What bird is best for me?

[Cluckcluck1215]

I've been searching for a pet companion for months now, as I want to make sure the pet has the best care and it has a great home.

I was think birds.What bird would be best for me?

A little info about me:
Homeschooled Teenage girl.
Quite a bit of free time, though some day I won't be home at all.
Medium Budget.

 

[sylviethecochin]

Okay, more information is definitely necessary.

What are your resources? Would the bird be living inside or outside? Are you asking about chickens vs other farmyard birds such as quail, or are you considering parakeets and their like as well? Are you likely to keep your bird inside the house with one of those diapers from MyPetChicken or in a hutch out back with bedding and visitation rights? Are roosters legal where you live? Would you want two birds for companionship of each other? (and with most livestock birds I would highly recommend that.) Do you like ornamentation or are you a cuddler?

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

Okay, more information is definitely necessary.

What are your resources? Would the bird be living inside or outside? Are you asking about chickens vs other farmyard birds such as quail, or are you considering parakeets and their like as well? Are you likely to keep your bird inside the house with one of those diapers from MyPetChicken or in a hutch out back with bedding and visitation rights? Are roosters legal where you live? Would you want two birds for companionship of each other? (and with most livestock birds I would highly recommend that.) Do you like ornamentation or are you a cuddler?

Please explain resources...???
Inside
Parakeet and others like That.
Yes, I would be able to/like to keep 2+
Both.

 

[CHlCK3N]

https://rightpet.com/find-a-pet/livestock-poultry/chickens
I would go onto this website and look through the chickens! If you can't find any you like, you can always go back to animals->birds

 

[sylviethecochin]

Parakeets are nice--The blue one below is Marcus Aurelius, and I enjoyed having him. A nice, hardy little bird and good for a first timer. He lasted five years and then I splashed insecticide on my pants and left them a few feet away from his cage, which we think killed him. (at least, that's what we think happened. And it was a while ago) The yellow one is my sister's, and they're shown perching on her head. He was always friendlier than Marcus was.

Some people, however, like to raise birds like quail--they lay eggs and they don't make as much noise--which is why I was asking about resources. They're cheaper than chickens as well, and you may be able to pass them off as "educational side project" which is what I did with my bantams back when I was schooled at home. And in my personal opinion, having raised both farm birds and song birds, farm birds are hardier and more fun. Button quail are cute and calm, though less hardy than other types of quail. They come in a lot of colors, and are often raised in the house.
I stoled this picture from the internet:

Another option is a Serama chicken. They're very popular in some countries, and seem to be on a rising trend inside the United States. They're tiny. A lot of people think they're awesome, and the roosters especially are supposed to make great pets (which, again, is why I asked about roosters) They are very often kept inside song bird cages, especially in Malaysia and related countries.

Credit where it's due: I stoled this picture from the internet.

Another popular pet bird is the silkie, which is hardier and cuddlier and calmer. They are one of the most popular breeds to keep in the house, and they, again, lay eggs.

Stoled from internet:

Unless you have your heart set on a parrot-type bird (in which case, go with a parakeet. They're nice) there are a lot of options out there.

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

I' really looking for a parrot type, not chickens or anything like that.A Serama coop is next on my list so.

 

[JaeG]

I vote a cockatiel. I've just been hand rearing them for a breeder and they are so adorably sweet. As long as they got lots of attention when you were home, and had interesting, different toys to play with when you weren't, plus the company of the radio or tv, then they'd be fine. They might not come in very many colours but they are quiet, can learn to talk and whistle tunes, love cuddles, kisses and head scratches, and will love everyone in your family. A hand reared one would be best, or a young one you can put a lot of time and effort into winning over.

 

[Alleybird21]

I got cockatiel as well I have one and he is extremely sweet. he loves to whistle and can sing happy birthday. his name is prince. you can get two males if you want. they will both be able to whistle sometimes. if you don't want babies I would recommend getting two males.he was hand raised and I would recommend getting one from a breeder. prince can imitate almost anything from he door squeak to kisses to light switches. he's a real classic and they will provide you with hours of entertainment. We can set up a conversation if you would like to. I could answer any questions or anything else.

 

[Parront]

Hi, glad to see you like parrots! Even small parrots like parakeets and cockatiels are flock birds and need company. Having 2 will give them a friend when you are not at home. I have raised 'tiels and they are very good pets. If you have a pair, you will have a flock soon, though! I have had them live for 23 years, so a long term commitment. They are not as long lived as a Grey, which can live to be 80 years old. Bigger parrots are more expensive, but if you want a lifetime pet, they are worth it. I wish I had gotten my grey first! But, they need a person with bird experience and understanding, which is why people say to begin with a smaller bird like a parakeet. "Alex" by Irene Pepperburg is a good book about an African Grey, she began keeping parakeets when she was your age.

 

[Ptera]

If you can make a long-term commitment, check out Green Cheek Conures. Of the many birds/parrots that I have owned, this is the most cuddly "hands-on" bird and the most fun. In my area they cost around $275-$300. They are easy to take care of. A good seed/pellet mix & a little bit of daily fruit/veg. To get a tame one, you have to buy a hand-reared bird. Your local big box pet store might have one. They're small 2"x6", but can say a few words. Mine always asks me "What cha doin? For maximum bonding & interaction, only get one. (If you get a pair, male/female, they'll only care about each other & the male might get aggressive.) They live to be 25 years + so you shouldn't abandon it if you go away to college, etc. They bond to their person and will get depressed.