Starter Birds | WHAT'S A GOOD FIRST BIRD? WHAT BIRD SHOULD YOU GET?

CONSIDER BECOMING A FOSTER "PARRONT"! This will give you a good idea if you are cut out for parrot keeping. Most people aren't and that's why rescues and sanctuaries are OVER-FLOWING! Help them out; birdtricksstore.com/blogs/bir...
Remember even though these 3 species show up in rescues the least, they are still HARD WORK and have their downsides. All animals take TRAINING, WORK, and UNDERSTANDING. No parrot is "easy".
SENEGAL PARROT, CAIQUE PARROT, PIONUS PARROT.
There is no such thing as a "starter bird". These are life-long companions and commitments. NO BIRD IS EVER TOO OLD TO BE TRAINED. Don't give up on the older birds, give them a chance to prove themselves. Check my playlists for older birds I've worked with.
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🐦WHICH BIRDS ARE ACTUALLY MINE?🐦
(Oldest to Youngest)
Female Galah 💗 BONDI (bond-eye) ⭐ hatched 2005
Female Congo African Grey 💗 CRESSI ⭐ hatched 2007
Male Galah 💙 BANDIT BOY ⭐ hatched 2008
Male Blue Throated Macaw 💙 JINX ⭐ hatched 2008
Male Camelot Macaws 💙 COMET & TUSA ⭐ hatched 2008
Male Toco Toucan 💙 ROCKO ⭐ hatched 2011
Female Sun Conures 💗 LILY & PHOEBE & DETKA (dee-et-ka) ⭐ hatched 2011
😍 ABOUT US 😍
BirdTricks is a husband-wife team; Dave and Jamieleigh Womach specialize in parrot training and companionship.
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[@Allen-by6ci]

Great video. Non-birder here. You and Dave make owning birds look so easy, but it's obviously incredibly hard. I shall continue to live vicariously through your channel.. :P

[@JWildberry]

Yep, same here! But it would have been cool to have a friend or family member that owned a bird, so I could be the cool aunt. All the fun, none of the fuss!

[@lsmc8909]

Me tooooooo!!!

[@ispinyarns]

THIS!

[@stevendavis1135]

Yea , the truth is that owning a parrot isn't all fun and games. It takes a bit of knowledge and know how to own a parrot. Something you dont learn in a single day but through experience. I think people shouldn't even be able to buy a parrot unless you obtain a parrot license or something

[@IrieAllDay88]

@@stevendavis1135 Same with kids, that last part!

[@erinium19]

Having a parrot is like having a toddler that runs with scissors and doesn't grow up for 50 years.

[@brandondyess9973]

Maya Tamika I spit my coffee out laughing at this comment.. you made my morning, can’t wait to tell my wife what u said!!!! 🤣🥰

[@CoffeePlease.]

brandon dyess I’ve never shared a home with a bird but I did too. 😂😂😂

[@bjettiejett]

ROFL! THAT IS THE FUNNIEST COMMENT I'VE EVER HEARD!! Maya Tamika, thank you for keeping it real.😂😂 And I can relate, I own a Caique that keeps me busy all day long running around with his scissors!!🤪🤪😉😉

[@Aurora-kq7bo]

Omg

[@ley9868]

exactly。。

[@mattvolby9857]

They usually bond to one person and attack everyone else. Me: hmmmm, perfect

[@corvus6971]

my antisocial friends about to beg their parents for one:

[@mrdrprofessorgeorgegeorge3486]

Me: oh if I can't be a people's person I'll be a bird persom😂 I have finches but I want to try to level up a little for now and go a bit more

[@sherfinaodumanye7802]

My thoughts exactly 😂😅😂

[@lindashreffler3068]

I had got a hawk and it died what did I do

[@lowkeybored5761]

*slowly walks to siblings room* "I don't know how it got there!"

[@chrispysaid]

I came into this video wanting to find out what kind of bird I should look at getting but I finished not wanting a bird anymore. You probably saved a bird's life.

[@Aethuviel]

They are fear mongering tons, though. They really could also be depriving a bird of a good home, and those people of a very rewarding life experience. Most people that are put off by the words "biting, screaming, mess" probably shouldn't get any parrot, but again, she is fear mongering A LOT. It sounds like parrots are just awful through and through, but she owns a BUNCH of them. So how awful can they be? (I've had parrots myself for nearly twenty years.)

[@chrispysaid]

@@Aethuviel We had an African gray parrot for decades in our family, and no she's not fear mongering. She reminded me of just what a horribly loud, messy, physically painful experience it was to cohabitate with a bird. There was nothing fulfilling about having that creature in our home. My hope was that we just had a bird with a bad attitude, and that other birds would be more well-behaved or more easily socialized, but it sounds like that's not the case. I would rather know up front whether I'm going to be miserable for the rest of my life so that I can avoid making a decision to care for creature that could potentially outlive me.

[@EZ4U2Say11]

Same , I got over that real fast hmm 🤔

[@Thesamurai1999]

@@chrispysaid Go for a dog or cat!

[@paloma4444]

@@chrispysaid She absolutely IS fear mongering. I have a macaw and she is exaggerating TONS.

[@twiprod002]

You are correct when you said a bird will choose you at a rescue. I visited a local rescue many times helping out for a few months. One of the Umbrella Cockatoos would always follow me throughout the days I worked. It got to the point the she would fly to me as soon as I got there each day and then would not want me to leave. Well now she’s my best friend at home. She’s 11 yrs old and just loves everyone at my home. Best thing I ever did.

[@elenalatici9568]

Had a very similar experience that i just wrote about here. Sadly, there was no way I could take him. I still think about him. 😭

[@sophiacolclough2947]

This is so sweet 😭💖

[@lmp7179]

Chickens, they are cuddly, give you eggs, trainable, and if you work they can take care of themselves in the backyard during the day eating your bugs and rototilling the flower beds.

[@WindsofChange]

Absolutely, you couldn't pay me to have a large parrot though I love them...but I have a bunch of chickens. They're just about my speed and they make me breakfast.

[@DEngel-hv1nt]

yum

[@guardemdog]

We rescue roosters. Chickens are wonderful. We have 3 in our front yard separated from the other 8 roosters and around 40 hens. (We will have another 15 hens soon) Anyway the three are one large hen and 2 silkie roosters. The hen has learned to run backwards when she doesn't want their advances then poke them in the butt. One of the roosters raised the hen. Our chicks are always given to a rooster to raise up once they are fully feathered. I love all our feathered friends. You are right that chickens make great pets and they can live to be 15. Too often people think they only live a few years so killing a 2 year old hen means nothing.

[@Primalxbeast]

The only chicken I knew was a mean little SOB. I worked at a wildlife rehab center and he was always attacking people. You had to keep your eyes on him if you didn't want him attacking the back of your knees. It's bad when a bunch of people who volunteer to help animals in their free time joke about feeding one of the residents to the bobcat. lol

[@guardemdog]

@@Primalxbeast they can be trained out of that. But the first rule is NEVER run or punish. Do not wear shorts. Wear sturdy pant and boots. If he attacks, you have to stand your ground. Let him calm down and the step towards him with conviction. Everyone in the flock knows their place. An alpha rooster will keep all the roosters under him under control and will deal with hens who are bullying another hen. He is also responsible for taking care of weaker roosters who are getting picked on. Of the 24 roosters we've had 3 came to us because they were human aggressive. We handled them a lot before letting them out.

[@ezalator9653]

My budgie: screeches My family: Aren’t birds meant to sing Me: How dare you interrupt his beautiful song

[@Maggie66112]

Omg your family is so stupid... im sorry i just had to...

[@tillyct8937]

my budgie sings to the wall. well its more of a shout but he is a speaking bird and he mixed up some phrases so he now calls himself Mr parakeet burger....

[@kafiyo7928]

Exactly.

[@I_love_dr_stone]

metalhead budgie

[@kellyharney2385]

Mine mixes phrases too and it’s the best! “Hi pretty buddy!” He also calls anything with fur a little puppy. A squirrel went past his cage outside “hey little puppy!”

[@superklizzard3195]

I would recommend a ringneck dove as a first FIRST bird. Sweet, bonds easy, doesn't bite and is soft billed, easy to train, cheap, doesn't scream, doesn't only bond to one person so you can actually go on vacation. I had one as a first pet bird and she was a total sweetie. They're cuddle butts. They're great for kids as long as the child is gentle.

[@orlock20]

If you have the outdoor room, a hen chicken or two would work. Low noise, trainable, sociable and lay eggs for food.

[@TheJesusAlejandra]

I totally want a dove 🥰 they are so cute, wouldnt mind the noise

[@jodyariewitz7349]

Agreed!!🥰❤👍👏 I had a dove as a kid that used to ride on my handlebars around the neighborhood! I also had a silky chicken (Atilla the hen! ❤RIP Tilly!)

[@chichou7]

@ARK Babe 🦖 dang that's sick, did they know it was your pet or was cooking it the intention from the start

[@PromisedJubilee]

I totally agree. The sound of a dove is so sweet and easy on the ears. Not like the screeching of a parrot.

[@Ricky_B4]

My daughter and son-in-law were being transferred to Germany for 5 years starting in 2005. My wife and I agreed to bird sit their Umbrella Cockatoo, at the time she could not take Cloud to Germany. Cloud bonded with me but she would let my wife handle her also. I read everything I needed for the best care of Cloud and found a vet that specialized in birds which was good because 3 years later she had to have an operation to remove a blockage in her digestive system. Then giving her a shower one day I forgot and brought the shower head to her and she bit through the fleshy part of my hand, then bit the through the same spot on my right hand. because I didn't pull away when she bit I only required a couple of stitches on each hand. After 5 1/2 years the kids returned to the states got stationed in Florida drove out to California and took my grandbirdy away. I missed 7 o'clock pm LOUD play time, I missed daily showers and especially missed snuggle time. I get a call from my daughter 2 weeks later and she had seen an ad on the vets facebook page that he had 7 cockatoos for adoption. they were all from the same family, the lady had died. My wife and I went to look at the birds there were 5 birds that were brother and sister from one mother bird and a poppa bird who was father to two of the youngest birds all Umbrella Cockatoos The mother bird looked horrible she had only about 15 to 20 % of her feathers left, the rest she pluck from anxiety. My wife said Rick we have to take her and give her a good home. All the way home in he little carrier we heard Momma, momma, momma I love you, momma I love you, momma, momma, just about broke my heart. When we got Rosie home, by the way she was 29 years old, and yook her out of her carrier she looked around and didn't say momma again. Rosie bonded to me and would bite my wife. She was funny, at night she would scream louder than Cloud but after a while she calmed down, I didn't close the door to her cage during the day and since I am handy I just repaired the wood moulding she chewed, wouldn't chew on he toys at all even the ones made from wood moulding. All of her feathers had grown back in, I had her whistling and in the morning she would cluck like a chicken, so I figured she must have lived near chickens before. She would say I love you and when I tried to get her to say papa she would say abba and then a bunch of gibberish. On a trip one day I stopped at a rest area had the van door open while I fed my son and as an older lady was walking by she whistled the wolf whistle. The lady turned around and said thank you, I said it wasn't me it was her, the lady looked into the van and Rosie said I Love You, which started everyone laughing. She was in good health and played a lot, if I was late opening her cage door she would stomp in her water to get my attention. Then the problems started, she started biting my wife and a couple of time bit her in the face just missing her eye. My wife became scared to death of her which made Rosie even more aggressive towards her. That's when I started looking for someone that would take her. I was having a yard sale and Rosie was with me sitting on my shoulder when one of the ladies mentioned she had a friend with a cockatoo and some other parrots she asked if I was selling Rosie, i said to the right person. Her friend called, I visited her home, part of the deal, and spent some time with her and her family, then I took Rosie with me to her house and Rosie looked at the lady and said something I will never forget, the word she repeated over and over on the way home the day we adopted her, she had taken one look at the lady and said MOMMA, MOMMA, MOMMA. It had been over hat was it I gave Rosie to her and when she said I can't pay you until next month I said I didn't want the money I only wanted a good home for Rosie and asking for money was part of my test. I took all of Rosie's cages, toys and perches to her and visited once a month for the next six months. During this time I found out from the vet the lady that had died was Jewish and spoke Yiddish and Abba was Poppa in Yiddish and the gibberish was yiddish, the lady that had died had red hair and spoke yiddish. the lady I gave Rosie to had red hair and spoke yiddish. I haven't seen Rosie in years and I miss her but I am positive I did the right thing for her. Sorry about the length but the two TOOs were linked by one story.

[@LouiseHultcrantz]

I don't usually read other people's "life stories" in the comments because they're usually lengthy and I don't really care (I'm cold hearted I know)😂 but your story made me cry 😢💔

[@garyford4939]

😊

[@angeliquejacques1110]

I know this comment was posted quite a while ago. But I just happened upon it and wanted to say that it is so heartwarming. Best wishes to yourself, Rosie, and Cloud 😊

[@bobobannana1307]

my bf has a sun conear and she's a wonderful singer, if she was in a heavy metal band

[@swarnimasiddhartha7456]

😂😂

[@Agoraphobic_Luv]

Lol I totally get what you’re saying

[@Pumpkin.-.]

Haha I have a Sun Conure too. She’s so loud but I love her. (Heavy metal describes her perfectly)

[@floydfreeman1318]

That sound fricking awesome

[@falconwilliams303]

Hahahahahah

[@HighsideOfJupiter]

How could someone be annoyed by the sound of doves? I absolutely love hearing them sing.

[@whitebird5383]

Unlike other birds that sleep when you do, Doves will coo all night. So, if you have them in the house like I did, they will keep you awake.

[@liammcmeeken2571]

Yeah make sure u really love the sound before u get one, they coo from the time they wake up till when they go to sleep with short rests here and there. They may coo at night sometimes too. Drove me nuts!

[@sharathyadav954]

I love doves too 💖💖💖

[@kathleenmurphy2379]

Sometimes the turtle doves in the neighborhood drive me crazy! Especially when there's a male that doesn't have a mate he just sits up there Cooling and Cooling and Cooling and you can hear it in the house

[@LadyCoyKoi]

They are so sweet with their cooing noises. ^_^

[@MsCyberNewt]

OMG thank you SO MUCH for making this video!!!! I worked at a pet shop in the 90's and we had a bird broker- he told us that he had this lady contact him- she wanted not ONE, Not TWO, but THREE Umbrella cockatoos!!!!! He went to her house- and she had purchased three perch stands for these birds. She had white carpet, white couch and furniture and white curtains and wanted the birds to "go with the decor". He told her she should get plushie cockatoos instead and they would look great on the stands. I can't believe some people! This video is SO NEEDED.

[@Nightsha]

Thank you for pointing out all the sucky parts of owning a bird! That's exactly what I look for when I research getting a new type of animal and it's surprisingly hard to find. You can love and talk up something while also being honest about the downsides (cause all pets have downsides, some more than others!)

[@theConcernedWyvern]

Agreed! I love the way she does it without condescending people who are interested as well ^-^

[@peter2kx]

“big parrots are like 3 year old toddlers with bolt cutters attached to their face. Oh, and they can fly.”

[@birdmania2996]

Lol!

[@wafflefries3799]

Any bed is tho

[@Crystal-rv5ys]

And that kid will never grow up 😅

[@BusterMaxwellTV]

😱

[@nemesism]

XD

[@aperson1378]

I'm 16 and adopted a rehomed cockatiel. She sits with me while I do my work. She flies where she wants in my room (though she prefers to sit on my shoulder). I love her so much! She bonded with me so well!

[@maddy1224]

I also really want to get a cockatiel

[@kylenicome7708]

Make sure to do research

[@ms.anonymousinformer242]

My daughter was 11 when we got a Jenday and I started breeding parrotlets (stopped in 2018) . She learned everything I know. To the point the birds all favor her. She took over ownership of the Jenday this year at 15 going on 16. He still interacts with all of us but she took over responsibility over him. She trains him too ,now. They work on recall, and trick training almost daily. He is LOUD when he sees : mailman,ups truck, fed ex truck, walkers& bikers,and people parking unfamiliar cars in our driveway, or knocking on the door. He makes a good "guard bird" / "home alarm" when it comes to strangers. I actually like that because if I hear him screaming non stop and am on other side of the house, I know someone must be at the door.

[@s.w.3815]

I was dissapointed she didn't mention Budgies and cockatiels. They're both highly intelligent loving parrots. I've had large and small parrots, softbills and cockatoos as well as working with Corvids thru a long life, (I got my first bird I was about 4 and I'm 60 now!), with wonderful avian companions as well as rescue work with wild and companion birds. I learned long ago a birds size or what it cost does not dictate its intelligence, what kind of a companion it makes, it's ability to learn tricks, to speak or the love it can share. Cockatiels, especially males, are great at mimicking sounds and some words. Budgies, also the males especially, are one of the best birds in the parrot family for learning to pick up human speech, whistles and other sounds! Look up 'Disco' on KZbin! I guarantee he will blow away any other parrot you've EVER heard! I'm so glad to hear that you love one of the 'little birds'! I have 3 rescued Budgies I cherish!

[@ShrihariV6105]

Everything is literally the same. Except I bought mine from a guy I knew.Other than that, I'm 16, she sits with me while I do my work. She flies where she wants in my room. She loves to sit on my laptop for some reason. She eats with me. They crave for attention. It's not even my room at this point. She took over it.

[@fairygore3526]

My dad was a bird breeder in Australia and South Africa, and my goodness he died when I asked for a bird when I was 10. He was like “I’ll teach you everything, consider me your researcher!” And I was so grateful. He did go against getting an African grey a bit, but I’m the end we got one. It was like my life was complete, but then again I had a lot of responsibility. When I was 16, he said that he’d look after the bird when I went away for college and I felt so happy, although I wasn’t happy to leave my bird. Of course, i came back every weekend, Thursday afternoon and some Fridays, but it was hard. When I was 18, I decided got accepted into Oxford university, but I declined the offer just for my bird. But when I came back home from a hotel to say bye to my friends, my dad sold my bird. I lost two things. Two important things.

[@BobbieDraper]

sold your buddy without telling you? thats messed up

[@talking444]

😢

[@GrayWithMe]

Why would your dad do that to the bird - if he knew a lot about birds he would know how hard that would be on the bird

[@kiemyster420]

Bird man checking in here, I have a fleet of 20+ birds and I would say smaller conures are the best to start with, with the exception of nandays and sun conures (too noisy and bigger beaks). Best picks are high red, green cheek, pineapple, or turquoise conures. The turquoise conures can show slightly more aggression in breeding season, but other than that they are awesome. Be warned that some conures like black caps and crimson bellies have a more stinky poop, and black caps can be very militant and aggressive but I love them for that reason. Conures can talk but it takes alot of training, but I find them to be the most playful and least noisy of them. My heart goes to the pineapple conures tho, they are the best in terms of personality and show the most affection. I am sure you had your reasons why you did not list them, probably because most people want birds that can talk easily. But I love them to death, so consider this an extremely biased post. I have experience with all types of conures, smaller macaws (cant stand the noise from the big ones) and amazons. Great video, I certainly agree with avoiding amazons, macaws, african greys, and cockatoos. Never understood the hype about african greys (no offense to your buddy on the vid), to me they all seem to be more mischievous than amazons, so if im going big bird, I go for yellow crowns.

[@BirdBath1]

kiemyster420, look at bird bath

[@therealtisler5652]

Do you have any opinions on the Quaker?

[@juraxelpark9299]

I got a macaw first and don’t regret my choice XD she screamed and she tried to kill me the first day but I love her.

[@Spyrit2011]

My first macaw was a Hahn's macaw. My little Hahn's was so sweet loved to cuddle, happy little bird.

[@wuvvy6122]

same xD my first bird was a macaw, we only clicked after a month lmao but now we are really great friends :D

[@randomperson6113]

Ms. p0tatO lol army

[@uknvoid6716]

Lol

[@nicholascampbell4575]

My first is going to be green wing macaw(also know as red and green macaw)

[@rose4490]

I can't imagine ever being annoyed by the sound of a dove cooing. I would just think such a person was a jerk.

[@Fredwitrave]

Ohlala. A jerk. It's so tempting to judge people. Makes you feel better about yourself for a little while...

[@ilovenycsomuch]

Yeah what the hell, that’s such a lovely nonintrusive sound, what a fucking prick

[@chicoziebirb5139]

I swear to god if my neighbours accepted and love my cockatiels, anyone can accept a dove's cooing. If you already can't stand a dove's cooing, don't be near children either, they're way worse.

[@christianfellowshipchurchg262]

Doves sound nice at first but then you see that they are constantly cooing all day, non-stop, I can see people eventually getting annoyed.

[@mattkinsella9856]

My neighbor is addicted to his chainsaw, weed whacker and very loud lawnmower barely a day goes by that he doesn't spend a few hours doing something with one of these and Summer weekends it's all of them, most of the day. I've also lived next door to someone who let their 2 large dogs bark all day and I like dogs. I dream of having someone next door who had 1000 doves instead. If you want zero noise from your neighborhood then you should live in the middle of nowhere. If the sound of doves is all someone has to worry about then they should think themselves lucky.

[@mikepech6822]

I had a budgie once. A great little companion. Then I got a rescued conure. He was an ignored bird in a cage and was put in a spare room because he screeched alot. I bought him for cheap. Took me a day for finger training. In a year he said a few words, loved sitting on my shoulder, loved doing a hip hop and wings flapping dance to rock and roll. No more screeching. just wanted some attention. Conure is a small bird, great friends and easy care. Recommend them to anyone. They are like people. Just want friends.

[@falconward6757]

Excellent video and advice - muchos gracias! I operated a parrot rescue/sanctuary for 20 years in California until I split with my partner, who co-managed the rescue, and moved to Florida. We re-homed all but 5 parrots. She still has four of them with her, and I have a blue and gold macaw who moved here with me, since he's been completely bonded to me since he literally walked up to me and chose me 20 years ago (walked all the way across the floor of a large store, lifted his claw and said "Up, up!), I also went to vet school and rather than going into vet practice, I chose to follow a research path. I wanted to live a nomadic life style and not be bound to one location - animal research usually involves lots of travel, so it was a perfect choice. Therefore, one of my professional specialties is animal behavior, including avian (bird) behavior. This intro is to show that I've had a LOT of experience with parrots of many species, as a preface to my own recommendations about this topic. I don't disagree with anything you said in your video - it's spot-on. I simply have other experiences with parrots due to the different species I've directly worked with, probably the same reason for your preferences: 1) I totally agree with gaining experience with different parrot species through friends, volunteering, and fostering!!! 2) the easiest, cheapest choice with the least time commitment for a first bird is budgies (aka incorrectly called "parakeets"). They are highly underestimated in terms of their abilities. Most people think that because they're small, relatively "cheap", and common, that they're boring and unable to learn to talk. That's the exact opposite of the truth. My avian (parrot) vet in Cal was arguably the top macaw vet and one of the top avian (parrot) vets in the country - author of "Parrots for Dummies" and "The Large Macaws" and a macaw breeder himself. He was so adept with parrots, that on my first visit with my new macaw he was able to handle him with complete ease, totally by hand, with no toweling or assistance - even when drawing blood. He informed me that the top three record holders in the world for largest vocabulary were all budgies (humorously, cared for by elderly retirees in the UK, with all the free time required for such extensive training LOL). The reason the time commitment is less than with other parrots and parrot-like birds (parakeets, cockatiels, budgies, etc. are a different bird family than larger parrots like Amazons, African Greys, Cockatoos, Macaws, etc.) is simply because they don't live as long. Rule of thumb for parrot lifespan is - the larger they are, the longer they live. Typically, budgies live 10-20 years while macaws live 60-80 years. 3) Out of all the parrot species I've cared for or directly interacted with,, my two favorite species in terms of ease of handling, limited noise, little or no biting, endearing personality, and just plain joy of interacting with them were male Eclectus and African Cape parrots. Female Eclectus were the exact opposite for me - very hormonal, territorial, and prone to attacking anyone who they perceive as a threat to their territory. But male Eclectus are total "characters" - a never-ending source of amusement and variety. One of the male Eclectus I cared was such a sweetheart, that one time when I was sick and lying on the couch near his daytime gym perch, he flew over and stood on my chest, watching over me throughout a 1.5 hour nap - without disturbing me by moving or making noise the whole time! The big downside for both species is the initial cost of acquiring one, but it's not more than other parrots like Amazons and African Greys, and considerably less than larger parrots like Macaws and Cockatoos. But they're almost impossible to find in animal rescues, so purchase or inheriting from a friend or relative is the only way to bring these desirable parrots into your life.

[@BirdBath1]

Falcon Ward, look at bird bath

[@caroljung1310]

Budgies are the best! I'm taking care of one while her owners are on holiday, and this little bird has brought so much joy to my life already. She is really smart in communicating what she wants can be very naughty in a cute way, has her own moods, and sits on my hand or shoulder. Researching information about budgies triggered the KZbin algorithm to recommend this video, thus why I'm glad to see more people recommending budgies as first birds.

[@widdershinswitch]

It breaks my heart that people always brush off budgies and i wish more people would give them a chance. I want a bigger bird for sure but getting my budgie is one of the best decisions in my whole life. She is the sweetest, smartest and most hilarious little creature I've ever met and I love her dearly. Their personalities are so much bigger than they are lol and after having her for over a year now I feel much more confident and better prepared for getting a larger parrot at some point in the future. And even if/when I do get another bird, my little budgie will forever be the number 1 bird in my heart. She's become my best friend. 💙

[@lucydonald7492]

Widdershins Witch since you had a budge try move on to maybe a conure or cockatiel or like a small parrot I wouldn’t just move on from a tiny bird to a massive bird try a small parrot then move on to bigger parrots idk that’s just my opinion :)

[@wibblemu9]

I absolutely love budgies, my first bird was a blue budgie and he was the sweetest most loving thing ever

[@justjello7599]

I've had 3 budgies so far and mango my current bird is 4 years old and has been with me since he was 6 months old, he is the worst thing to exist, he hates toys, he hates other people, he's picky and he most likely wants to kill me in my sleep no matter how much he tries to cuddle up to me.

[@wxlf.rxm00]

I agree I don’t have one (I have an African grey) it’s kind of sad how much they get neglected as they are fun and loving birds

[@longnamenocansayy]

my aunts budgie was an absolute pirate. not to people, but the german shepherd was open season for him. he had such an attitude, and that poor german shepherd just had to take it until it was too much. then next thing you know here comes the little blue pirate walking up to the dog again. 100% blue with attitude..

[@caffeinefuelled9186]

That "noise" is what its like to wake up in Australia.. you don't even notice it after awhile.

[@streakspider2435]

I swear to god

[@nicolecampbelll]

You have Koalas though! I'd give anything ! Lol 🇨🇦👎

[@chloedawson6955]

@@nicolecampbelll heaps are dead now BC of fires 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@jet891]

@@nicolecampbelll I live in Australia and the only place I've seen a koala is at the zoo

[@lanalee-3792]

jetmancer yep same!

[@everybodydancenow8307]

I loved this video! I think I would also recommend cockatiels, because they are sooo affectionate and they get along with more than one person. They're great with kids, basically a bird who's basically a dog! They're not as loud and are quiet calm compared to other birds.

[@shuermarvin577]

LOVE the little guy sitting and watching you when you talk. He is super easy going. He looks at you lovingly.

[@BirdBath1]

Shuer Marvin, look at bird bath

[@Leadries]

I think I'm going to just get a bald eagle...

[@is_ya_average_idiot1613]

Ye very normal lol

[@Leadries]

@@is_ya_average_idiot1613 indeed

[@is_ya_average_idiot1613]

@@Leadries lol well wish you luck

[@sofiakulkarni1920]

lmaoooo

[@nickizcool20]

MURICA!!!!!!!!!

[@cs9742]

It’s like having a two year old for 80 years

[@Aethuviel]

But you can't put a two year old in a cage. Parrots are extremely high maintenance and it's difficult to travel, but still nothing like having a toddler. And there is only one parrot truly proven to have lived over 80 years - lifespan studies are few and far between, mostly it's just pet websites and books saying "these birds live between 50-100 years", which is *extremely* vague, and often "average" and "maximum" are conflated. Not picking on you, these are just two statements I see a lot without much thought.

[@sirtoasty696]

@@Aethuviel hey- Hey let me tell you something I think this person was joking

[@rjhikes6248]

My mom had an African grey. It was great with five boys at home because we all spent time with him every day so he got a lot of interaction. When we got older and went to college or moved away he began to have behavior issues so she sold him to someone who was familiar with parrots. The one thing he always did was if you approached him with gloves on he would lose his mind. The source of his fear of gloves was obvious but he never, ever got over it. I think people underestimate how much daily interaction time they really need to be happy and healthy. ❤️

[@entitykeeper8869]

I bought a Sun Conure for my daughter when she was 4 years old. The bird is wonderful for my daughter and I. Anyone else tries to touch her gets the beak. The bird is now 20 years old and my daughter is grown up and married. I miss the bird.

[@lampadudle]

4 years old? That's a bit early, I gotta admit.

[@tammyelliott5510]

That is amazing! I met a woman in her 30s who has had her McCaw since she was 14 and she says it is still her best friend ever. She takes that bird everywhere with her.

[@mchobbit2951]

So she took the bird with her when she moved out?

[@juliusroman8616]

Try desensitizing the bird to other people.

[@pears8445]

@@lampadudle Her mum would of looked after it while they were playing

[@blackie75]

I had a pet crow for 4 years that came to my house every day. But I haven't seen him for 6 months....I think he's in bird heaven :(

[@ashtonpennington1292]

Its ok

[@gamergoddess05]

Was it wild? How did you bond with it? I'm really curious, they seem like really sweet pets.

[@juliadillaman3632]

Sorry 😦

[@Flufferz626]

@@gamergoddess05 they are awesome animals to interact with, but aren't "sweet pets".

[@user-bz3xo4kr5v]

@@Flufferz626 thank you.

[@quasiotter]

this is EXACTLY what i needed to hear. i only have a mantis (extremely low maintenance) and can't help but dream of other pets... i knew birds weren't for me right now, and this video really put that last nail in. i still love these cuties, of course

[@FlaggWoW]

I know your focus is on larger birds, but I located a starling fledgling. It had fallen out of a nest and is was next to multiple other starlings that were deceased. We took it home in an attempt to give it a fighting chance and he thrived. Since they are invasive no rehabs in my area were willing to take him in. We found him at approximately 10 days old, and as of writing this he is about 7 months old and is a surprisingly good pet. He is very smart, playful, and was fairly easy to bathroom train. I never knew starlings could talk so... imagine my surprise when he started mimicking me lol. His best friend is a dwarf rabbit and we intent to give him the best quality of life that we can :)

[@fancygif4646]

"Go to your local sanctuary" Me, who doesn't even have a Petco within a Two hour Radius. "Let's see that happen."

[@seanw2013]

Same lmao

[@68mwsully]

I guess it depends on where you live, but you’d be surprised how many rescues/sanctuaries there are, fortunately/unfortunately.

[@haileyamberpunzalan7236]

Lmao i live in the Phillipines and the nearest sanctuary is like...in a DIFFERENT ISLAND!

[@user-qo6il9vg3n]

Just teleport there, duh

[@cjmedoes632]

My whole city is a bird sanctuary hahahahaha no literally there's a sign as soon as you get in Lebanon this is a bird snacturary

[@allisfaith]

I thought how pretty, a pink cockatoo! Then I saw a video you did a couple yrs ago. You said that Galahs should be left to the professionals. After hearing that and doing research and visited a bird sanctuary, I decided a bird in general wasn’t right for me. Thank you for passing on your knowledge. I also watch your channel and Marlene’s channel to get my bird fix. To this day I do not have a bird BUT I really got into feeding the WILD BIRDS around my house and that’s been very rewarding!

[@JWildberry]

Yeah, my new hobby is watching the magpies. Because who needs fancy, colorful, tropical birds when you have some chatty, clever cuties in tuxedoes? Plus, I used to have seagulls outside my last apartment, and after 10 years of that, I know I wouldn't handle owning a bird without going crazy.

[@peterzimmerman1114]

That also works, I got an african gray, but I've noticed that the birds in the garden has kind of bonded with me aswell, since I tend to give the some snacks, especially over the winter season where they got a hard time finding food. I got a few that will come and peck on my window when it gets really bad during the winter and come look at me. During the summer they don't seem to be doing that, there is usualy plenty of food out there.

[@paloma4444]

She is fear mongering. A LOT.

[@spiralmoment]

I hope watching the birds around your house makes you realise how cruel it is to keep a bird trapped.

[@melyn5681]

My neighbours (since I was born to when I was a teenager) had an umbrella cockatoo and they would frequently go on vacation, so my parents always took care of their bird. I loved him so much, I was a just kid but he was so gentle and patient with me! I have always loved birds so much, I had a budgie growing up and she was friends with my neighbour's bird. Now I want one again!

[@stacimichelle2345]

I am a Certified Vet Assistant and I focused my training on birds. I want you to know that I fully support your comments in this video. I had a friend that owned a reptile sanctuary and she had similar comments about owning snakes. The bottom line is know and understand what you are getting into. I personally raise Ringneck Doves and I have a rescued purebred pigeon. With pigeons and doves breeding behavior is their life motivation and so I do not end up with too many I have to monitor that behavior constantly. I pull their real eggs and substitute fake eggs. I explain this because even birds that are not as dramatic as Parrot species their behavior still needs to be monitored closely. Again, Good work here and I fully support this video.

[@abbysparkles8975]

I've had my Amazon since he was a just weaned, (13 years ago) and I was in my early 20's. About a year after I got him, I got pregnant. I think this is when most people give up parrots, because the baby takes up all of their time. We've moved to Florida, and then back to the Midwest. We've been through a lot together, and he's definitely part of the family. When people meet him they think he is just the coolest thing in the world. I like to remind people it's like having a two year old for the rest of your life. A very sassy two year old.

[@NgocNguyen-hr9bx]

Ppl : scared of a cockatoo’s beak Me : **still scared of a budgies beak*

[@tammyelliott5510]

😂 Me getting bit is like I stubbed my toe. After having an African Grey 6 years I am use to it. I call her a brat and walk away. Sometimes for the first aid kit. 😂

[@Crummieboi56]

Me: *scared of a Senegal parrots beak*

[@michelleng472]

Budgie bites FEEL SOOO GOOOOOD

[@instantmiso9788]

madam/sir, I have two and every time they bite me I cry, so golly gee gosh did I feel that.

[@kated9349]

At least they don’t make me bleed when my budgie bites😂 it doesn’t hurt though

[@peachysai605]

We got an Indian ringneck after about a year or two of research and preparing, and he's just the sweetest little thing, he's going through his bluffing phase at the moment, but he doesn't bite hard enough to really hurt, I've been pushing through and continuing what my research is telling me, and it's been lovely!

[@Koligian]

Thanks for explaining the in and out's of owning a bird. My son and I were thinking about getting one because we love all the bird videos but you made us realize that loving a bird video and owning a bird are two totally different things. I appreciate you being honest with us and for now we are content living vicariously through you and your birds! 💜 🦜 🕊️ 🐦 🦜 🕊️ 💜

[@gantoo]

I had a budgie. He got around 15 years old even though he had multiple accidents with mirrors and windows (he eventually figured it out :P) If i had the chance to relive thoes 15 years, id do it again! :)

[@BirdTricks]

Yes! Budgies!

[@tomr.4199]

what a sweet comment :-)

[@cottonmouthxx7828]

Hey I also had my budgie for 15 years!! He was such an incredible little guy and called me baby lol. (Or my name 😂) loved him so much :) Did yours also randomly pass away without any signs of illness beforehand? I was so devastated when he passed as I got him as a little girl and I was in my teenage years when he passed. So our bond was very strong.

[@gantoo]

@@cottonmouthxx7828 Yes, he started having breathing problems, a cold maybe. He died in my hands a few days after that. :(

[@magikp6636]

Wow, that's really sad. And I'm sure it was hard to deal with. Sorry for your loss.

[@XShadOBabeX]

"What is a good first bird if I have no experience with parrots." (shows a chicken) DUDE... I would love to have a chicken.

[@catrinoiuandrei4624]

My grandmother had pet chickens beacouse they gave eggs.

[@meganpeep3266]

I have 8 and I’m literally obsessed with them. They got me here because I want more birds 🤣

[@MrErikw26]

I actually LOL'D at that

[@StandInFaithOverFear]

XShadOBabeX 😂

[@mariellzz1159]

Same tho

[@Sasharra]

"Or you can live vicariously through some KZbinrs who have birds and watch from afar" Yup, thats me! :)

[@ashleyfeyling1902]

i absolutely love how honest you are about owning birds

[@blahblah8037]

I can’t really wrap my head around “starter” bird. It’s an animal that lives a long time. Such a large chunk of our own life.

[@tammyelliott5510]

Maybe it should be more like your first bird before you think you need to have more, because you are totally in sane.

[@lizfox1602]

Do you not have to start somewhere? Getting a macaw if you’ve never owned a bird would be very dumb. Asking for recommendations on a first starter bird is a great question

[@izzywang7060]

When you have a bird you have a 7 am alarm clock set for you for the next 40 years. :)))))

[@corvus6971]

I wake up at 5 in the morning by myself, I'll be fine

[@gm836]

Ariella Tenenboim what time do you sleep?

[@yutyrannusfanboy5873]

I have one for 15-20 years i believe

[@spinobolt7322]

I used to have a canar he always woke me up early but his voice was beautiful I miss him so much

[@aromanticfranziskavonkarma]

As someone who wakes up at 1 - 2 PM, *yes please*

[@sheridan3028]

I've been sloowly considering and am so glad this is still posted. Your honesty is beyond appreciated. Thank you.

[@maccoolmac5191]

This is your absolute best video. So far we were introduced to all your birds, good and bad. This sparks everyone to want a bird for themself. Thank You for your wealth of knowledge.

[@BirdBath1]

Mac Coolmac, look at bird bath

[@Spencerlayne]

I know it wasn't your intention, but you out me off getting a bird. But for the right reason. I dont think it's all its cracked up to be. I mean I think they are so cute. But it would literally be like having a child. I think you made a lot of people aware of the reality of what it takes to have a parrot

[@operationcrazy2696]

Dont be! Cockatiels are wonderful starters! I got one when I started college and best decision of my life!

[@jennifers.3818]

thats actually a good thing. so many people jump into getting a bird bc they're cool, they talk, they play, they see videos of owners cuddling and all these great things. they dont show the 24/7 work involved, the 24/7 dedication tht goes into it. its like having a 2yr old stuffed in the body of a bird. just like she said there are SO SO many in sanctuaries and horrible homes simply bc people jump into it not realizing what lies ahead. that and most birds live SO long they outlive the owners period of life when they wanted a bird. u know how our lives change over 20yrs. you may be fine with one now, but can u handle tht dedication for the next 30-50yrs??? thats a crazy dedication

[@mantisamygdala]

@@operationcrazy2696 this is so sad: They need a swarm, they cannot live alone. It's cruel to buy just one of them. And it's true, they are great. I had one as a child, loved him, and gave him away, when I grew older and learned more about his species. Because I loved him so much. He came to a family which had about 20 of them. And he fell in love with one of the others a few hours after he met his new swarm.

[@operationcrazy2696]

@@mantisamygdala They do just fine man, sad in the beginning, definitely, but they learn to love their owners like dogs and cats. Leave dogs outside in the wild and they will learn to pack together. Your argument is over emotion and emotion is never a valid argument. My bird does perfectly fine alone and is happy with my family, he sees us as his "swarm" and the correct word for that is "flock" mate. Learn English too. Now I do plan on getting a partner for him in a year or so when he is fully tamed. You just did not even care about your bird period. If you loved him you would have found him a friend. You are the one to blame, look at yourself mate. Smh. I know someone who leaves their birds in a cage all day unless they want to play! Mine flies wherever he wants, yes his wings are not clipped and I never will do so. He was born with two sisters which both flew away, so either way, he was alone. Me taking him in allowed him to get attention much more, now he begs us to stay with him until he starts napping on my shoulder.

[@sheisalicee6134]

mantisamygdala I had a cockatiel when i first moved out in my own. She did wonderfully on her own - i find it frustrating when people shame others into multiple pets. I have always had single pets of many different species and all my veterinarians have always said that the amount of time and attention i spend is clearly quality and not harming my keeping pets as singles. I know my limits and will always have single pets - i currently have a green cheek conure and he is awesome and very loved by his vet and staff 🦜

[@clairehennekam]

Budgies are so underrated. They are adorable, huge personalities, empathetic, and many are great talkers. I've got two, and although I'm having training issues at the moment (one is a rescue), I love them to bits. People love the big colourful exciting parrots, and maybe think that budgies are boring little things that just sit in their cage. Why? Because that's how so many people treat them!! I've wanted to liberate several friends' budgies over the years when I've seen how they're treated. If you treat a budgie the way you would a big parrot, you'll have a best friend. If you have multiple budgies, you'll become part of a flock. I love watching videos from BirdTricks and Adventures of Roku, and seeing their gorgeous birds and following their adventures, but I'll leave them to the enormous mess, feeding schedules, constant toy creation/destruction cycle, and of course the noise. I live in an apartment, so anything louder than a budgie is not really ok. I adore rainbow lorikeets and would dearly love to have one, but when I did my research and learnt about the "poo issue", it was all over!! 😂 I do love the idea of indoor flight somewhere really big though. Once my two are tame enough, I'll look into options. Thank you!! 💓

[@ZElTGElST]

Yeah, to me they are probable the best ones too. I have had a Kakariki (lovely) and a goldfinch (lovely too) and my next one will be a Budgie when the time comes. They have an imbatible inteligence/noise/mess ratio. I was hoping for her to say BUDGIES!. Ah, in case there is a second part of this video I would love her to her take on it

[@bribri0519]

Budgies are so amazing. My baby budgie is so playful, sings pretty songs and loves to be handled and honestly when I got her I didnt think that she would have bonded and likes to be handled as much as she does. I love my Opal!

[@dragonfly9821]

People seem to think that really small birds don't have as much personality, but boy are they wrong (lovebirds! lovebirds have enough personality to share with three bigger birds! ;). I just wish they lived longer, my heart can't take it.

[@guardemdog]

Bravo for rescuing!

[@smOVERCOMINGITALL]

@@dragonfly9821 I have allwayyss wanted lovebirds!! I do want birds, never owned just lived with my sisters African grey throughout my teen years, and lovebirds has always been on the top of my list. Would you say they are a good first time bird owner?

[@jamesgibbs7933]

THANK YOU for this honest video! I had birds for many years (old guy here), and most folks don't have a clue. Noise is a biggie. I came home from work one day, and the police were outside my home. They said that a neighbor called and said someone was being murdered. Had to let the cops in to see for themselves that it was my macaw and amazons (of which I had three different types). Thanks again on behalf of the birds.

[@wonderingkid5450]

When I was a teenager we had a parakeet, Jake. He was re-homed with us and he was my guy, my best buddy. 😢 I’ve never had a bond with an animal more than him and I think about him all of the time. ❤ I would love to get another someday.

[@weirdname299]

I have a budgie Se loves me She lets me pet her Constantly flys on my head and shoulder I love her too She's always there when I'm sad Kinda like a girlfriend... Yup My girlfriend is a budgie

[@bolton7961]

I wanna see those babies 🙃

[@elli1370]

Bolton Kitten wha-

[@nezamei6962]

@@bolton7961 👁👄👁

[@ms_it_is]

Mine is a giant chicken😂 Once she lived with the others in a barn, but she was so attached to me, because I took her after her mother left her, I let her in the house after she didn't lay eggs anymore. Now I share a room with a Brahma chicken

[@yoyothedoggo470]

@@bolton7961 the hecc I-

[@JessicaBeeler]

When I was younger, my parents let me get a cockatiel because I wanted a bird so badly. She lived to be 14 and was honestly the best pet. I see a lot of things we did incorrectly with her in those years when I watch BirdTricks videos because there just wasn't the internet access for learning proper diet and care for birds at the time, so all we had to go on was what the bird shop owners told us. I appreciate videos like this so much because you have so many resources for someone who might be in that place wanting a bird and needing to know how to start with them.

[@breyanna6951]

Ok, so I am 14... and I have a cockatiel Can I ask, where did u go wrong with your bird? I’m just trying to learn!

[@JessicaBeeler]

@@breyanna6951 I got my bird well before we had internet access so there wasn't an easy way to research proper things for her. The shop we got her from, while a sort of bird haven, was not especially helpful looking back. They didn't carry as many food options as I see Jamieleigh talking about, so my bird's diet was very basic, and I just didn't know any better. I also personally feel like my bird's cage may have been too small for her but she was out in the house 95% of the time so she had free range. She wasn't ever properly trained for anything either, which we really didn't realize you could do lol.

[@pisces1017]

This is a perfect deterrence. I love birds, but I will continue vicariously.

[@mrs.bakersproductions6516]

I’ll stick to my chickens and watch your videos. ;)

[@guardemdog]

Bird people are bird people.

[@pokemaster2464]

If i had a backyard I would have chickens and doves

[@kellymarie8874]

Maegan Baker same 😂😂

[@davidritchie9344]

Chickens are great. Absurdly simple to take care of and have crazy big personalities. They're also funny to watch gang up on cats.

[@augustl8876]

Agreed. I love my chickens. But, I would not be able to handle having any other kind of bird in my home life. I've worked with a number of kinds of birds and know what's involved. Parrots are beautiful but, I'd rather appreciate them in the care of someone who can handle the commitment they come with.

[@thelazerchicken7964]

I completely agree with you I am also a parrot owner and I wish that people would stop getting parrots thinking they would be “cute” pets and not thinking about the level of commitment.

[@carolhartley4448]

Yes soo right! Have to be 100 % committed

[@dprrescue]

Thank you. Your experience and guidance is priceless.

[@toniabrown2193]

I got a Parrotlet! He is amazing, so smart. I have had him almost 2 months and even as small as he is, he is a lot of work but I love him! We are still in the beginning stages of learning each other and bonding. I love your videos, thank you

[@davidblue3722]

Hello Tonia,, how are you doing today, how’s everything going Tonia?

[@ralexandra1058]

A chicken was my first bird, and will probably be my only bird species 😂 Sweet cuddly chicken, treat them well and they’ll give you eggs ❤️

[@croonch6538]

I have 6 chickens and theres one that follows me around...they are awesome!!

[@ralexandra1058]

Crunchy_ Napkin I also have a hen that follows me around... she likes to jump up on my knee/shoulder when I kneel/sit down out in the yard☺️

[@LadyCoyKoi]

I had one chicken who would sit on ones lap in order to be petted. She was such an odd looking attention whore cat. ^_^

[@pixels4331]

I couldn't ever be super loving with my chickens. They shit everywhere .__.

[@aayangul8474]

Same I have three lol

[@aprilbaker2672]

We "inherited" a pineapple green cheek conure. Let me tell you, it's a learning experience

[@catherinekirby-smith53]

I have a green cheek. He runs my life!

[@jefflol4295]

I remember my green cheek he was so nice

[@imprisoned.marionette]

What do you mean “ “inherited” “

[@aprilbaker2672]

@@imprisoned.marionette I mean exactly that. A family member passed away. We now have a Conure.

[@dreamtreecreation]

I have a green cheek, he's a little shit :')

[@ammoniawilder4451]

My grandmother recently passed and she had an entire bird room in South Georgia back by their pool. She loved them. She had about 20-30 of them and they took up 100% of her time. And the pool took up my grandfathers. I miss that so much. And seeing these birds reminded me of that. I also remember the different personalities of all of them. Some where rescues, and one didn’t like men, another men with hats, etc. lol

[@JazzyHead]

My first bird was a cockatoo. It was my grandfather’s but after a summer there at a very young age he choose me and from than on I was the only one who could work with him.

[@nicolebongartz7828]

Honestly? This is the best explanation ever! If after this, people still don't get it - it's hopeless - in my opinion.

[@julia.parker]

This makes me SO HAPPY. I work at a parrot shop and it is SO ANNOYING when people only want macaws, African greys and cockatoos. It makes me nauseous.

[@julia.parker]

This is seriously the most comforting video I’ve ever found about parrots as pets... I watch it all the time, especially after an annoying day at work! I’m thinking about making a video about my opinions and recommendations from working at a parrot shop

[@mlralston]

Rewatching this video 4 years later. It is still so good and worth watching again.

[@shaunbradley5253]

Truly love your honesty, I just pray all your viewer's LISTEN, X

[@JuhiSRK]

Non-birder here. But the best experience I've ever had with a bird was a Caique. Absolutely adorable. I was a home health aid in a home with one & fell in love with their caique; so smart, so friendly & so much fun. It followed me around while I cleaned & enjoyed just being on my shoulder while working. He was quiet as well. He would only do what I call bird "small talk" in my ear...no screaming at all. If I ever got a bird, hands down it would be a caique.

[@hillbillyhorse9674]

Melody Johnson I love caiques. They’re literally puppies with wings.

[@SydneyDragon]

I want to rescue a parrot some day. “Some day” because I am waiting until the time is right. I have been volunteering at Wings Of Love Bird Haven rescue in Texas if you’ve heard of it. I never had a bird, but since I want one someday it was really important to me to learn how to handle them confidently. Living vicariously through you and Marlene 💕

[@BirdTricks]

So proud of you for doing all that!

[@spiritaelove2104]

My God, I feel like my petduck turned into a ninjakitten during her broody egg laying phase is an absolute absolute angel and I go everywhere with her, but always at her terms of course. Thanks for the educational info, I will definitely visit a bird rescue just to expand my experiences

[@jaida6085]

I'm looking into adopting a bird for my first time ever! I really appreciate this video!

[@juniorballs6025]

My animals aren't my pets, they're fully fledged members of the family and as such rank far above my lowly self 😉👍 Great information

[@kitcat2449]

Same!

[@cynthiaabbott1945]

Ditto

[@idontevenusethisaccount6779]

This made me cackle 😂 this is my bearded dragon. He’s old, angry, mean, and fat.

[@betsyfloyde9244]

Yes, a Grey and an Amazon picked me. I too, had a satanic Nanday conure

[@annabanana7659]

I think I'll stick with the old crow that hangs out in my backyard xD

[@khendricks2647]

Such good advice!! Being around family owned parrots helped. I use to visit a store where alot of the birds / parrots were on an open hanging “play area”. We (the public)were allowed to touch and interact with different species. I love birds even chickens. I decided that the macaws are the hyperactive loud kid of the bird world. Birds are very emotional or maybe sensitive is a better description. I enjoy and appreciate everything you share. I have resisted owning a bird because I know I cannot be the proper care giver.

[@kats3780]

This video is everything. Our family would love one and we are doing research. Thats how I recently found your channel. The volunteering tip is awesome and I plan to go that route to make sure its the right thing for our family. Thank you!

[@hammer-r]

Wow what a great an honest video. Wish I had that advise when I got my first parrot 30 years ago. What she is saying is sooooo true. People please take her advise. They are complex little humans with personality and attitude. And OMG the mess. Lol. Luckily we had a dog that liked to clean up after our birds. Great advise on working at a bird rescue. I will look locally for one to volunteer at just to get my fix without buying another one. Currently we have a hand raised cockatiel, safe simple and. It so noisy. Tks again for such an open and honest evaluation of birds. No one ever thinks of the down side. All they see are the colors and hope they talk.

[@Shrimpcheesesandwich]

I just picked up a injured pigeon and said yep this is mine 😂

[@StarBoyLuci]

i love that

[@Erika-kw7ur]

Most underrated comment ever 🤣🤣🤣

[@faithx9260]

Id do that but only if it was a baby and not need parents cuz they are use to outside idk id what it outside like its suppose to if its born outside but id really want one

[@jeebusyaweirdo3733]

I love pigeons, they’re my favorite birds lol.

[@roccobateman9188]

I did that on holiday my nans dog ate it……

[@hollisjohnson3821]

I've just found you and am so grateful. THANK YOU for discouraging people from getting birds, especially the three parrots. I've been rescuing Amazon's, African Grey Timnehs and cockatiels for 30 years. Had I known what I was getting into, I would not have done it. They should be left in the wild. I love them, but they are a lifelong commitment and a lot of work. Thanks again for all you do.

[@chantalmassicotte1557]

My first bird was a pineapple conure, Mango, she’s 12 now. Fell in love with her personality. We now have 2 pineapple conures, a ring neck parrot and a Jenday Conure. So entertaining lol!

[@spiralmoment]

well if you think its entertaining im sure its worth it for the birds to live out their lives in a prison as your personal toy.

[@BirdBath1]

Look at bird bath 🚿

[@claudeakel]

C O C K A T I E L is the answer my friend

[@insayn7995]

Claude Akel Facts

[@katbeckstead4737]

I loved my cockatiel growing up. I really want a sun conure.

[@ivanstorment8484]

Ayyy another OG

[@universalpancakes4101]

They aren’t great for ppl with asthma tho. But they are really cool

[@ivanstorment8484]

Sadly my baby died last week. She got sick some how I’m not sure. I got her back last month and she was trained and happy. Then she wouldn’t move so I made her comfortable and next morning she was gone. R.I.P. Birb. 2019-2020

[@graceharfilder5597]

My bird started screaming because of your ‘birds are loud and annoying’ part 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️

[@ruthwikrao9603]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@mariaangelabandales8985]

Rip ears ????-2019

[@is_ya_average_idiot1613]

Same but my budgie chirped

[@TheJustinlm24]

My first parrot, which wasn't mentioned here, was a quaker parrot. They are small, can be great talkers, and mine was not bonded to only one person. He was such a great bird. We lost him a couple months ago unfortunately. It definitely readied me for my African Grey and my eclectus.

[@Kinkoyaburi]

What a nice bird expert lady.

[@bunnydefunct]

After growing up with budgerigars for years as a kid, when I was ready to own my own parrot after graduating high school, I got a cockatiel after doing so, so much research. And it was still a learning curve, because there's so much conflicting information, and each bird has their own individual needs. I'm still learning more about their care today. If it weren't for his first and current vets, I don't know where I'd be. I still have him today, he's 10 this year. He's bonded to me but still is very strong-willed and affection and attention is always on his terms. During the spring time when his hormones are raging, he is at his most difficult! I have a hard time recommending cockatiels as a first bird to people who ask me because I've known people who have bonded 'tiels who are sweet and more easygoing, and others, like mine, who rule their owners' lives with a strong beak and attitude while still having affection for their owners. Other people just keep them in a cage, feed them, maybe walk by and whistle or talk to them, but the bird doesn't get a lot of real attention. And yet, I read a lot in internet guides that cockatiels are "sweet, docile, affectionate, a great first bird". You just can't blanket a whole species that way every time, even the little ones. They're still parrots, still individuals, and still come with a lot of difficulties. Always remember that you have to make sure you research first, not only to understand bird needs and health, but to find a bird whose maintenance and lifestyle fits yours. Understand that what you read about their behavior or demeanor is not a catch-all for every bird of that species, and also that birds may not be right for you, even if you think you want a bird and would do your best for them. Don't always assume that the cheapest or most easily available bird is the right one for you, either. Even a budgie may not be right for you, though they are definitely precious little beans. Thank you for this video, even if I'm replying to it over a year late!

[@Radial9Gaming]

Are you talking about a cockatiel or a cockatoo? Cockatiels are not that hard to take care of…

[@lil_neet]

our family had a cockatiel growing up and the same thing. He ruled the roost, bonded with my mum and attacked anyone who went near her. This was after we had ALL raised him, fed him, played with him, etc, too. He got very hormonal and cranky. He was cute and all, but definitely didn't fit the description people give them of docile, sweet and harmless.

[@hyrumhanson3390]

I'd recommend a silkie chicken, for a first bird. If your life's situation prevents you from having adequate time and funds for a parrot, like myself, a silkie chicken can work, they love cuddling, have personality, and are not as fragile or difficult to feed.

[@marakuja514]

How old the chicken should be to be like that? Have few days, weeks? Is 4 weeks chicken will be good? :o

[@Flufferz626]

In some places it is easier to own a budgie or cockatiel than chickens.

[@zakarymcleod1850]

I love my conure. I’ve had him since I was a little kid. The college part hits hard since I’m trying to figure what I’m gonna do with him next year.

[@user-dx7qk3yz1s]

i'm going to college this year and I'm so worried about leaving my conure :/ he gets along really well with my other family members, but i'm definitely gonna be visiting like every weekend.

[@windchijmes893]

This is fantastic advice for potential bird-keepers. I would never get one myself because I frankly don't like birds, but I very much enjoy watching videos of owners and their birds. One common denominator among many of these videos is that bird-keeping is just very difficult. That's why your video is so important - to deter people who are simply looking for a colourful and cute-looking pet (and not actually ready to be committed) from going out and impulsively getting a bird.

[@kayleesingleton4320]

Hey I’m 14 and found a local bird sanctuary that I’m now volunteering at, before volunteering there I never heard a cockatoo scream. Holy cows is what first ran through my head. But when I started to get to know the cockatoos they seamed soo sweet. DONT FALL FOR THEIR CHARADES. and I’ll leave it at that.

[@BirdTricks]

Hahaha, so true!!

[@allisfaith]

Kaylee Singleton When passed an enclosure for cockatoos at a bird sanctuary recently. The cockatoo closest to me, screamed scaring the bejesus out of me, and As I moved on, I could hear it laughing. Lol yeah I bet those birds are a full time job.

[@Primalxbeast]

Kaylee Singleton I worked in a very small pet shop that had a cockatoo, and that thing was insanely loud.

[@CarpenoxThriller]

I totally recommend a cockatiel. They’re amazing little birds. Totally underrated.

[@statchue]

Cockatiels are actually really popular

[@CarpenoxThriller]

AshleyPlayz they are super popular in Australia- but to be fair, common belief (as with budgies) is that they aren’t very smart. Totally not my experience with them. They might not be as trainable as a macaw, but they are incredibly intelligent funny birds. They’re easier to give an excellent life to them as well. That said, as with any birdo. If you don’t have a couple of hours every day to flight them, give them fresh food and entertain them then you shouldn’t have one. Which is why I don’t currently have a birdos :(

[@casucasueq4479]

They are still messy and very demanding of thier bonded humans attention, noisy too... but at least if your cockatiel bites you it won't hurt so much.

[@eugene7309]

My experience was quite negative with a cockatiel. He was lovely but a little dumb. I stepped up to an african grey and never looked back.

[@timezone4176]

I recently got one and they're just the best! I got one that hadnt really had human interaction so I've been working on basic training and they're so intelligent for their size

[@carrieannkouri2151]

My family had an Amazon for years during my childhood in the 1970s. He was so sweet and affectionate. I remember how much work he was, too!

[@janelancley7323]

Dove sounds are beautiful. Thank you for this, I have been thinking about a parrot, you have made me realise I am not in the right place in my life for one.

[@soup4924]

In my opinion, parrotlets are one of the best first birds. They are easy to take care of , extremely quiet, and not to mention, very cute :)

[@goodwolf866]

7:45... “Mom, I’m pretty sure there something in your ear.” Lol. Thank you for a great and informative video.

[@vaewxlf1130]

I've had a yellow collared macaw before, she was the best bird I've ever had. Definitely recommend

[@CSSRocks1]

Ty You’re amazing! Thank you so much for this video! I feel like people should get one of these videos before they have kids!! Just re-home a Caique - it was impromptu. Looking forward to possibly having a consult!

[@connormurphy7684]

I think I'll start off with an Osterich 😂

[@Arcanefungus]

Great idea. Youll never have to buy eggs ever again

[@gmaribel5710]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@braydentbh9658]

What a child u scared do an crocodile as your pet good starter

[@delishme2]

🤣🤣

[@user-nn8no8pw1o]

i'll start with an emu

[@pancakekoala3058]

I’m getting a cockatiel when I turn 16, I have birds and my best friend has a sun conure and I and good with him. I am so excited and this video helped

[@kweenjade01]

Thanks for your honesty 15:00 and helpfulness. DEFINITELY a lot to think about.

[@marcyfox9508]

I needed that. I have GSD rescue's and I give the "speech" a lot.

[@martineparry9102]

Just rescued an amazon male from someone determined to kill him. Very lovely bird. Been bitten a number of times (mostly when I go in with a mug of tea) but comes with the territory. He loves me and I love him. He's been loved in the past - v important for behaviour. Great channel. Thanks. Just got a UV lamp and he's excited so hope it helps him expand on his visual abilities.