Pet birds?

[SandDeku]

Anyone well informed on pet birds? Weird enough I only have been taking information about a lot of animals because I'm trying to carefully think what I really want. I still only have 3 toads and 2 toadlets(I sold the rest of the toadlets) a rabbit and a turtle(fishtank).

But I'm looking at all my options since I have the time and money for one more. I guess I'm a fan of SOME birds. I prefer "flightless" ones like hens, quail and some that are not so flightless like pidgeons and finches.

Any ideas and suggestions? Can one keep a chicken indoors? I been reading most say yes. But i'd like to get opinion on one who lives in farmlands. I'm looking through some of my zoning laws to make sure its legal(I think it is--- but ill do more heavier research)

 

[Toirtis]

You can keep a chicken inside, but they are somewhat messy and their fæces is something you may not wish to share inside space with. Contact your local municipal bylaw office as well as the county office to see if you can keep chickens in a residential area.

Quail are great as indoor birds...bobwhites, coturnix, and buttons are usually readily available inexpensively.

 

[OphidianDelight]

Zebra finches and society finches are fairly good birds. In a lot of chain pet stores you can find a magazine called Birds USA, it's a yearly edition and it has information on a lot of birds from parrots to finches. It doesn't have info on the guineas, hens, etc. but it's a starting point. Birds can be very expensive and time consuming compared to reptiles and inverts. I love my flock, though. I've been working with birds for a few years now and have really enjoyed the experience. You can PM any specific questions about the exotics--can't really help with the yard-birds so much.

 

[Crysta]

My friend keeps a house chicken. To get over the poey mess they leave, she has a chicken diaper which is changed ever 4hrs or so. cute little personality and smart.

 

[Raven9464]

Personally I would re think the whole bird thing. Yes they are cool, but sooooooooo messy =/ And their poo is very stinky.... You can clip their wings so they can't fly, but unless you diaper them..........YICk =/

 

[SandDeku]

You can keep a chicken inside, but they are somewhat messy and their fæces is something you may not wish to share inside space with. Contact your local municipal bylaw office as well as the county office to see if you can keep chickens in a residential area.

Quail are great as indoor birds...bobwhites, coturnix, and buttons are usually readily available inexpensively.

I was thinking of quails. I'm just looking for a cuddle bird I guess.... I have too many pets I don't hold. I guess I want a few to cuddle. I leave my rabbit be because she prefers be on ground. But I'm okay with her presence. If that makes any sense... My mom has a dog--- but its "hers" so I want nothing to do with it because I know what's going to happen in the long run and I want to be no part of it.

I guess I like them because I used to play with wild pigeons were i used to live. They use to come to people to feed. And you could pet it. I guess it was when I was like 6. My mom never knew I did that though.

I'm not too fond of parakeets or cockatiels. Oddly just not my "Type" of bird i guess. I like finches but you can't hold em to be honest.

---------- Post added at 02:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:11 PM ----------

Personally I would re think the whole bird thing. Yes they are cool, but sooooooooo messy =/ And their poo is very stinky.... You can clip their wings so they can't fly, but unless you diaper them..........YICk =/

I know they "can" have an odor. that's why you keep the cage clean constantly. It's not really that hard to keep a bird. I used to keep love birds when I was young(well my parents did anyways). I used to care for them when I used to work @ a petstore. I guess I'm trying to look at my options of what I'm going to keep because this will be the last addition to my pets. I'm sorta picky so I want to make sure I know what I'm getting into before I get anything. Because I know a pet is a commitment for its whole life. I don't really mind any of the work. I literary have alot of free time(I'm a loner lol). I don't wanna rush into what I wanna get so I wanna to think of all my options and find something I can make sure I can keep through out its whole life or if something occurs I can find someone that can care for them(you can't always predict the unseen... sooo its always good to be prepared for whatever may happen).

I don't plan to hold the bird all the time. just occasionally. Or whenever. It'd be cool to let something like a pigeon free range in my room. but my room has no door. LOL. It's a basement which I completely cleaned out. Has air purifiers so any odors are no problems. Plus Im used to odors caused by animals. Exception of horse/cow poop, ferret poop(the worst), and I forgot the other one. LOL!

 

[Lolita]

birds aren't really all that big of cuddle animals chickens i have 10 of them and they just are more concerned with food than their owners pigeons and doves can be handleable i used to have some but they don't seem to care one way or another parrotlets like keets tiels and lovebirds can learn to like attention (i have 4 cockatiels personally) but they need constant attention to keep them nice plus they're loud and they will scream finches sing and are cute but don't really do well being handleable i mean my family hand raised some that flew around landing out our shoulders but even then they're fragile plus birds are moody so it really depends on what your wanting all birds have their pros and cons if your wanting something cuddly maybe think about a ferret or chinchilla?

 

[catfishrod69]

i have alot of chickens and ducks but personally wouldnt keep them in the house, have had a couple rabbits in the house for a good while....but ive been through the whole bird thing, had birds bout all my life, right now i have a male cockateil, personally i would like to put him in with my 7 1/2" LP...birds are pretty, but scream and poop, alot, and bite, they get old quick....

 

[SandDeku]

birds aren't really all that big of cuddle animals chickens i have 10 of them and they just are more concerned with food than their owners pigeons and doves can be handleable i used to have some but they don't seem to care one way or another parrotlets like keets tiels and lovebirds can learn to like attention (i have 4 cockatiels personally) but they need constant attention to keep them nice plus they're loud and they will scream finches sing and are cute but don't really do well being handleable i mean my family hand raised some that flew around landing out our shoulders but even then they're fragile plus birds are moody so it really depends on what your wanting all birds have their pros and cons if your wanting something cuddly maybe think about a ferret or chinchilla?

Maybe ill look into other terrarium or aquarium pets. Thanks for the info though. Ill post another question regarding that other question for terrarium pets.

 

[babypiggy]

I have an african grey..
u can clip birds.. they can't fly.. but if they fall they can flutter down more gently than a big THUMP..


with bigger birds u can actually potty train them
and u can also get one of those diaper things too for pet birds.

it really boils down to what kind of pet bird u are thinking about
if it's a parrot (they can be come small too large).. they do need a lot of time and attention)

when u owning ANY type of bird your life style will change.

which includes cooking utensils (teflon), a lot of cleaning chemicals cannot be used, fragrances (scented depoderant, colone, perfume, hair spray, scented candles, air fresheners etc etc..), no more arasols, care ful of hair dryers, space heaters or any sort (teflon again).
the list can go on tho

but they are a good companion (but i'm biased)

here's Ajax my grey

sporting his harness for the first time

 

[OphidianDelight]

I have an african grey..
u can clip birds.. they can't fly.. but if they fall they can flutter down more gently than a big THUMP..


with bigger birds u can actually potty train them
and u can also get one of those diaper things too for pet birds.

it really boils down to what kind of pet bird u are thinking about
if it's a parrot (they can be come small too large).. they do need a lot of time and attention)

when u owning ANY type of bird your life style will change.

which includes cooking utensils (teflon), a lot of cleaning chemicals cannot be used, fragrances (scented depoderant, colone, perfume, hair spray, scented candles, air fresheners etc etc..), no more arasols, care ful of hair dryers, space heaters or any sort (teflon again).
the list can go on tho

but they are a good companion (but i'm biased)

here's Ajax my grey

sporting his harness for the first time

Handsome fella, nice discus too.

 

[babypiggy]

hehe thanks OphidianDelight

i find it quite common that most ppl who are in the "reptile" hobby know their fish too

 

[SandDeku]

That bird is beautiful. And guess what? That's the one my brother wants. Pretty sure if I get that he will be raging at me for various reasons. xD but anyways. I don't want a parrot. I'm sorta afraid of being bit by one... IF I had the courage to get a parrot of any sort my first choice would be a sun conure. Those things are amazing. I love their colors. Remind me of papayas for some reason. I'm a fan of stuff like pigeons, hens, doves, and such. I'm terrified of large birds. I been bit by a smaller bird so I figured if that hurts pretty sure the larger ones can take a finger off. ;-;

 

[OphidianDelight]

That bird is beautiful. And guess what? That's the one my brother wants. Pretty sure if I get that he will be raging at me for various reasons. xD but anyways. I don't want a parrot. I'm sorta afraid of being bit by one... IF I had the courage to get a parrot of any sort my first choice would be a sun conure. Those things are amazing. I love their colors. Remind me of papayas for some reason. I'm a fan of stuff like pigeons, hens, doves, and such. I'm terrified of large birds. I been bit by a smaller bird so I figured if that hurts pretty sure the larger ones can take a finger off. ;-;

Greys and sun conures are wonderful birds, but things can turn south very quickly if their needs aren't met. Both are very noisy birds, even when they are in good moods. They need a lot of attention and stimulation or they can display self-destructive behaviors and become depressed. I don't say these things to get you to talk your brother out of a pet--I love the bond I have with my birds. Seeing my blue pionus light up when I walk into his room--there's no words for it. My wife and I approach parrot and conure keeping akin to keeping a child. You are definitely going to be in it for the long haul; my grey and my pionus are 15 and 13, respectively, and have many decades to go. I don't mean to be preachy (again), it's just a lot of money (cages are hundreds of dollars, pellets and seed can be costly in addition to the regular fruits and vegetables to also offer, toys aren't cheap either and they will destroy them quickly). It's a lot to think about. I think I already mentioned it, but grab a copy of a Bird Talk Birds USA annual edition which goes over facts for individual birds, their needs and also has articles on feeding, psychology and diet as well as the many things that a lot of us take for granted that are toxic for birds to be around.

And I've been stung by scorpions, I've been bitten by spiders and struck in the face (near the eye, actually) by a 6 ft. snake... none of them were more painful than a parrot bite when they were really trying to be stinkers about it. I hope your brother finds something he likes. A green cheek conure is a great first bird--they have limited talking ability (males, in my experience), clownish and amusing behavior, and are relatively more quiet when compared to a sun conure. Caging will be less expensive. They are very gentle birds that adore attention. We are currently trick training our 3-year-old green cheek, Gonzo on how to fetch, dangle from one foot and other tricks.

Good luck to your brother on his decision.

 

[NikiP]

Do you live in an area where you could keep chickens? I don't know if you live in a more urban area or out in the country. Many towns are allowing people to now keep limited number of hens.

I agree & disagree with the above posters saying chickens aren't a good choice for pet birds. Sure, they really are fairly dumb & simple, but there are some fairly nice ones to.

I've had numerous pet chickens over the years. All but one lived outside & in coops like normal chickens, one hen (a bantam silkie) did get to live right outside our house & she roosted in a pet taxi at night. She's one I seriously regret not putting a chicken diaper on & allowing to live in the house. She had issues hatching out of the egg & I discovered her before it was to late. I helped her out of the egg, so she ended up imprinting seriously on me & never fully accepted being a chicken nor did the other chickens ever fully accept her. Which was her downfall. We had to go away one day & put her with the other hens, they killed her

Many moons ago I had a large buff orpington rooster that was just a darling. He'd bring a select group of hens from the barn to the house every day to beg for food. If I went outside & sat down he'd get in my lap & fall asleep while I petted him. Never reacted to me picking him up either (he was an armful!)

If you really want to consider a chicken, i'd suggest looking at these websites:

http://feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKPoultryPage.html
http://www.mypetchicken.com/?gclid=CJb-6OSSqqkCFVJ25QodiEWVJg
http://www.backyardchickens.com/

I highly suggest silkies as a good pet breed of chickens:

http://www.backyardchickens.com/breeds/bantams_silkies.html
http://feathersite.com/Poultry/CGP/Silkies/BRKSilkies.html

They are extremely docile, even the roosters are generally sweet natured. My first one always took over the chick rearing shortly after hatching. I was surprised to never see him sit on eggs himself, lol. Later we had a very sweet old man of 10+yrs who helped raise about 30s chick one spring, a mix of bantams & standards, & 3 ducklings. They are also small. Although rooster's are tall, I could easily balance a rooster on one hand.

Next suggestion would be bantam cochins. They tend to be very sweet natured & also very fluffy. They have lots of feathers, & although no quite as downyish as silkies, that don't have a stiff quill like most chickens. Also a small breed.

http://feathersite.com/Poultry/CGA/Cochins/BRKCochinBty.html

 

[babypiggy]

Greys and sun conures are wonderful birds, but things can turn south very quickly if their needs aren't met.

very true

Both are very noisy birds, even when they are in good moods. They need a lot of attention and stimulation or they can display self-destructive behaviors and become depressed. I don't say these things to get you to talk your brother out of a pet--I love the bond I have with my birds. Seeing my blue pionus light up when I walk into his room--there's no words for it.

they CAN be noisy.. it really depends on the personality of the parrot/bird... each one is as different as every one of us... Ajax on the other hand is quite quite BUT i must say in general they are not as loud as compared to a macaw or a cockatoo

My wife and I approach parrot and conure keeping akin to keeping a child. You are definitely going to be in it for the long haul; my grey and my pionus are 15 and 13, respectively, and have many decades to go.

bird fanatics consider their birds their "fids" which stands for feathered kid
and they truly are like a kid... think of about a 3-5 year old stuck in that mental and emotional state for about 60 years

I don't mean to be preachy (again), it's just a lot of money (cages are hundreds of dollars, pellets and seed can be costly in addition to the regular fruits and vegetables to also offer, toys aren't cheap either and they will destroy them quickly). It's a lot to think about.

yes everything is quite pricey especially if u give them the best of the best (and why wouldn't u)... they also liek to waste a lot of food as well.. my guy tends to fling/drop about 70-80% of the food we give him. yes they are very messy but all in all when u get in the habit of things... a lifestyle with a bird/parrot is awesome

And I've been stung by scorpions, I've been bitten by spiders and struck in the face (near the eye, actually) by a 6 ft. snake... none of them were more painful than a parrot bite when they were really trying to be stinkers about it.

haha yah it hurts... at a young stage of their life they will know exactly how hard to bite you before they break your skin. yes they are that smart!

i also do not wanna sound like preeching
but definately do a lot of research when considering to get any bird. i'm not sure about the life span of chickens but even budgies live about 15 years give or take.

cheers

 

[SandDeku]

Greys and sun conures are wonderful birds, but things can turn south very quickly if their needs aren't met. Both are very noisy birds, even when they are in good moods. They need a lot of attention and stimulation or they can display self-destructive behaviors and become depressed. I don't say these things to get you to talk your brother out of a pet--I love the bond I have with my birds. Seeing my blue pionus light up when I walk into his room--there's no words for it. My wife and I approach parrot and conure keeping akin to keeping a child. You are definitely going to be in it for the long haul; my grey and my pionus are 15 and 13, respectively, and have many decades to go. I don't mean to be preachy (again), it's just a lot of money (cages are hundreds of dollars, pellets and seed can be costly in addition to the regular fruits and vegetables to also offer, toys aren't cheap either and they will destroy them quickly). It's a lot to think about. I think I already mentioned it, but grab a copy of a Bird Talk Birds USA annual edition which goes over facts for individual birds, their needs and also has articles on feeding, psychology and diet as well as the many things that a lot of us take for granted that are toxic for birds to be around.

And I've been stung by scorpions, I've been bitten by spiders and struck in the face (near the eye, actually) by a 6 ft. snake... none of them were more painful than a parrot bite when they were really trying to be stinkers about it. I hope your brother finds something he likes. A green cheek conure is a great first bird--they have limited talking ability (males, in my experience), clownish and amusing behavior, and are relatively more quiet when compared to a sun conure. Caging will be less expensive. They are very gentle birds that adore attention. We are currently trick training our 3-year-old green cheek, Gonzo on how to fetch, dangle from one foot and other tricks.

Good luck to your brother on his decision.

My brother wants one--- but he's not getting one till he moves out. I'm not even going near parrots just because I already know the consequences. I already know they can be a pain. :x Though did not know how loud conures can be. Thought they were quiet.

---------- Post added 06-10-2011 at 12:02 AM ---------- Previous post was 06-09-2011 at 11:48 PM ----------

Do you live in an area where you could keep chickens? I don't know if you live in a more urban area or out in the country. Many towns are allowing people to now keep limited number of hens.

I agree & disagree with the above posters saying chickens aren't a good choice for pet birds. Sure, they really are fairly dumb & simple, but there are some fairly nice ones to.

I've had numerous pet chickens over the years. All but one lived outside & in coops like normal chickens, one hen (a bantam silkie) did get to live right outside our house & she roosted in a pet taxi at night. She's one I seriously regret not putting a chicken diaper on & allowing to live in the house. She had issues hatching out of the egg & I discovered her before it was to late. I helped her out of the egg, so she ended up imprinting seriously on me & never fully accepted being a chicken nor did the other chickens ever fully accept her. Which was her downfall. We had to go away one day & put her with the other hens, they killed her

Many moons ago I had a large buff orpington rooster that was just a darling. He'd bring a select group of hens from the barn to the house every day to beg for food. If I went outside & sat down he'd get in my lap & fall asleep while I petted him. Never reacted to me picking him up either (he was an armful!)

If you really want to consider a chicken, i'd suggest looking at these websites:

http://feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKPoultryPage.html
http://www.mypetchicken.com/?gclid=CJb-6OSSqqkCFVJ25QodiEWVJg
http://www.backyardchickens.com/

I highly suggest silkies as a good pet breed of chickens:

http://www.backyardchickens.com/breeds/bantams_silkies.html
http://feathersite.com/Poultry/CGP/Silkies/BRKSilkies.html

They are extremely docile, even the roosters are generally sweet natured. My first one always took over the chick rearing shortly after hatching. I was surprised to never see him sit on eggs himself, lol. Later we had a very sweet old man of 10+yrs who helped raise about 30s chick one spring, a mix of bantams & standards, & 3 ducklings. They are also small. Although rooster's are tall, I could easily balance a rooster on one hand.

Next suggestion would be bantam cochins. They tend to be very sweet natured & also very fluffy. They have lots of feathers, & although no quite as downyish as silkies, that don't have a stiff quill like most chickens. Also a small breed.

http://feathersite.com/Poultry/CGA/Cochins/BRKCochinBty.html

Can you keep one indoors? Is it possible to keep one in a bed room?(the floor is tiles! SOOO its easy to clean--- so idrc if they take a dump on the floor).

I wonder if I can get a chicken to imprint on me.... I'd love that. AS for a roosting place..... Would a "terrarium" tank be "okay"? That would only be it sleeping "quarters". meaning it would only be in there at night and during the day I'd let it free range in my room. I can chicken proof it. I guess I'm looking for the smallest hen I can possibly keep.

I do have a pet taxi as well. I can use that. One thing is--- when I go to work what do I do with the chicken? Like I only would work around 6hours at most in a day. Would it be okay alone for that amount of time?

---
P.s. I'm looking for the breed of chicken known to be the "Friendliest". Lol.

I live in a suburban community.

I'm thinking orphingtons, cochins, and my absolutely favorite is bantam silkie... :c

 

[NikiP]

You need to either read the links I posted or do google searches for yourself. There is plenty of information out there on keeping chickens outside. I can't offer you much advice on how to do it since i've only ever kept them outside.

And no, a glass tank isn't appropriate for them to sleep in.

Keeping in mind they make noise 24/7 & often through the night.

PS, standard orpingtons are large & cochins are huge.

 

[SandDeku]

You need to either read the links I posted or do google searches for yourself. There is plenty of information out there on keeping chickens outside. I can't offer you much advice on how to do it since i've only ever kept them outside.

And no, a glass tank isn't appropriate for them to sleep in.

Keeping in mind they make noise 24/7 & often through the night.

PS, standard orpingtons are large & cochins are huge.

I did. I read it after I posted the post. xD Funny huh? But I get what you mean. It seems if I ever want a chicken I should wait. I'm not about to put the life of an animal in danger due to my wants.

Thanks though. Maybe when I move out ill buy some nice dirtlands or whatever they're called. And have a few chickens.