What bird is right for me?

[quintinp]

Lovebirds would be a good chocie. I used to have a baby lovebird, who I handfed myself, and he was my best friend. But also I had every hour of the day to spend with him. I think if you get a handfed baby that has just been weaned, you won't need another bird for it to be happy. But if you dont have the time to be with it, you will have to get a pair. But keep in mind that if you do get a pair make sure they are tame, becasue it is hard to hand tame them twice.

Lovebirds can be Awesome, but not for someone that has a job, or is schooling, and that's just about every one, unless they are retired.

 

[Chikees123]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I think I shall think more into getting a pet bird.

 

[Tinychicks]

I would consider lovebirds to be for intermediate level bird keepers. They can have some behavioral problems sometimes that are best worked on by someone experienced. It of course, depends on the bird.
It is a myth that lovebirds need to be kept in pairs, they can easily be kept singly like any other parrot. They will not suffer if kept singly and interacted with by humans. All hookbills crave interaction, either from humans or another bird, so just keep that in mind. Lovebirds were so named because they do appear very affectionate to their mates.
This being said, please don't keep any parrot outside. It will not do very well at all, and will be extra prone to predation as well as the elements. Look into chickens or outdoor fowl, as others have suggested.

 

[Shelleypg19]

I have had finches, parakeets, Cockatiels, lovebirds and a parrotlet. The finches were a blast, but they don't like to be handled. Parakeets are sweet birds. Our cockatiels were wonderful and sweet. I was not fond of the lovebirds. We loved our cranky little parrotlet.

I agree with everyone else that they need to be inside. Also, what ages are the children? Birds are a little bit delicate. Also, if they are not going to have time spent with them, they will be unhappy. If they have a mate, they may not be as interested in people. Birds are MESSY, so you have to be prepared for that inside. I am not sure that any of the above birds are right unless you are planning to have them inside and make a commitment. I don't say that to be mean... they are just WORK! LOL I know from experience.

I honestly think that Chickens might be your best bet. Your kids can help raise them from chicks and they will be tame. They will eat from your hand and come running if you train them to a word paired with scratch. They are also very sweet and quite pretty. Plus they are so much fun to watch AND.... you get eggs! You might get a Silky... one of my very favorites. They can handle being outside, but they still need shelter. And when they are chicks, they need heat.

Good luck.