Annaquilts

I am considering getting a larger bird, Moluccan cockatoo. I know it is a big commitment. Years ago I looked at it also and ended up getting two parakeets that we really enjoy. They are a lot of fun as is the lap dog that I also got some yrs later. I am still interested in a parrot and after some research and talking to "bird" people came to the conclusion of possibly getting a cockatoo, in particular a Mollucan or Sulfur crested one. I like African Greys a lot but feel because of my family it is not the right bird or we are not the right family for an African grey. I also wonder how a small dog and a large parrot would work out. Any bird owners out there with stories to share?

Pat M.

I have a African Grey male. He loves to tease the dogs. He used to pull the hair on the poodle's head when she got close to the cage. She passed on and now he picks on the chihuahua. He gets on the floor and stand in front of the dog door and won't let Paco inside. He also hollers at the dog to shut up, mimics the dog whining, and will bark like them and then say "Shut up". The chihuahua knows who is the boss!

Nanamoms

I had 2 of the sweetest parakeets but sadly lost them both within a 3 week span. They hated it when I wanted to take a nap on the couch and you would think I had the Tabernacle Choir in my living room. There were my only pets and I live alone so they were company to me!!

Annaquilts

Pat M your African Grey sounds so typical African Grey. LOL My dog is small too, 7 lb or so.

Annaquilts

Nanamoms that is so sad to hear. It sounds like it might have been something contagious. We have had our male for a long time and lost two females over the yrs. My DS, who loves birds, go to pick the last new "female" but picked an adorable very young budgy that turned out to be a male. He is doing well and the guys get along great. I have heard two females together do not work but two males do. If you get new budgies besure to bleach the cage and wash it off real well and let it dry in the sun. I knew of one family that lost a canary and then got a new one after standard regular cleaning and the next canary died too. I really like budgies. Did yours sit with you and come out of the cage? All but one of our parakeets, first female, were nice.

Chasing Hawk

Eons ago I had a green parrot. The pet shop said he knew a few words..(hello, bye, and hey) I can't remember the rest. He was a great friend, he loved peanuts and french fries as a rare snack.
But, anyways, he grew attached to me. And every time I laid down to sleep.he would start saying..........Robin, Robin, Robin.....until I answered him......LOL His name was Buddy, he died of a broken heart. We had my sister in law (when I was married to my 1 st husband) watch him while we went to Mississippi to help out my Mother in law for a few weeks.
We told my SIL to let him out of his cage and he would sit on his perch and look out the window. She never let him out, he died while we were out of town. When we called to see how he was doing she said he was fine.

Annaquilts

Oh no Chasing Hawk that is the saddest story. Fortunately I have a wonderful friend that owns multiple parrots and would watch mine if I were out of town. This would be once a yr and Belinda would definitely handle the bird.

Nanamoms

I actually ended up putting the cage and accessories in the trash. One of the budgies was a birthday gift from my best friend and I bought the other for company...a male and female. They were so funny. He would try to get next to her and she would knocked him off the perch. I think they did "kiss" a lot though. I could never get them to sit on my finger. I read that it's harder when you have 2 as they keep each other company. My 6yo grandson could get them to sit on his finger though! The female died first and then the male.

My youngest son had parakeets when he was younger. He LOVED them. They would figure out how to open their cage door and get out and fly around the house.

If I end up getting another one, I'll probably just get one at first

AuntieD

I have an amazon parrot who I just love. He is a joy and does require time and effort to take care of. But is well worth it. I would suggest getting to know any bird prior to purchasing. I've heard cockatoos are very friendly. Good luck and lest us know what you decide.

Jingle

I had a cockatiel - female, I taught her lots of words and phrases and she would rearrange the words and phrases. I had her for about 5 years. Bird store owner told me the chance of getting a female to talk was about 5%. I bought another and she talked some when I first got her but won't anymore. She doesn't whistle either. I guess I don't spend enough time with her. I have a small cage I take her outside in when it is warm. She loves it and makes noises, the wild birds don't pay her any mind.