Best caged bird for beginners?

[happylittlehens]

My 12 year old son has been begging for a parakeet for about a year. He has done tons of research and has saved his own money for the cage, toys, feed, etc. I would like to buy the bird for him. Although he has his heart set on a parakeet, I thought I would inquire with more knowledgable people about the best bird for him. I had one when I was young, but don’t remember much about it. Thanks for any advice.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They are a perfect first bird. Are you planning to tame it? If not they do better with a friend.

 

[happylittlehens]

They are a perfect first bird. Are you planning to tame it? If not they do better with a friend.

Yes he is starting with 1. He really wants to work with it and maybe try to teach it a few words/phrases. He bought a large cage so he can add another in the future if he decides to. Thank you for your advice.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Budgies are great little birds. Hopefully you can find a young one to work with. Some can even talk a bit.

 

[Poultrybonkers]

Make sure you get a male taming will be a breeze then then you might end up with one like mine addicted to devices and follows that device everywhere

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Many years ago I bred budgies. I handled them daily from the start. Females were just as friendly as males. It is said males can learn to talk more and females bite harder, but in my experiences both sexes were wonderful pets if tamed from the beginning.

 

[Serin]

Budgies can be good pets, but I would very strongly encourage you to skip any pet store birds completely, and look for someone selling socialized baby parakeets on craigslist or find a breeder near you. The difference in a mill-raised pet shop bird and a socialized bird is extreme. It can take years to tame a pet store bird and it was my experience most will never trust you... would be very discouraging for a child. A socialized baby, raised with love, is a whole different animal and makes a very devoted pet. Males are sweeter than females and will talk.

 

[happylittlehens]

Budgies can be good pets, but I would very strongly encourage you to skip any pet store birds completely, and look for someone selling socialized baby parakeets on craigslist or find a breeder near you.

I’m having a hard time finding anyone in my area that breeds them. Thanks so much for the info!

 

[9SpiceyChickens]

My 12 year old son has been begging for a parakeet for about a year. He has done tons of research and has saved his own money for the cage, toys, feed, etc. I would like to buy the bird for him. Although he has his heart set on a parakeet, I thought I would inquire with more knowledgable people about the best bird for him. I had one when I was young, but don’t remember much about it. Thanks for any advice.

I think a parakeet would be perfect. I've had mine since I was eight, so for 4 years. She is very tame, the sweetest little thing! If he isn't going to spend 10-15+ minutes a day with the budgie, then I suggest getting your budgie a friend. You will also need to find a local vet clinic that works with birds, so you can take him to vet. Make sure you take your budgie to the vet once a year, for a checkup.

 

[Serin]

10 to 15 minutes? A day? A budgie needs several hours of direct interaction daily and ideally to be in a room that someone is always in or else a companion is necessary.