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WHAT TYPE OF BIRD SHOULD I GET?

Many people don’t realise that each type of bird we see is actually a different species – so just like cats and dogs are nothing a like, our avian friends differ greatly in personalities, size and characteristics. The type of bird you should get depends on the time you have to spend with it, the amount of room you have and your experience with birds.

Budgerigar (small)

Budgies are cute bird that are very under-rated. They are affordable and can be trained easily when hand-reared. They are great for kids because even if they bite it is more like a pinch. They can learn to talk in a high pitched voice, learn tricks and enjoy being with people, although they don’t often like to be petted like some other birds. They can also be quiet mischievious and cheeky which makes for a lot of fun! (A budgie holds the world record for highest number of words learned by a bird!)

Cockatiel (small)

Cockatiels are great first-time birds and family pets. They are affectionate and very gentle, often bowing their little heads for a scratch. They can talk but often prefer to whistle. They are a little more independent than some of the larger parrots making them good pets for people who have to work and can only play with them in the evenings, in saying that they will happily sit on some ones shoulder for hours on end!

Quacker (small)

Quackers are very friendly little birds who make great talkers. They can get a little nippy if not well trained but generally make great pets. They are quiet particular about how there cage is arranged and are known to make a lot of fuss about having it the way they like it. They also enjoy stealing shiny items to add to their collection!

Lorikeet (small)

Lorikeets are the larrikins of the bird world! They are funny little clowns who enjoy playing all day and are always on the go. They do require a highly specialised diet of lorikeet nectar, dry food and fruit – because of this liquidy diet they can be quiet messy. They can also be quiet noisy (as any one who lives near a colony of feeding lorries would know!)

Conure (small)

A conure is a small (cockatiel sized) fruit eating bird that is native to South America. They make very mischievious little pets and are very intelligent, learning tricks and often talking with ease. They can occasionally be territorial and have quiet a loud voice that they like to share with the world. They also require a more specialised diet – fruit, nuts and special pellets.

Indian Ringneck (small-medium)

Ringnecks do not bond in the wild like most birds, this means they are often more independent and don’t always enjoy being petted. They can be a bit noisy and can be very ‘one person’ birds. With the right training they can make great family pets though.

Alexendrine (medium)

Alexendrines are quiet independent but enjoy social interaction, and even the occasional cuddle. They are very intelligent birds with decent talking ability. They really like playing with toys though, especially things they can destroy! They are moderately noisy.

Eclectus (medium)

The eclectus if a very beautiful bird that has sexual dimorphism – this mean the male and female look nothing alike, they were actually thought to be two different species for some time. They are quiet independent and don’t enjoy as much touching as some of the other parrots, but are more than happy to sit on your shoulder. They are generally not too loud and can learn to talk.

Sulphur crested Cockatoo (medium-large)

Cockatoos are very intelligent birds that require a lot of attention. They love to be cuddled and enjoy problem-solving toys. They need to have plenty of exercise and out-of-cage time to socialise with their flock. Can also be noisy!

Blue and gold Macaw (large)

Blue and gold macaws are known for being very affectionate and love to roll over on their backs for a close up cuddle. They can be quiet demanding birds as they are very intelligent and crave attention. They are very loud when they want to be and like to destroy things so provide lots of toys! They can also be ‘bitey’ if not trained well from a young age.

African Grey (medium-large)

Known for being the most intelligent of the bird species the African Grey can learn to talk very well and can figure out even the most puzzling of toys. Because of their high level of intelligence they need to have a big cage with lots of toys and regular social interaction. They can be a bit timid at first to strange people or things but when handled often and with care can be very cuddly.

 

If there is a specific bird you’d like to know more about please contact the clinic.

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