[WesieMom]

I just got mine. Her name is Pearl. She is sweet as pie. Any Advice on them?? We have always had animals. But I fell in love with her as soon as I seen her. And I am really not a bird lover. But if you don't have pets, get one, or two....It will keep ya busy and your mind off the process some.
Thanks,
Lisa

[Clare'sMom]

Lisa, I'm so sorry I don't have a bird so no advice here. I had a one legged Parakee once, but thats a whole nuther story......

But Thank You for making me laugh so hard I almost cried!!

When I saw your thread I started to respond yes I had a "Cocktail" last night just to steady my nerves!!

You made my day!! Ann

[Larue]

Oh Cockatiel! I thought you meant Cocktail! I could sure use one of those after yesterday. We're going to a wine fest tomorrow. Bring it on

I have two feline furbabies - so having a bird might be problematic. But do I love birds. I had a canary growing up. His name was "The Sundance Kid". He was quite a character. Enjoy your Pearl

[cheychey]

Hi Lisa,

I used to breed cockatiels, when I was a teenager. I also had my fair share of pet cockatiels. I worked in a pet store, so falling in love with them was hard not to do. Cockatiels are a good "first" bird. They can be very loyal to their family. We had one cockatiel (it was dad's) that if we ordered pizza we had to lock her in her cage or she would be in the pizza. Yes they eat pizza, well the crust anyway...no mushrooms, they are poisonous to birds. I would recommend finding books on cockatiels and just general bird nutrition. A couple of things though, make the sure the cage is not in a drafty area (use a candle to see if the flame flickers) and find a certified avian vet. Birds get sick, but you don't know until it is too late, so please follow up with a vet yearly.

I hope I didn't scare you. Owning a bird can be a very rewarding experience. Maybe your little one will talk also, they sometimes do. If you have any direct questions, you can pm me anytime. I currently have an African Grey Parrot and an Umbrella Cockatoo.

[jenniem]

I originally read it as "cocktail" also. Too funny.

We don't have a cockatiel, but do have an african grey parrot. Most birds are very affectionate and need lots of attention!! It's good to handle them and talk to them a lot. You can read lots of articles on the web for feeding and playing ideas. Our bird loves when I put on music- lots of whistling and talking.

A funny story- we've had our bird, Floyd, for years. Actually, my husband got the bird as a teenager and the bird is now about 22 years old. This last spring I came downstairs in the morning to feed him and found an egg. Floyd had laid an egg. So, needless to say we were shocked. We thought Floyd was a boy. SHE has never laid an egg before. So we can no longer call her Floyd- it's now FLO!!! Now if we could get her to say "good girl" instead of "good boy."

[Julaine]

I don't drink but that is what I read first too ! Made me chuckle this morning ! Thanks !

[WesieMom]

Thanks to all that offered advice. I will definitely take it. And thanks to you all for the giggle this morning. Believe me I have tried the COCKTAIL thing too. It only works for a brief little bit ::grinning::