From: ammg2052@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu (Aaron M. Moy)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.birds
Subject: RE: Questions on getting a parrot
Date: 10 Nov 92 04:13:34 GMT
Article-I.D.: ux1.BxHFr1.IMo
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana



In response to the post from MICHAEL LEVIN:

1) For birds in the $200 price range, I would suggest either a
  cockatiel($50-$100), quaker($150), or Poicephalus <?>(These 
  include the Senegal, Meyer's, and Red-Bellied and are about $250).
  The cockatiels have a wide variety of colors and patterns if you're
  interested in the visual appeal.  The Meyer's and Senegals have that
  classic parrot look with bold colors.  The quakers are green and gray
  and appear husky.  For talking ability, I would choose the either a 
  quaker or Poicephalus.  The quaker's can tend to get a little nippy
  and independent, whereas the Poicephalus usually remain sweet.

2) In any case, you should look for a quality hand-fed baby (this is where 
  the hatchling is raised by people, so he develops a stronger human bond and
  is less fearful).  Try to find one under 3 or 4 months old.  I strongly
  advise against trying to tame a wild or parent raised bird.  It involves
  a lot of work and frustration.

  Mall pet shops are the worst places to find quality birds at reasonable
  prices.  Check the phonebook, classifieds, or Bird Talk magazine to find
  local breeders and/or pet shops.  If possible, buy direct from a breeder
  who raises his own birds.  He will know the most about caring for your pet.
  Also, be sure to check the environment in which the bird was raised, 
  including sanitary conditions and level of socialization/trauma (have the
  babies been tormented by cruel shoppers over many months?).

  For birds larger than cockatiels, sex doesn't strongly affect talking
  ability. (BTW male cockatiels have a better chance of talking).

3) Living in an apartment, your main concern is noise.  The birds I have 
  recommended aren't bad noisemakers, although a screaming quaker can get
  annoying.  Amazons, Cockatoos, Macaws, and Conures are notorious for
  rude awakenings.  A change in surroudings is a minor concern.  More
  emotional birds like African Greys and Cockatoos are prone to bouts of
  anxiety when they are moved.

4) Your pet bird should have its wings clipped for everyone's sake.  A bird
  flying around the house is accident prone, and a loose bird outside is
  rarely recoverable.  Birds can be potty trained to go only in a certain
  spot (i.e. the cage) with a moderate amount of observation and discipline.
  The training procedure is similar to training a dog.  As a bird owner,
  you'll soon recognize key body movements and behavior indicative of a
  forthcoming gift.  Patience and consistency are the keys.

5) Cockatiels typically live about 15 years, quakers about 15-20, and
  Poicephalus about 20-25.  With its wings well clipped, your bird can
  enjoy time outdoors (cockatiels need heavy clipping).  Intelligence
  varies from bird to bird as it does in people.  Some birds will pick 
  phrases up rather easily, while others will require more work.  Talking
  directly to your bird and getting him involved in your activities is the
  best way to teach.  You can also try cassette tapes when you're not at
  home.  The smaller birds will come as close as they can to sounding like
  their teacher, but the physical size limits of their vocal chords will 
  usually make the sounds higher pitched and 'nasaly'.  In any event, they
  certainly talk better than dogs or fish.

  BTW, try to find a baby that readily eats fresh fruits and vegatables, and
  pelleted food diets if possible.  The better nutrition these foods supply
  will make for a healthier bird in the long run.


  Please feel free to direct any further questions or comments to me.

					Aaron Moy

		                    "The Baby's Nest", hand-fed birds
				    Urbana, Illinois
				    (217)328-1838
				    ammg2052@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu