Pet birds

[wrinklytum]

Has anyone got a canary or something like?

I don't expect many replies t this time of night.

dd has SN and LOVES birds.It was her first sign.Nothing makes her happier than feeding the ducks/seagulls/pigeons.Her face lights up with joy.

I am considering the possibility of getting a pet bird.Really I hate seeing them caged so I have lots of questions.

Do they cost a lot to keep?

Can you let them fly about in the house (bearing in mind I have cats)?

Do they have to be vaccinated etc?

Will they be lonely as 1 or are you getting a pair?

How long do they live?

How often do they need cleaning out etc?

Very silly,I know,but I am clueless!!!

Are you better getting a pair

Funnily enough, I looked summat up about cockatiels today for another poster 9Gorionine). The website I visited said Cockatiels work best in pairs - try Google.

Have you thought about a couple of chickens?

They are cheap to keep, need cleaning once a week but need tidying up each day (including cleaning food/water bowls etc. Once a week I would clean perches, bars etc. IMO they are high maintanence for size but not difficult.

For the rest you really need to read up on what type ofbird you want. I would keep most small birds together, unles you want them to talk/sing to you - but I do feel tha is not a good enough reason for keeping them alone. I wouldn't let a smaller bird out as they can be very difficult to catch.

I would probably go for a pair of love birds as they are quite small but have quite a good life span compared to finch types. Personally I hate budgies but they may work for you. Love birds a re a it specialist but worth the effort IMO. Everything you need to know can be learned from a good book.

Finally do not, under any circumstances, by from pets at home - please!

does that make any sense at all?

Thank you:}