Cockatoos which ones for me?

[Sydnee Fisher]

Why don't you try a smaller type of parrot?
Cockatiels, Budgies, and Sun/Green Cheek Conure's are really good birds, and even songbirds like Finches and Canaries are adorable, loving and playful little birds!

Oh I will look into smaller birds then

 

[Sydnee Fisher]

Do the smaller birds live for a long time and do good alone as a companion to a person or do they have to be together cause I kinda wanted just one bird to focus on and to cuddle And hopefully talk a few words or make noise...

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

Do the smaller birds live for a long time and do good alone as a companion to a person or do they have to be together cause I kinda wanted just one bird to focus on and to cuddle And hopefully talk a few words or make noise...

Look up age.

No, Conures can be alone, but parakeets, cockatiels and songbirds must be togeather.
If yo want a bonding bird, get a pair of male parakeets/budgies

 

[JaeG]

Cockatiels make wonderful pets. I've recently hand reared some for a breeder (his 'pet' quality ones) and we've ended up keeping four. They are so sweet and affectionate. The females are more cuddly and quiet but can learn to talk, and males like to show off, sing up a storm and are generally good talkers. Once they've done their showing off they'll be ready for a cuddle too. One of our boys initially didn't want to be touched, but now he's the biggest snuggle bug. They need a couple of hours of attention daily (more is always appreciated) but most of that is riding on your shoulder, begging for a head scratch, or chewing on something they shouldn't! They all have quite unique little personalities too.

We ended up with a sulphur crested cockatoo (my crazy aunt's bird) and he was a lot of work, hadn't been brought up right, and we had no idea what we were doing. They really do need so much attention and we ended up rehoming him. But if you are in a position to give a bird as much attention as it needs then keep researching and go for it. I'd advise you to get a baby so that you aren't inheriting any behaviour problems. It really is a lifetime commitment though, and even more so as your bird will more than likely outlive you.

Just be aware that chickens can carry diseases (and parasites) that will make caged birds sick, so bio security is important. I have a pair of shoes I wear in my aviary that's just for the aviary, and I always take care of my caged birds before the chickens making sure I wash my hands well after visiting the chickens. If I'm cleaning the chickens out I will shower afterwards before going anywhere near my caged birds.

 

[Poultrybonkers]

If you want a bird that lives quite a bit and can talk get a quaker mine is 18 years old and talks

 

[Sydnee Fisher]

If I started with a cockatiel and then got a Cockatoo a few years later as a baby would you guys think they can live together?

 

[Sydnee Fisher]

I will probably just be researching for like 6 years so I am prepared and can give the bird of choice the best care and most attention I can.

 

[Sydnee Fisher]

Would you recommend getting a job at a parrot store or some pet store so I could bring the bird with me and spend more time with it?

 

[JaeG]

If I started with a cockatiel and then got a Cockatoo a few years later as a baby would you guys think they can live together?

The size difference would be too much for them to be out at the same time (to be on the safe side as a cockatoo could really hurt/even kill a cockatiel) but in separate cages they should keep each other company. I'd take the Cockatoo out of the room the cockatiels cage is in when having it out in case it decided to reach through the bars while your back was turned for a moment. There might just be a little jealousy from the Cockatoo but that's big parrots for you. Certain birds are definitely one person birds as they bond closely with a mate in the wild. In the absence of a mate this attention is focused on their owner. This can make human relationships difficult as there may always be aggression towards your human partner, or even if you have family visiting due to jealousy, so that's another thing to think about if you're young. And if you intend to have children in the future their safety is another consideration.

There are other species of parrots that are just as affectionate but less likely to become neurotic if you have to skip a day of attention and interaction, so make sure you look at them all and weigh up what's going to fit in with your life in the future. It sounds like Galah are more independent, but still love a cuddle and a head scratch, so they are less likely to start plucking feathers because you had to work late or spend the weekend helping out a family member etc. http://www.parrothub.com/Cockatoo-parrot.html

The overwhelming impression I get from reading articles is that you have to decide how much time you can realistically give your bird daily, and begin as you mean to go on. It's easy to shower them with endless attention when you first bring them home but as time goes on it can get harder to do. That's when they can turn into a neurotic mess, because you have set them up with an expectation that they'll get all your free time, then suddenly they only get an hour or less a day, and to your needier birds - they just can't understand that. You need to know how to deal with their behaviour too so that you are bringing out the best in your bird, not making it more aggressive because you have reacted the wrong way to something negative it has done.

We keep lots of different small birds and I think the biggest I'd go would be a Barraband/Superb Parrot. I like quiet birds that aren't too dependent on me. But that's me and for other people a larger parrot is what they need. Do all the research you can and make an informed decision is the best advice anyone can give you really.

 

[Sydnee Fisher]

The size difference would be too much for them to be out at the same time (to be on the safe side as a cockatoo could really hurt/even kill a cockatiel) but in separate cages they should keep each other company. I'd take the Cockatoo out of the room the cockatiels cage is in when having it out in case it decided to reach through the bars while your back was turned for a moment. There might just be a little jealousy from the Cockatoo but that's big parrots for you. Certain birds are definitely one person birds as they bond closely with a mate in the wild. In the absence of a mate this attention is focused on their owner. This can make human relationships difficult as there may always be aggression towards your human partner, or even if you have family visiting due to jealousy, so that's another thing to think about if you're young. And if you intend to have children in the future their safety is another consideration.

There are other species of parrots that are just as affectionate but less likely to become neurotic if you have to skip a day of attention and interaction, so make sure you look at them all and weigh up what's going to fit in with your life in the future. It sounds like Galah are more independent, but still love a cuddle and a head scratch, so they are less likely to start plucking feathers because you had to work late or spend the weekend helping out a family member etc. http://www.parrothub.com/Cockatoo-parrot.html

The overwhelming impression I get from reading articles is that you have to decide how much time you can realistically give your bird daily, and begin as you mean to go on. It's easy to shower them with endless attention when you first bring them home but as time goes on it can get harder to do. That's when they can turn into a neurotic mess, because you have set them up with an expectation that they'll get all your free time, then suddenly they only get an hour or less a day, and to your needier birds - they just can't understand that. You need to know how to deal with their behaviour too so that you are bringing out the best in your bird, not making it more aggressive because you have reacted the wrong way to something negative it has done.

We keep lots of different small birds and I think the biggest I'd go would be a Barraband/Superb Parrot. I like quiet birds that aren't too dependent on me. But that's me and for other people a larger parrot is what they need. Do all the research you can and make an informed decision is the best advice anyone can give you really.

Thanks for the info