I lost my cockatiel a week and a half ago. I miss her terribly and my home isn't the same without her. I know that no bird will ever replace her, but I feel alone and missing the mutual comforts of scritching a little one's head and cuddling.
I wish I could bring home another cockatiel, but the powder-down birds are not ideal for me. I'd noticed my allergies were completely uncontrolled and I sheepishly would tell the allergist, "Yeah, I have a cockatiel, but don't even think about telling me to rehome her!" I ran an air cleaner, tried to convince her to bathe (she had to be in the mood and hated spray bottles so she had her own little "bath tub" -- a plastic pan. She'd get in and let me dribble water over her with my fingers.)
So, I need some help. I'm out of my league when it comes to familiarity with birds that are not cockatiels.
A BIG need is an apartment-friendly bird. Maggie's contact-calls could be loud but my neighbors claim they enjoyed hearing her. But I'd like to not push my luck and to make a choice that's respectful of any new neighbors' tolerance levels. We have pretty thick walls, but wow... could I hear hear in the hallway... Ha!
So, I'm looking at green-cheeked conures, lovebirds, parrotlets, linnies... and I'm open to considering any other species that's not a powder-down bird. Maggie's cage was 36 high, 20 deep and 24 wide, if I'm recalling the measurements correctly. I've wiped it down with hot water and vinegar. I've got to figure out the best way of cleaning her rope perch and toys... but I'd like to use the same cage. I'd been insanely curious about a dusky pionus, but the idea of getting a new cage, moving furniture... and what might be "too much bird" for me was why I've half-heartedly changed my mind. I still feel regretful and I'd still like to meet her to be sure I made the right choice not to bring her home (she's at a rescue).
I'd like a bird that will cuddle, but also be a little more playful than my Maggie was. I don't mind an independent bird as long as I get a little cuddle time in, too. I'm oddly fascinated with birds that are comfortable laying on their backs, too. Not a requirement but a little extra source of fun and joy. Apartment-friendly, again, is critical. Please -- share experiences, opinions and tidbits. Thank you!!!
I wish I could bring home another cockatiel, but the powder-down birds are not ideal for me. I'd noticed my allergies were completely uncontrolled and I sheepishly would tell the allergist, "Yeah, I have a cockatiel, but don't even think about telling me to rehome her!" I ran an air cleaner, tried to convince her to bathe (she had to be in the mood and hated spray bottles so she had her own little "bath tub" -- a plastic pan. She'd get in and let me dribble water over her with my fingers.)
So, I need some help. I'm out of my league when it comes to familiarity with birds that are not cockatiels.
A BIG need is an apartment-friendly bird. Maggie's contact-calls could be loud but my neighbors claim they enjoyed hearing her. But I'd like to not push my luck and to make a choice that's respectful of any new neighbors' tolerance levels. We have pretty thick walls, but wow... could I hear hear in the hallway... Ha!
So, I'm looking at green-cheeked conures, lovebirds, parrotlets, linnies... and I'm open to considering any other species that's not a powder-down bird. Maggie's cage was 36 high, 20 deep and 24 wide, if I'm recalling the measurements correctly. I've wiped it down with hot water and vinegar. I've got to figure out the best way of cleaning her rope perch and toys... but I'd like to use the same cage. I'd been insanely curious about a dusky pionus, but the idea of getting a new cage, moving furniture... and what might be "too much bird" for me was why I've half-heartedly changed my mind. I still feel regretful and I'd still like to meet her to be sure I made the right choice not to bring her home (she's at a rescue).
I'd like a bird that will cuddle, but also be a little more playful than my Maggie was. I don't mind an independent bird as long as I get a little cuddle time in, too. I'm oddly fascinated with birds that are comfortable laying on their backs, too. Not a requirement but a little extra source of fun and joy. Apartment-friendly, again, is critical. Please -- share experiences, opinions and tidbits. Thank you!!!