what birds should i get if i want one thats talks ?
By MERCEDES1112
@MERCEDES1112 (115)
United States
February 20, 2008 7:34pm CST
i 've been looking around to find a bird but i dont that much about them!i want a bird that can talk good and that is friendly!i would love to get one so whatkind of birds talk?and which birds do u suggest me getting !
4 responses
@dodoguy (1292)
• Australia
28 Feb 08
Hi MERCEDES1112,
If you're after a talking bird, then any bird from the parrot or cockatoo family will satisfy that requirement. When it comes to talking, that's really what is involved - these birds are more than smart enough to not only develop an impressive vocabulary, but to engage in meaningful conversation with you if you take the time to encourage them.
I believe the African Grey parrots have a reputation for being among the best talkers, but most parrots are of similar aptitude - they generally have an intellect about equal to a 3 or 4 year old human child.
Budgerigars are a good choice if you live in an apartment or house and don't have access to a large aviary outside, because the rooms in a normal house are more than large enough for these little guys to fly around in when you decide to give them some exercise outside their cage.
Cockatiels are almost as small as budgies, and they are honestly the friendliest little birds you will ever see. They seem to have a particular affinity not only for humans, but also for other animals. I once saw a pet cockatiel that had gotten out of its cage, and it was walking around someone's front lawn, when a cat appeared and began stalking the little bird. The cockatiel saw the cat, and walked up to it and started talking to it! The poor cat didn't know what to do.
One other thing to remember if you do decide to get a parrot - they mostly bond for life with just a single partner. That means you, most likely. This can cause some friction if you have other people around - a female parrot will bond with a male human, and may get aggressive to any female humans that compete with its male partner. Likewise if you reverse the sexes - a male parrot will bond with a female human, and may become aggressive to male humans.
But it does mean that they make extremely faithful companions, and they can hold a better conversation than some people in the mornings.
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
15 Mar 08
Actually I have seen no consistency with which gender bonds to which. It is really just based on who raises the birds and who they spend most of their time with. Some birds may not be picky about gender and just hate strangers if they are only exposed to two people regularly.
• United States
22 Mar 08
I have 12 cockatiels and I love them. They are friendly and very easy to care for. But make sure you have time for a bird. Larger ones require a lot of time. Tiels do not take that much time and will be friendly as long as you give them 10 minutes a day when it comes to talking boys usually talk more. But i do have females that say a few words. The more you talk to them the more they will learn also get a young oe so that it will adapt to you and your life style.
@cindystoufflet (299)
• United States
25 Feb 08
First of all do you have the time for them. Birds take a lot of time. I recommend an african grey and i recommend getting it when it is 2 weeks old and to hand feed it your self. That makes all the difference in the world. they bond to you more and they get used to being held at a young age. They need a big cage with lots of toys. Toys that make them think. They get bored very easy. so you need to constantly change out their toys. so they dont get bored. You need to place them in the room that you spend most of your time. They want to be a part of the family. You need to get them a perch for the shower. they love to take a shower with you. But you have to do all this from the time that they are 2 weeks old. That way they will be used to it. But if you dont have the time and the money you should not bother because you will end up very unhappy with your bird. and your bird unhappy with you.
@MERCEDES1112 (115)
• United States
25 Feb 08
Well my My stepmother had 2 african greys!they talked some but they where full grown and she never really messed with them and them birds where mean! When i first seen them, I did'nt know that they where mean like that and I tried to pet one through it's cage and it lacth on to my finger and about bit it off lol!I had to shake my hand back and fourth and not meaning to but sling the bird off of my finger and my finger was bleeding lol!She had a baby african grey to i helped fed it was alot nicer lol! YEs im looking into getting one i want a baby i think i want a parot cause i had one when i was younger nmaed polly(who did'nt have a bird named polly lol)~! But im still loooking around but thanks everyone for all the resonds it helps with my search for my bird thank you !
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
15 Mar 08
It's true, African Greys can be VERY mean. They are also very intelligent and can be devious. Some will pretend to be friendly, let you pet them until you look away, and then attack. Even I've been caught with this trick and I'm experienced with birds. They bite harder than any other bird I've been bitten by. They can be extremely sweet and lovable, but some will only bond to one person, or just one gender and hate the other.
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
15 Mar 08
Parrots and cockatoos are great talkers. To a lesser degree Macaws and cockatiels speak. Parakeets and Budgies can speak, but it's not a guarantee as I've seen ones that have never said a word.
Take into consideration your budget, space, and how much time you have. Larger birds often require a lot of attention. They also cost more and need a much larger cage. Don't forget about neighbors. Some birds are extremely loud and can annoy your neighbors and you as well. I had a friend with an African Grey that learned to bark like the neighbors dog, only better and louder. Believe me, that was no fun for him.
My experience has shown me that the most consistently cuddly and lovable birds are Goffin Cockatoos. If you can afford one and have enough time to dedicate that would be a great choice. African Greys are the smartest and the best talkers, but they can be mean and cause trouble. If you decide to go with a Macaw, the Blue and Gold Macaws are often the friendliest and least picky about gender. Scarlet Macaws are often friendly as well, but have a habit of bonding to one person more often.
If your budget and space is limited, I would recommend a cockatiel. They are much smaller and don't talk as much, but they are very friendly. They are especially good at whistling. Teaching them to speak takes a bit more time and their vocabulary is limited, but they are amusing and rarely bond to only one person or gender. Keeping in mind that only the males talk regularly. Females CAN talk, but it's very rare since males do it to show off and the females just don't feel that same obligation. I've raised maybe 20 cockatiels and only had one female that talked.