to get a bird, but we might be moving next month and I definitely want to wait until we are all settled in the new place before we decide on any pets. We did find out that there's a good chance we could have chickens, which I'm particularly excited about since I've been wanting to do that for a while now. As far as indoor pets, I'm actually leaning toward getting a couple of pet rats first since I've kept rats as pets in the past and absolutely love them, and it wouldn't be new territory for me while also dealing with a young child. Of course any pets we get now would be mine, and my son would just be an observer/casual participant.
I do remain interested in potentially getting a bird, so if and when I do, I'll definitely be back here for more helpful info and advice.
I think this is the exception rather than the rule. I have had many birds in my life, parakeets, doves, conures, and amazons, and only ONE of my parakeets would interact with people.
This is not due to the pets, but you as a pet owner. You either make the wrong decisions and/or you lacking training skills.
You should acquire young birds, and you need to be knowledgeable about birds' behavior to train them.
All budgies I ever had are hand-tamed. So are my bigger birds.
Don't judge! Pet rats have nothing to do with the wild variety...they are extremely intelligent, clean, sweet, and affectionate animals, and come in many colors (even Siamese!). Probably one of the most misjudged pets out there.
Anyways, back to the original topic...I'm actually starting to lean more to finches since they are low-maintenance and I'm not sure if I'm ready to take the plunge into taming/full interaction. Anyone with experience with finches have any beginner's advice (care, feeding, where to keep, etc.)?
Don't judge! Pet rats have nothing to do with the wild variety...they are extremely intelligent, clean, sweet, and affectionate animals, and come in many colors (even Siamese!). Probably one of the most misjudged pets out there.
Anyways, back to the original topic...I'm actually starting to lean more to finches since they are low-maintenance and I'm not sure if I'm ready to take the plunge into taming/full interaction. Anyone with experience with finches have any beginner's advice (care, feeding, where to keep, etc.)?
Thanks!!
Keep it simple and go with Zebra Finches, very low cost and easy to care for. Always get the largest cage you can afford. Birds need their exercise. Keep them an in indirect sunlight area of the house. Feeding is simple Finch mix, some spray millet and fresh leaf lettuce( not iceberg). Some grit and a good size water dish(Finches love to take baths). Ours also love some sweet corn (loose off the cob). Get a male and female and not one but two wicker nest baskets. Even if they don't breed they love sleeping in them and the female will lay eggs, fertile or not.
My grand daughter has had a few rats and they are very sweet pets. They are snuggly and attentive, and really appreciate when you pay attention to them. They just suffer from bad PR.
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