Very new to birds

[Kumashe]

Hi, I'm a 15-year old in California. I've been lurking on these forums since fall of last year but never posted anything because I am not owned by anything yet. If my scheming works, I will be able to persuade my parents to let me get a peach faced lovebird by May (end of school year). However, I have a few concerns...

1. Does anyone know of any reputable peachfaced lovebird breeders in the Bay Area? I know of a few in SoCal but I'm not sure how the bird will fare in the trip back (4-5 hours possibly), which leads to my next question:

2. What should I do on the trip back? Should I bring a carrier? I've read that a cardboard box or something like it would be best, so the bird won't stress out too much.

These carriers seem like good choices though:

http://petco.com/Assets/product_images/6/6201617483B.jpg
Avian Select Bird Carrier (Petco)


http://www.flyingsouth.com/ProductImages/new%20adpack%20picture.gif

Adventure Pack Bird Carrier (Flying South?)


3. Do any of you own a lovie and have children under six in the house? How do they inteact with your lovie I have four siblings: 3 sisters (ages 4-13) and a one year old brother. I am used to my siblings going through my stuff but I don't want them to hurt my lovie. Likewise, I wouldn't want my lovie to bite any of them.

4.How do you get a vet for your bird? I mean, I know how, but do you just call the place and ask them to be your birds vet? I know its not that simple but I am clueless, I've never had a pet before...

5. What about college? I have plans to study to be a vet. I would like to take my lovie with me. Do you think colleges would accept a lovie in dorms?

6. How much does it cost to own a bird, annually? I will be working summer jobs to pay for my bird's needs. I already know my parents (mom at least) won't be willing to spend much.

7. Cages: I've been browsing on possible cages to house my lovie in:

http://petco.com/Assets/product_images/4/4258396515B.jpg
Avian Select Deluxe Teardrop Small Parrot Home (Petco)
Dimensions: 25"W X 21"D X 30"H

http://petco.com/Assets/product_images/4/4258396514B.jpg
Avian Select Deluxe Dometop Small Parrot Home (Petco)
Dimensions: 25"W X 21"D X 30"H

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/detailed_image.cfm?pCatId=13391&large=/images/Categoryimages/larger/lg_22397_29654_2.jpg
Clean Life Cage (Drs. Foster and Smith)

Dimensions:
24": Inside: 18" x 18" x 21-1/2"; Outside: 22" x 22" x 24"
27": Inside: 18" x 18" x 24-1/2"; Outside: 22" x 22" x 34" (34" height includes playtop)
36": Inside: 18" x 18" x 33-1/2"; Outside: 22" x 22" x 36"



I am leaning toward the Clean life cages but they seem rather small to me. Then again, I've never had a bird before... The only reasons I am even considering Petco cages are because of the size and cost. However, the bars are epoxy coated. Is this safe? Does anyone know something about epoxy?

Also, I share a room with my sister and was planning on putting the cage on to of a dresser which is about 3 or so feet tall and adjacent to my bed and a window. However, my sister's dresser is next to mine at about 5 or more feet tall. This would block the lovie's view of the door that is next to her dresser. Do parrots get surprised easily? Would this bother it much?

I've heard that lovies aren't first time pets; I know that lovies are nippy, terrioral, prone to jealousy and all that, but that doesn't bother me. I don't think I should have any real problems in those areas. Sorry if my question lengths are over-whelming. Any response is appreciated. Thanks!

[bellarains]

Hi Kumashe,

I will try and take your questions one by one, but I myself do not know of any breeders in CA. We do have some members in CA though, so maybe one of them can direct you in that venture.

2. What should I do on the trip back? Should I bring a carrier? I've read that a cardboard box or something like it would be best, so the bird won't stress out too much.
There are carriers made for bird travel, and since you will need one to travel to and from a vet, I would invest in one of those. If you do make a 4-5 hour trip, you will need to take some water with you, and stop every hour or so to offer the bird a drink. You can also put in a slice of apple for hydration on the way back. Either of the carriers you have links to would be fine.

3. Do any of you own a lovie and have children under six in the house? How do they inteact with your lovie I have four siblings: 3 sisters (ages 4-13) and a one year old brother. I am used to my siblings going through my stuff but I don't want them to hurt my lovie. Likewise, I wouldn't want my lovie to bite any of them. That would be an easy excuse for my mom to get rid of it.
Some small children do well with lovebirds, but they do only weigh a few ounces, and could not survive a childs death grip. The best thing to do would be to teach your siblings how to hold a pet gently before bringing a lovie home, and see how they do. You will have to use your own judgement on this, but I would make it a rule that they not be allowed to hold the lovie unless you supervise at any rate. The one year old of course is just too young to know his own strength, but you can start teaching him now. Try giving him a stuffed animal, and tell him, "easy, be gentle", so that when he does reach an age to interact with pets, he will be more prepared


4.How do you get a vet for your bird? I mean, I know how, but do you just call the place and ask them to be your birds vet? I know its not that simple but I am clueless, I've never had a pet before...
There is a link in the Resource Library here to help you find a board certified avian vet. It is good you are doing your homework on this, and I would call them to see how much a well bird exam is so that you will be prepared when you bring your lovie home. I would also get a list of vet charges such as, grams stain test, x-rays, blood work,wing clip, etc... so that you can plan for that in the future if and when needed.


5. What about college? I have plans to go to UC Davis and study to be a vet. I would like to take my lovie with me. Do you think colleges would accept a lovie in dorms?
Some colleges will allow a bird as a pet. You can contact them to see if they do, but also be prepared that they may change their policies by the time you get there.

6. How much does it cost to own a bird, annually? I will be working summer jobs to pay for my bird's needs. I already know my parents (mom at least) won't be willing to spend much.
It will depend some on the bird, but I would plan for at least $500.00-600.00 a year for a well bird visit,food, treats, toys, etc.... I would also however put back a little each week for emergency vet visits. If your Mom is definitely not going to take any responsibility for this bird, then it will be entirely up to you. I would however talk to her about a possible repayment plan for any vet visits that would be a life or death situation, as birds decline rather quickly when sick, and it would be mandatory to take it in if needed, even if you do not have the money at that time.

7. Cages: I've been browsing on possible cages to house my lovie in:
A cage should be minimal 18X18X18. Wider is better than tall, and the bar spacing needs to be no more than 5/8 inches, preferrable 1/2 inches, so that the lovie can not get their head stuck between the bars. The cages you have linked are a little small. I would look around a bit more, as lovebirds are very active, and need to the space to flutter, and more space for toys, ladders, swings, etc...

As for birds taking surprise? Yes, they are startled easily, so best to teach your sister to announce herself before entering the room. This way, the lovie will hear her coming, and be less likely to flail about and fall.

I hope this helps a bit. I do commend you for doing your homework before bringing a lovebird home. I would reccomend that you read through the Lovebird Resource Library, as there is more information there than you will ever find in a book, and there are so many things that can be dangerous and toxic to a lovie that you would never know. You will need to prepare your family for all of these things before brining the lovebird home also, as there may be some changes they will have to make, and you will need to be sure they are willing to comply before you make your final decision. If they are not, you will need to wait until your situation allows you to make all the right decisions.

Let us know how it goes, and we are always here to help, and answer any questions you may have.

[Janie]

You are fifteen?????? My 23 year old son could not come close to writing a post like yours! I am very, very, very impressed with all of your questions and that you obviously are doing your homework first! :):):)


Lori's advice is all good! :D

I'm surprised that you can't find a breeder in your area. Have you done an on-line search? Also, take a look at BirdTalk Magazine. Most of my local pet stores sell it and breeders do advertise in the last section of the magazine. It would be easier if you could find someone in the Bay area if possible but a 4 or 5 hours car ride is not unheard of and is a doable thing.

Good luck to you!!!! Please do continue to post and ask questions.....we like that a lot! :D I happened on my first lovebird by accident and had ZERO pet bird experience. I adopted him from a teenage girl going off to college and had two days of reading on this forum before I decided to adopt him and I am so glad that I did! :) There is no doubt that birds do require a lot of care and that can get expensive if a bird should need extra medical attention but you are already far better informed than I was when I adopted my Oliver. Keep reading and keep asking! :)

[Kumashe]

Yay! Thanks for such quick replys! :happy:

[Mummieeva]

Everyone answered the others very well. I want to add I have 2 lovebirds and 3 children. My daughter is 8, son 3 and son 2. They all love my birds. But I am very careful with my sons around the birds. They are not allowed in the bird room without me. If birds are in living room they are taught not to touch the cage at all. Lovebirds are cage territorial msot times and will bite finger stick in there. It really sounds like you have done your homework and that is wonderful.



Steph

[Finnysmommie]

I too am quite impressed with your post. I have to say you are much more prepared than I was when I bought Finny. I wont say just how old I am but 15 was a VERY long time ago.

I too was looking to purchase a new lovebird as a companion/girlfriend for Finny. I did several internet searches (I had a particular color in mind) and came accross a breeder on the West Coast. I am actually in the east but I am having the bird flown in for me (as soon as the breeder gets the dna test results). I have heard that this is safe and it was not terribly expensive (but if you are paying for this at 15 you may want to go local).

I can tell you this, for a happy healthy lovie you do need to make sure you have time for your little one. I dont know how much time others spend with their lovies (I have heard mandatory 1 hour out of cage play time) but I actually spend much more time with Finny. I feel that the extra time I spend with him makes him more aclimated to me and other family members. He is not afraid of being with any human at all. I have had him for six months and he loves us all very much and is so very close to talking (he mimics our tone so far). I think personally you would do better with a hand raised lovie, Finny was a wild birdie but was tamed amazingly fast, but I dont think that is always the case from what I have read.

I think your desire to have as many facts as you can before getting a birdie is commendable and a very wise thing to do. If it were not for this site I myself would know nothing instead of next to nothing. This is a wonderful place to learn and gather information about taking care of your own very special lovie.

Good luck to you and remember to post pictures if and when you get your new little buddy :happy:

Cindy and Finny

[Kumashe]

Thanks again!

[mjm8321]

Good for you doing all the research ahead of time. Gather as much information as you can and if possible, you might contact a breeder or a local pet store to you and see if you can spend some time with their lovebirds to see if a lovebird is going to be the bird for you. They are small, but they are a lot of parrot in a little body.
If you are having trouble finding someone local, you might consider having the bird shipped. For the cost of gasoline (especially in California) it might work out the same to have a bird shipped and there are many breeders that are within a 2-3 hour flight of SFO. If you need help in finding breeders I might be able to help also, so let me know.

Good luck and welcome.