Office bird(s)

**MtlMom** · 06-17-2007, 07:17 PM

I'm thinking about getting a bird or two for my office. I don't want to get one that is too terribly noisy, because I'm on the phone quite a bit. Any suggestions as to what kind of bird I should get? We had a cockatiel once - she was delightful, but noisy. Budgies are sweet, but I've had bad experiences with them picking on each other. Finches are cute, but you can't really warm up to them. Love birds? I don't know anything about them. No parrots - too noisy and I don't want to have to write into my will who will take care of it when I'm gone.

PontiusPirate · 06-17-2007, 07:30 PM

Definitely NOT lovebirds. They are very noisy. If you're keeping a bird only in your office though, I would only get finches or canaries. Any type of parrot (including parakeets and cockatiels) is going to need alot of attention/a set schedule. If you'll be taking the birds home with you, then that's a different story....
As far as noise levels, Parrotlets are the BEST. They are like a lovebird in appearance, but smaller and more playful, usually a solid color, and ALOT quiter. (Bubba, my bird that passed over Christmas, was a blue mutation parrotlet) Because of their playful nature though, they need ALOT of attention AND you cannot keep more than one in a cage...they will fight.
Keets usually tend to do well together/don't pick on each other if they are: A) from the same clutch
B)In a large enough cage
C) Given time in seperate cages near each other (if not from the same clutch) to get used to each other.
D) Given enough toys.
(B, C, and D go for all birds)

**MtlMom** · 06-17-2007, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PontiusPirate

Definitely NOT lovebirds. They are very noisy. If you're keeping a bird only in your office though, I would only get finches or canaries. Any type of parrot (including parakeets and cockatiels) is going to need alot of attention/a set schedule. If you'll be taking the birds home with you, then that's a different story....
As far as noise levels, Parrotlets are the BEST. They are like a lovebird in appearance, but smaller and more playful, usually a solid color, and ALOT quiter. (Bubba, my bird that passed over Christmas, was a blue mutation parrotlet) Because of their playful nature though, they need ALOT of attention AND you cannot keep more than one in a cage...they will fight.
Keets usually tend to do well together/don't pick on each other if they are: A) from the same clutch
B)In a large enough cage
C) Given time in seperate cages near each other (if not from the same clutch) to get used to each other.
D) Given enough toys.
(B, C, and D go for all birds)

Thanks Chelsea - I was hoping you would see this. The bird would be about 3 feet from me 6-8 hours a day. I could probably find a patient who would love to entertain him after I leave and on weekends. Some of the patients already have birds in their rooms, so staff members and patients would adapt easily to this.

A parrotlet is an interesting idea. I would need to get a few committed helpers before making that decision though.

Is it okay to buy birds from a regular pet store?

PontiusPirate · 06-17-2007, 11:51 PM

If you do get a parrotlet, or even a parakeet, it will need to have some out of cage time , but there are tons of cool table-top playgyms and even cages with play tops that'll make it super easy...even in an office situation. Just keep the wings clipped and make sure they're not out of the cage when you're out of the office. You'll need to make sure they get a set bedtime/wake-up time...or at least 10-12 hours of sleep, clean water at least 2x a day, and fresh foods....so hopefully someone will be willing to help with that when you're not there.

After working in a corporate pet store for 2 years, I wouldn't suggest getting a bird from one....(Petsmart, Petco, etc.) I would first suggest adoption, but if that isn't an option/won't quite work out, I would suggest a reputable LOCAL breeder (so birds don't have to be shipped/you can check out the conditions), or a smaller, clean, educational, reputable bird/pet store. Larger stores usually charge more, and (while they say they don't) they get sick/young birds from sketchy breeders.
I would also suggest getting full spectrum/UVA/UVB lighting set up on a timer by the bird, whether you have a window or not. The bird will need the light to keep him happy/healthy.

ALSO, try to find a bird vet in the area before you get a bird. Bird vet bills aren't that expensive, and if the little guy gets sick you won't really have much time to find a vet.

Here-am-I · 06-18-2007, 07:25 AM

I wouldn't recommend a parakeet. I have one... it drives me insane. Though, if you have two they aren't quite as loud, though they still do make a considerable amount of noise.

PontiusPirate · 06-22-2007, 03:11 PM

As far as noise goes....if a budgie, finch, or parrotlet is too loud...
Get a fish.

Any other questions?

**MtlMom** · 06-22-2007, 06:45 PM

Oh, I expect some noise - what's the point if they don't chatter a bit? I just don't want one that is so loud I can't hear the person on the other line. I'm going to wait until August to get whatever I end up with - after MtlFest, since I'm taking about 2 weeks off work. I like the idea of rehoming, so I'll keep my eyes open for the right pal. Canaries are starting to sound pretty good. Thanks Chelsea!

PontiusPirate · 06-22-2007, 08:51 PM

P.S.
There are some canaries and some types of finches that can become quite personable.

Your welcome.