Parakeets

[Sassy65]

I promised my daughter that she will be getting a parakeet for her birthday.

Someone told me male parakeets are better if you want to teach them to talk but not females. Is that correct?

Also don't know if you have one in your area...is PetSmart good place to buy a parakeet?

Thanks!

[wendav13]

Not sure about parakeets - but my girlfriend had a female sun conyer - and I guess only the males talk - and they are prettier. I am sure you would have no problems with Petco / Petsmart - they both have great reputations. Birds are A LOT of work........

[Sassy65]

Thanks for the reply. I didn't know that male birds are prettier than females.

I'm glad to hear that PetSmart is a good place to try it out.

My friend have lots of parrots. I don't believe they are parakeets but my children loved them and one of them used to land on my daughters' shoulder and even gives them a kiss.

We will try our best to raise "one" parakeet.

[wendav13]

Some types of birds are definitely friendlier than others, if your daughter wants a "hands on" type of bird - I would look into trying to find one that is hand raised!

Good Luck!

[hvacwife]

I got parakeets for my birthday this year and they won't talk. They are pretty too.
We don't have a Petsmart here and I don't know here my husband got them from.

[Sassy65]

If you got parakeets and doesn't talk. Did you check and see if it's a female? I got more information from my friend. My friend says males are prettier and does talk only if you teach the bird the same words over and over again. Once the bird knows and speaks it and you can teach something else. It takes time and patience.

I didn't get the bird yet. But soon.

[Scarlet]

Personally I would never recommend buying birds from any of the chain stores, nor would I buy any other animals from them. Most of them get their stock from poorly run breeding facilities that are more like puppy mills than anything else. I've talked to many people who have encountered sick animals in the stores, and while some of them do have vet care for their animals - almost none of them will shell out the money for an avian vet (bird vet). I've had the opportunity to speak to staff members at several stores like this, most of them will even come out and tell you that buying animals from them is not a great idea.

I urge you to do research. I'm part of a forum for co ckatiels, and we see many people come on who bought a bird for their children only to discover that it wasn't a good match. Most birds get nervous around small children, they move fast and aren't always gentle.

Please don't feel like I'm discouraging you in this, I just want you to make an informed decision where everyone will end up happy. If you need any help just ask :)