My son (who wants to be a vetrinarian) wants a bird for his birthday?
I have been researching birds, care, etc. I am considering this because I love them and really enjoy interacting with birds my friends have had over the years. My son is really good with animals and shows an incredible amount a maturity when handling aminals of all types. One of my concerns is that we have a tendency to spend the weekends away from the house in the summer and I am wondering if a cockatial should be left alone that long with someone to feed, sent to a vet that will board them, or travel with us to the lake house (2 hr drive)and if so how. I really don't know what would be the best for the bird and need some advice. Trying to learn all I can before I truly consider undertaking this responsibility. If anyone knows of a good comprehensive website for learning about bird care and needs that may help me with any future questions that come to mind.
Thanks in advance for all your help. I want to make the best decision possible and make sure the timing is right too.
Xanthi M2008-03-20T18:10:11Z
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Small, domesticated birds like cockatiels, lovebirds, or budgies can be good family pets, though an adult should always be responsible for making sure the bird is cared for properly. These guys are less demanding than a non-domesticated bird, but they'll still need about 20 minutes a day for cleaning and feeding and a bare minimum of an hour or so of attention each day. Realize that even these small birds make more noise and mess than a cat, and all of them can bite hard enough to draw blood if they're not handled respectfully. If handled gently and socialized well, they'll make gentle, interactive, playful pets.
You can leave a small bird overnight, as long as you double up on the food dishes and water bottles in case of spillage, but I wouldn't routinely leave one over a weekend (Friday afternoon to Sunday night). If you choose to take your bird with you, a parrot carrier or small kennel cab is probably the easiest way to transport him/her. You'll also need a travel cage for the bird to stay in once you reach your destination. If you don't take the bird, I'd recommend an in-house sitter rather than a vet office or boarding facility, to avoid disease exposure and the stress of being surrounded by unfamiliar birds and people.
Even more so than most other birds, small, inexpensive parrots at pet stores usually come from large scale breeders (equivalent to puppy mills) that mass-produce birds without adequate vet care or socialization. If at all possible, look for a small, quality breeder to supply a hand-fed baby bird. A good breeder should be willing to teach all of you how to properly care for and handle your bird, and should be available by phone as long as you own the bird to answer questions about his/her care.
Also, make sure to take the bird to a vet for a complete blood count, fecal exam, and physical - this will probably cost as much as the bird, but it's well worth it.
Birds are good for responsible, gentle children (like your son) who are willing to spend a LOT of time with them. They are extremely social, and need more attention than, say, something of the reptilian persuasion.
Don't just give him a bird. Lots of people just decide on a whim to get a bird, and then realize that a loud, messy creature just really isn't their thing. Get him a book on the type of bird he wants, and offer to bird-sit when someone you know is going on vacation and can't bring their bird. Take him to a pet store to see the birds. Then, if he continues to express a strong interest in having a bird and you believe he can care for one, pick one out with him with you, to ensure you adopt the right bird for your family.
After you have your new family member, immediately take him/her to the vet for a check-up and nutritional information. Ask the vet about the bird's health and age, what to feed the bird, and what things to avoid and to make sure you do. Make sure your son is with you. Once home, teach your son how to change the cage and give food and water to the bird.
As for length of time alone, a week is entirely too much. Most cockatiels can be left alone overnight, as in, if you leave Friday night or Saturday morning, and come back Sunday afternoon, he'll be okay. We used to do this all the time. We gave our bird extra food and water, covered half of his cage, and left the light on for him. If it's going to be longer than that, arrange to have someone watch him at their own house until you return.
Hi.You said your son is really mature, and good with animals. Since he wants to be a vet you know he will care for the bird. A cockatiel should be fine, as long as it has plenty of toys, and someone can drop by daily and give it fresh food, water, and attention, while you are gone. A vet may board him, but it may be expensive. If possible, you should take him with you. He would love to spend the weekends exploring on a little bird leash on a lake. (as long as his wings are clipped). I do not think the car ride should be much of a problem, just hold him during the ride, and if you make a pit stop put him in his cage. If he is tame, he should not object to two hours of head scratching. If you have him ride in his cage, be sure to remove toys that could accidentally hit him, remove food that can spill, and put in a water bottle like the ones used for hamsters. I'm sure you could provide the bird with an ideal life.
here are a couple websites i like. www.parrotparrot.com www.exoticpets.com www.cockatiel.com www.cockatielcottage.com www.letstalkbirds.com
While I whole heartedly believe that birds can get on just fine in homes with children, I avidly advise against a parent getting a bird FOR a child.
Children are too fast, too rough, and too easily injured to properly care for a bird. Even the smallest of beaks can be very painful when the bird wants it to be.
A child in school is not home long enough to provide NEARLY enough attention to a bird to keep it mentally healthy.
Consider getting your son a gerbil, hamster, degu, chinchilla, guinea pig, or if he wants something more "exotic" talk to him about a reptile of some sort. Something that won't mind being left in a cage until he gets home from school.
If the two of you are interested in having a bird that you can interact with and hand tame I would definitely recommend a cockatiel. I have just one and she is perfectly fine without another bird in our home because she is given lots and lots of attention by me and my two children. I found my bird from a local bird breeder through a Google search. I took the girls to meet the birds and we picked ours out, the breeder wasn't so apprehensive about sending a bird off with us when she saw the girls were educated about how to handle it and knew to be gentle. Hand-raised in a loving environment is the best start for a bird if you want it to be tame with as little work as possible. If you are looking for little birds to stay in their cage, I think finches are the way to go. I have had a pair of those before and they are the funniest little birds and have great personalities. But those you do have to keep in pairs. :) Good luck with whatever you do choose!