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Post by spookyhurst on Nov 8, 2006 13:41:32 GMT -7
My parents won't let me get another big bird, but I want to get a little bird. I've kind of had my heart set on a red factor male canary. But, someone at the local dog park has lovebirds that have been laying lots of eggs, and has babies that she wants to give away. I've always thought lovebirds were adorable too. So I was wondering, for those of you that have had one or both of these types of birds, what do you think the pros and cons are of these species?
I'm hoping to make up my mind by this weekend. There's a bird fair on Sunday, and they always have good prices on cages. If I go with the lovebird, it would be the perfect time to pick up an appropriate cage.
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Post by John on Nov 8, 2006 15:41:45 GMT -7
Good luck in your decision, I have no experiance with either one so I am no help there.  |
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Post by Jane on Nov 9, 2006 1:51:55 GMT -7
Lovebirds are very playful and active and don't actually have to be kept in pairs but they do need plenty of stimulation and interaction. The closest relationship I ever saw was that between a parent reared peach faced lovebird and my parents, especially my mum. They were devoted to each other but the lovebird was friendly with everyone and didn't bite. We looked after it once and it was perfectly happy but as soon as it heard the sound of my parents arriving it got so excited and literally ran into my mum's arms. Lovebirds make a sort of loud chirruping noise.
Jane
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Preston
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Post by Preston on Nov 9, 2006 13:18:24 GMT -7
I agree, love birds are the cutest little things, but I have seen the female just pluck the male bald in more than one case. I found Parakeets so cheery in their little chatter in the background, and they can be tamed quiet easily. They are cheap to buy, feed, and enjoy any attention you give, but with two, they keep themselves happy. Cockatiels are fantastic birds for $100 also.
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Post by Jane on Nov 10, 2006 2:11:20 GMT -7
I agree, love birds are the cutest little things, but I have seen the female just pluck the male bald in more than one case. Yes, they can pluck the chicks as well. This was one of two chicks who were both completely plucked. Jane |
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Post by Tanna on Nov 10, 2006 4:54:48 GMT -7
I would say of the smaller birds, I'd have to second Preston and say cockatiels are fantastic birds. I've had them in the past and they are wonderful.
As to the two choices you listed, much depends on what you want from the 'small bird'. Canaries aren't parrots, and though they sing beautifully, they aren't really 'companion birds'. Still, they can be a real joy to have in your home.
Lovebirds are more 'companion bird' material... but from my (admittedly somewhat limited) experience, they can be highly unpredictable. you can shower them with love and attention and get a barely sociable bird, or you can virtually ignore them and have a sweetheart. They do seem to tend more towards nippy than most birds I've been around, though.
Personally... of the two, I'd probably tend to the canary... but would go with the cockatiel or maybe even a parrotlette myself (they are also usually in the $100 range, at least around here).
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Post by Preston on Nov 10, 2006 7:49:59 GMT -7
I didn't know that you could keep only one. The plucking is the only thing that turned me off with a Lovebirds. They are the prettiest of all the choices so far.
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Post by spookyhurst on Nov 10, 2006 8:52:45 GMT -7
The only real drawback to a lovebird that I see is potential noise. My dad is real grumpy when it comes to animal noise. Before I got Nikko, my top choices for a bird were TAG, Senegal, Meyer's, and Pionus, just because I read that they all tend to be on the quiet side. I'd love to have a flight cage of English budgies, but I know their chirping would probably drive my father crazy. I got real lucky that Nikko is generally a very quiet bird. My last bird was a conure, and my father and him did not get along at all. Well, I still have a couple days to decide  . |
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Post by Preston on Nov 10, 2006 9:50:20 GMT -7
My Senegal Romeo is so quiet you forget he is back there. He will talk if you start it first and is funny to watch on his swing, but a little pricey a $500.
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Post by flamingo on Nov 10, 2006 17:42:27 GMT -7
my mom has the most amazing love bird ever. he loves her and follows her all over the place, literally. he doesn't bite and is not loud. he spent all of thansgiving day in my step-son's sweatshirt, sleeping. won my son's heart so we got him one for christmas that was hand raised. my friend also fell in love with my mom's bird and got her own hand raised love bird. both her's and my son's were little demons. they are nippy and loud no matter how much or how little attention they get. we got rid of ours.
on the same note, my mom raises canarys. she has a peach one that is her joy that she keeps as a pet and some other ones with bangs that hang over the head like the "Beatles" hair. they are sweet birds and sing great but not a loving pet. you don't hold them and interact as much. i say go for a teil too. if you could get a love bird like my moms it would be wonderful but i think her's is the "lemmon" of love birds - in a positive way.
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Post by Adele on Nov 13, 2006 20:27:33 GMT -7
I haven't had either a canary or lovebird, but I knew a young woman who had a love bird. I worked at a bank at the time and she would come in with the lovebird on her shoulder. The lovebird was not very loud, but he was constantly making soft noises. It was very cute. He was friendly and would let anyone hold him. I heard love birds can learn to talk as well. They are also from Africa (atleast I think) so they might be more compatable with your grey.
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Post by flamingo on Nov 15, 2006 17:49:33 GMT -7
so have you made a decision?
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Post by Sue A on Nov 19, 2006 7:07:22 GMT -7
How about a Myers Parrot are they nice and quiet? I do not think they are great talkers?
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Post by spookyhurst on Nov 19, 2006 20:34:05 GMT -7
After much deliberation, I decided to get nothing  . Nikko seems pretty happy. I don't want to upset the apple cart. |
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. Nikko seems pretty happy. I don't want to upset the apple cart.