Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!att!cbnewsj!donnelly
From: donnelly@cbnewsj.att.com (jeffrey.m.donnelly)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: INDOOR: Thanks for the responses
Keywords: INDOOR, novice
Message-ID: <1990Dec28.150533.15515@cbnewsj.att.com>
Date: 28 Dec 90 15:05:33 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 31

Thanks to all of you who responded to my questions about cockatiels
as pets.  Mail to many of you bounced so I'll thank you here.

All thought a cockatiel would be a good bird for beginners.
All thought it would be ok to leave the bird along all day.  For the bird
	that is.  Humans will suffer immeasurably from missing the bird.
Most felt a breeder or a hand fed bird was best.
Most felt that the younger the bird the better (but at least weened).
Most felt the bird would like to be with us when we are home.

Some left their bird in the cage during the day, others let their bird
	roam around at will.
Some advised against clipping one wing as being dangerous.  Others felt
	that clipping one wing would quickly train the bird not to fly
	We don't want him to fly.  I know, I know its natural, but our
	house has many mirrored walls (especially our TV room) and we
	don't want to risk fatal injury.

We got a bird from a local store that specializes in birds.  They
had a VERY nice shop with lots of open area (no cages) and friendly/
knowledgable staff)
We got him home and he freaked out.  Climbed is large cage over and over
and wouldn't eat.  He (he in the generic since we don't the sex yet) has
since calmed down.  He is still a bit nervous about us but getting
friendlier every day.   BTW, I am convinced he would walk into a
cats mouth to get millet spray.  He goes nuts over the stuff.  Must be
a tasty treat!

Thanks again.

Jeff