Posted by Karlene Sunday (128.227.99.49--ds099049.shands.ufl.edu) on March 02, 2000 (or so) at 13:13:11:
In Reply to: Buying my daughter a pet posted by Martha Gingerich on March 02, 2000 (or so) at 06:30:34:
: My eight year old daughter has been begging me for a bird for a year.(The only pets she has are sea monkeys.)I would appreciate any advice on the best type of birds make good pets for children. Money is not an issue.
Parrots are not recommended as good pets for children and the main reason for this is the size of the child in relation to the height maintenance of the bird. Height plays a major role in dominance issues with children.
I can say from my experience with Umbrella Cockatoo's that I have found most of them to be amiable with everyone regardless of size, sex, proper handling, etc. If your little girl wanted a large parrot, then I highly recommend a "female" Umbrella Cockatoo. Males can be dangerous once they reach sexual maturity if not handled properly. Many rescue organizations currently have male cockatoo's in their facilities because of these aggression issues that I have mentioned.
If your little girl wanted a small bird, then a budgie or cockatiel would do fine. Both make excellent pets and do well with children.
Karlene Sunday