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Posted by Topic subject:   Thinking about getting a bird
ferretzone
Member

Posts: 17
From:
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 01-26-2003 01:47 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ferretzone   Click Here to Email ferretzone     Edit/Delete Message
I'm thinking about getting my mom a bird.She's does not work so she will have plenty of time to "play" with it.But I have alot of questions about it first.
1:This may sound crazy but is there a smaller bird(such as a conure or a cocktiel) that less likely to junp on the floor because my mom is in a wheel chair and she can not reach the floor.
2:What size cage will I need?And what extras will I need?
3 :Do they need to go to the vet?And if so does anyone know a good vet. in Chester County Pa.
4 :Does any one know where to get a hand fed bird in the area?(willing to travel a little in the area)
Thanks for your help

[This message has been edited by ferretzone (edited 01-26-2003).]

[This message has been edited by ferretzone (edited 01-26-2003).]

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dv
unregistered
posted 01-29-2003 11:41 PM           Edit/Delete Message
1. I am not sure if there is a bird that will not jump to the floor, most smaller birds would. You may get a handraised bird and teach her a trick to fly to you from anywhere. So once it is on a floor your mom will be able to get it.

2. Cage size depends on a bird. Always, the bigger the better, but buy according to bird's needs and your budget. Ask pet store emploee to help you. You will need some toys for the cage (those aren't cheap either). Buy at least 3, but more is prefered, so you can rotate them. That way bird will not get bored of an old toy.

3. Depending on a bird you might need to take it to the vet to trim its beak (that's the most expensive task). Clipping wings or toenails for smaller birds can be done by yourself (after proper training of course!).

Hope this helps

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RF
unregistered
posted 02-05-2003 01:13 PM           Edit/Delete Message
1. I'm not sure a bird is the best pet for someone in a wheelchair unless you keep it caged or as the other poster said, it's handraised and tame. But not because it's likely to jump to the floor--they do, but by nature, birds like perching in higher elevations, which your mother may not reach.
Though this shouldn't be a problem with very tame birds and if they are clipped.

2. Generally, the larger the cage the better. As for extras, take into consideration the food (not just bird seed), appropriatedly sized perches, toys, etc. Birds tend to chew on things, like paper. Give a bird enough toys to keep it entertained otherwise they can chew things up.

3. Going to the vet depends on how much you want to take care of the bird. Some people depend on a vet for everything, some only go if there's an emergency. Clipping wings is easy, but you have to know how to do it not damage the bird. Those sand-textured or other rough perches help to keep toenails trim, and a cuttlebone will keep the beak trim.

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Annie
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Posts: 1
From:
Registered: May 2003

posted 05-21-2003 07:55 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Annie   Click Here to Email Annie     Edit/Delete Message
Hi,
1.I have a male spectacled parrotlet and he shows no interest in flying onto the floor (he's fully flighted). I would recommend plets to anybody, they are tiny though, mine's 4 1/2 inches and 23 grams. He is very nice, a little nippy, and gives lots of kisses. He cost $250 but pacific plets cost less and some cost more.
2.His cage is a midwest cage the model 2020 or 2000 (I can't remember) but it is 24"deep x19"wide x32"tall. It was $99 from Petwarehouse in WI. There is is a stand too. But it might not be the best cage because it is so deep, I have trouble reaching to the back.
Lots of toys, two sets so they can be alternated. Don't get a ton until you know the play style of the bird. Cotton toys may be a hazard, so use with caution.
With perches, get various sizes and lenghts to exercise feet. Don't get the sandpaper covers for perches, they can easily cut the bird's feet.
Bowls. Get lots of food bowls, they get dirty so fast. I also recommend using the water bottles for birds, you must train them to use certain types.
3.Yes, they do need to go to the vet, once a year for an all around check up is good. In the index of Birds USA there are tons of the best vets, lots in your state.
4.In Bird Talk there is a breeder in PA with parrotlets.
***Read as much as you can, get any info you can find about the species you decide on. Pionus are also great birds, much bigger that plets. Pi's are nice and I plan to get a Maximillian's next. Get a subscription to Bird Talk and buy Birds USA when it comes out, it's an annual. I can tell you the titles of all of the plet books I have found if you choose them. But learn as much as you can about them, parrots, in general because there will be less surprises and it's just easier. I can try to answer any other questions you may have.***
Annie

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