Getting a 'tiel.. N e Tips?

[sheeshshe]

are you planning on going to a pet store or a breeder? breeders tend to be cheaper and usually if they are a good breeder they spend a good amount of time with the babies so that they are very friendly and well socialized. not all petstores are bad and you can get good birds at petstores, but i dont think most petstores spend much time with the birds so they might be harder to get the bird to be not so afraid of you? this is just a guess because i only have cockatiels from a breeder. i guess it could all depend on where the petstore gets their birds, from a breeder or from a mill? ive heard that lutinos have a tendancy towards a certain health problem which i cant think of at the moment (because of imbreeding?) i think they are all really pretty, the mutations. as far as hand fed vs. non hand fed, i think that it doesnt matter if they are hand fed or not but a well socialized bird would be what mattered to me because some non hand fed birds are well socialized and dont need much work.... sorry for all the babble. but usually hand fed birds are well socialized unless it is a older bird who hasnt been handled in a while. i hope what i am trying to say is making sense, sometimes i have a hard time turning thoughts into words! happy bird hunting! these birds are loads of fun! before you buy one you could get a bood called the essential cockatiel which would explain more about mutations and feeding and all kinds of care instructions etc!
sheeshshe dimitri and mooshu beaker

[sunnyd]

This week we are going to get a cockatiel. I was just wondering if any of you had any tips for me as to good breeds, and if i should buy a hand fed over one who was not hand fed. Thankx!

[Berdboy]

You can read my answer to this same question you posted in the other forum here

pub98.ezboard.com/fthecoc...1199.topic

[JazzEbird]

Unless you prefer a challenge I suggest a hand fed fledgling. It's important that the breeder not only hand feeds but also spends a lot of time handling, talking to and playing with the birds. The more people it comes in contact with the more likely the bird will be well socialized. I recomend a fledgling because they are at a stage in life when change is expected. This will make for a lot less stressful transition to it's new environment. Many breeders and some pet stores will allow and possibly encourage that you visit the bird while it is still being weened so that it can form a bond to you in familiar territory. This way when you bring the bird home it will regard you as it's safe place. If you feel inclined to do so ask if they will show you how to hand feed and allow you to do this during your visits. This will transfer the parent bond over to you. This cannot be accomplished with a parent raised bird and you will recieve a level of trust that a bird would normaly never offer a human. It is a wonderful thing to have. I did this and my bird trusts me completely. I can touch her anywhere I choose. I can flip her on her back and lay her down in my lap. I can even zoom her around the house in this position. She is very affectionate and has none of the behavior problems often assosiated with companion parrots. No biting, screaming, feather plucking. This comes from continuing to handle and play with your bird after it arrives home. Note: Birds do not respond to traditional punishment and disipline. You have to show them respect and allow them to be a bird. If you want it to learn to obey you you must make it a pleasant thing to do. Many of these behavior problems result from simply not allowing your bird to be itself.
Another good thing about hand feeding it yourself under supervision... When you bring your tiel home the new environment will cause some stress even as a fledgling and the bird may require a dose or two of baby food before it settles in. If you have a small scale weigh the bird when it first arrives home and for several days after. If it is significantly losing weight call a vetrinarian and the person you bought it from. Be sure to get a health garauntee from the breeder or pet store (it will probably cover your bird for 30 days or so.) And bring your bird to see an avian vet within the first couple of weeks you have it home. This will ensure that it has a healthy start and the vetrinarian can offer a wealth of information and insight as to how to care for these magnificent little angels. If you're interested many questions you have and some you've never thought of are answered in Bird Talk magazine. You can subscribe for 12 issues paying $13.99 through magazania.com.
Some people prefer a challenge. If this is you then disregerd what I said about hand fed fledglings and get any ole bird that suits you. They can be tamed and make great pets but it takes a lot more effort and patience. I hope this helps.
Good luck with your new little feathered friend. He/she will bring much unexpected joy into your life. Keep us posted.

lots of love,
Jazz E. Bird :silvertiel and her Human Companion o