A New Idea Surfaced

[aqualover9]

Though many might disagree, here's the best plan I have come up with so far:
Since linnies are so rare and the generally live for a few years longer than budgies, I've opted to a single 5-8-year-old budgie. Since I'm in school and I'm planning to go to college right after finishing high school, I have several years before I have to leave the bird I'm planning on getting behind. Since most budgie's healthy lifespans are like 10-15 years (though unhealthy ones go for about 5 years) a 5-8-year-old budgie will pass due to natural causes and so the bird won't need to go through such a stressful time by switching homes. Yes, vet bills can be very pricy so I need some advice on that as to how much your bird emergencies cost so I can get a grip on it. For those who haven't read my previous post on "Convincing Parents for Linnies", here's a brief summary:
~I live in a household of 6
~planning to put bird's cage in the living room where most action is (no direct sunlight or drafts)
~bird will have at least 2 hours of one on one playtime with me out of the cage every day (probably 3 on weekends)
~will be half-playing with the bird when doing homework and in the shower (does that count as one on one?) around 3 hours
~will let the bird out of the cage for the hours that I'm not at school once I gain their trust (which is typically around 5-7 hours in total including the one on one time depending on the day)
~made a list on Amazon for all supplies (if you need a picture of that I can put it up)

That's all my brain can think about writing now. If I do remember other stuff you should know, I'll add it.

Just wondering if you guys think I'm ready for an (American/Australian) budgie? Any addition info and tips would be appreciated! (Thanks for taking the time to read this )

 

[sunnysmom]

I think if your family is on board, a budgie is a great choice. As for emergency funds, a lot depends on where you're located. Maybe call a couple vet office's and ask what they charge for a check up, gram stain, etc. My vet here is pretty reasonably priced. I think our annual exam is $70-80? A gram stain is maybe another $30. He also trims my bird's nails for $15. But I think that's lower than what most charge. I had to take my tiel to the emergency hospital once and I think that was about $220.

 

[Zara]

Take into consideration that an older bird may have more health issues, especially if the prev. owner gave it a poor diet.

I can´t comment on prices as I´m in a different country, A lot of my vet fees are cheaper here, but I have never had an emergency so I don´t know how much an emergency visit, broken bones, poisonings cost.

Is there a rescue near you to go and see budgies when the time comes?

 

[aqualover9]

Maybe call a couple vet office's and ask what they charge for a check up, gram stain, etc. My vet here is pretty reasonably priced. I think our annual exam is $70-80? A gram stain is maybe another $30. He also trims my bird's nails for $15. But I think that's lower than what most charge. I had to take my tiel to the emergency hospital once and I think that was about $220.

Annual checkups are $85 as for emergencies I still need to check in with them.

 

[aqualover9]

Is there a rescue near you to go and see budgies when the time comes?

The closest one is about an hour away, but I can check their website for availability first. Thanks for the suggestion!