Gus wrote:
> I noticed my mom liked seeing the birds in a cage at the nursing home
> she is recouping at. When she gets home I'd like to get some birds for
> her but am not sure what might be the best selection(s) to choose.
>
> I'd be taking care of it/them so that is not an issue. They would have
> all day company and I've heard some birds do like more interaction from
> humans than others. So which type of birds might I consider, give me a
> short or long list? I've got plenty of time to research the issue before
> buying. Web sites w/FAQ's, sites w/bird info, where to buy, what to look
> for to make sure I get a healthy bird, birds that sing a lot or very
> little? Where does one begin?
>
> I'm sure there are mnay things to consider when selecting a bird, any
> help you can offer would be appreciated.
I'm not at all sure enjoying seeing a few birds while in a nursing home
translates into wanting to be around one 24/7 at home. Caged "show"
birds are very different from companion birds. I'm 63 and have
companion birds who will be with me until I keel over. That's a scarlet
macaw, a CAG, and a white front amazon.
For a companion bird the species doesn't matter nearly as much and the
personality of the individual bird. Species does affect how loud they
can be and maybe how messy their eating habits can be. But what really
matters is whether the individual bird accepts the human as a companion.
YOU CANNOT JUDGE THAT FOR YOUR MOTHER! A bird might easily like you
and not her, or the other way around. It might like both of your or
neither of you. Best to find out before you bring the bird home.
Large birds tend to have more confidence and not be as easily
frightened. Your mother is still many times larger than a bird. On the
other hand a large bird is more capable of inflicting injury if the
human mistreats them. That's mistreatment as a bird sees things which
includes ignoring them. Accidently hurting a bird will get you bitten
just as quickly as hurting it intentionally.
Don't do you mother any favors by surprising her with a caged bird. If
she really wants a bird discuss it with her including what she expects
from the bird and what the bird will expect from her. Flock birds crave
companion****p and the feeling of safety that a companion provides.
They'll take companion****p where they can get it including from humans
if the human behaves somewhat like they expect a companion should.
Thats why they tolerate humans, not that they favor being around humans
more than other birds of their own species. The human must do their
part. A caged bird which is ignored will be miserable and may turn mean.
Best is for the human who wants a bird to go to a place (store or
breeder) which has birds and see if any of the >individual< bird's seem
particularly friendly to that person. From my experience you'll know if
a bird is right for for you and that's unlikely to change later. A bird
which will cuddle or just sit next to you and be friendly is a constant
joy to have around. A bird that's scared and cringes in a cage is no
pleasure.
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