[Bonny]

What advice would you give someone looking into getting a cockatiel or any bird infact?

would it be cage size how many to get (because some of us dont stop at 1) or what to feed them there is so many things you could advise but what would you say?



Ok I will go first you need to ask yourself are you willing to look after the bird for many years as they can live a long time given the right care and diet.Can you also give them enough time and attention they need if you did decide to give one a home you will be rewarded in so many ways if there given the right care

 

[allen]

i would say are you prepared for vet visits if it comes to that research online of health and care and join a forum before making the decision to get peoples opinion who allready have that kind of bird ask questions and will they be noisy that it will bother your neighbours

 

[Kfontan]

I would say, Do your homework first.

There is so much info on the internet to help someone learn about what is involved with taking care of birds and what are the differences between species. Different species have different characteristics and needs.

Also, go on forums such as this and look at what people are talking and asking questions about. That way they can see what owners actually deal with.

 

[Plukie]

I would say ask yourself why you want one. Is it because you have seen birds talking, whistling and generally having fun? If so, what about when they are sick, when they bite, when they need cleaning, how about when you want to go on holiday? There is a lot more to owning a tiel than the fun side. So, I would say think long and hard about it first.

 

[Bea]

The first thing i like to mention when people are looking at smaller birds as pets is that they're not easy and they're not cheap. Those are the two most common misconceptions with smaller birds. People believe the cheap price tag is all they need to worry about, then buy a tiny cheap cage and a cheap seed mix and that's the end of it, very sad.

 

[xxxSpikexxx]

I would tell them they are way more expensive than you would think. And tiels can live a very long time. And to research a ton before you even go to look at some tiels.

 

[Aderyn]

As the first time owner of a bird bigger than a budgie I don't have a lot of advice to give besides one thing that concerns me. Birds have sharp beaks, whether they're canaries or macaws. They also have emotions, just like any animal. They do not want to be constantly petted, hugged and fussed over. They will have days where all they want is to be left alone. If you're not prepared to give them their space when they ask for it, you will be bitten. And most likely it will hurt. If you're not willing to accept that birds will occasionally bite you (just like any other animal), don't get one. Get a goldfish instead.