im might get instead of a budgie a ......

[alicia]

well i might get an african grey parrot i need to know if i can get one my step mom wierdly accepted, well she said lets get a parrot i said ok but they can't go in the same cage, she wants to know how much are they, and can it play with frankie or not ?

[BirdieBabi]

They are about $1200 for one bird! Plus the cage would be another 400$! i don't think you should get one, alicia! Too much responsibilty!

And I heard an african grey chewing up a senegals parrot, which is bigger than a budgie, so it would DEFFINETLY NOT make a good match with a budgie

[redgirl]

Alicia sweetie, a Parrott is the last pet you should be thinking of getting, they have a life span of at least 35 years such a big responsibility for a child your age and for your parents too. If your step mum wont even let you have a budgie out of a cage then what makes you think she is going to let you have a parrott out of a cage. I think you should make do with Frankie for now sweetie till you figure out what parent you will be living with on a more permanent basis. Sorry if I am negative sweetie but I rather speak the truth. xx

[alicia]

well then what can i get what abot a tiel or a i forget what there called there the closet to a budgie im pretty shuer and i always spend hours lisenting what the girl or guy is teacheing me about the poet i get even if i get the same one a differnt time

[A-n-M]

African greys go for Prices usually around $1000 or more.

They cannot play Budgies because if it were to grab your Budgie Frankie he would kill him.

African grey are alot of responsiblity, they are harder to care for than Budgies.

Heres a website you can look at.

http://www.petbirdpage.com/breed.asp?breed=grey

[BirdieBabi]

Angie, these birds actually live MUCH longer than 35 years. Probably even 60 the minimum? They are too much of a responsibility. You actually have to be MORE THAN ENOUGH expierienced with parrots to get these birds, and you just had budgies, which doesnm't count.

[alicia]

see thats what she said though she wants a pet that will last longer

[BirdieBabi]

I just think you should get another budgie alicia. I don't think your ready for anything more. Sorry, but I think this is true

[alicia]

yea but what about those yellow ones or the one that bea has like balie

[BirdieBabi]

see thats what she said though she wants a pet that will last longer
Yes, but did she know, if she is about 30 years old right now, she could be dead, and these birds out live her. That means this bird will be in a kennel for the rest of it's life (since kennels usually aren't able to get such expierienced bird owners for a grey

[alicia]

I just think you should get another budgie alicia. I don't think your ready for anything more. Sorry, but I think this is true

hahahahahahahaha, no no lol my step mom wants a family pet one that will not die so easy she thought sbot a love bird , now shes thing abot a cocitiel

[spike]

I grew up with an African Grey and a yellow fronted Amazon green parrot, these birds take a lot of time to tame and keep entertained, they cost a lot of money intially to purchase and you need a massive cage to keep them in when they are not out of the cage. They also need specialist veterinary care. The African Grey came to us as a rescue, and he was really damaged by the previous owners lack of knowledge and care. As redgirl posted, they are very long lived, I also totally agree with her comments. And no , they cannot interract with your budgie.

[BirdieBabi]

That's a tiel. It still needs much more training and care than a budgie. Plus, they live about the same. A little bit longer, but not much longer

[alicia]

I grew up with an African Grey and a yellow fronted Amazon green parrot, these birds take a lot of time to tame and keep entertained, they cost a lot of money intially to purchase and you need a massive cage to keep them in when they are not out of the cage. They also need specialist veterinary care. The African Grey came to us as a rescue, and he was really damaged by the previous owners lack of knowledge and care. As redgirl posted, they are very long lived, I also totally agree with her comments. And no , they cannot interract with your budgie.

yes thats why i already herd about this, i now think a tiel

[redgirl]

Angie, these birds actually live MUCH longer than 35 years. Probably even 60 the minimum? They are too much of a responsibility. You actually have to be MORE THAN ENOUGH expierienced with parrots to get these birds, and you just had budgies, which doesnm't count.

Yer sweetie a meyers which is the one you are getting lasts around 35 years, an african grey is about 60 odd hehe xxx

[BirdieBabi]

Does your step mom need a bird that will more than likely out live her?? A dog is an excellent family pet that can live up to 20 years (if taken care of well)

[alicia]

she dosent want a dog because they are furry and make a huge mess and cost more

[BirdieBabi]

They don't cost as much as african greys!

Your step mom sounds kind of crazy to me, no offence at all!

[BUUZBEE]

she dosent want a dog because they are furry and make a huge mess and cost more

Do you have any idea how messy a grey is? and the cost is a heck of a lot more than a dog! Do you have any idea how noisey greys are? Does she know what kind of responsability they are? How about a 3 year old for 60 years!!! They require constant attention, and if they dont get this, they go batty, will become a chronic plucker and many other things. Getting a parrot is a huge life changing thing! I dont think you or your step mom is at all ready for this type of purchase!

[alicia]

i agree my stpe mom is wierd her mine says no your not getting this then hey lets get that, i am thinking abot aa tiel now can they talk?

[C&C]

Defnitely do not get a grey. Not only are the initial expenses big, but vet care, food and care will cost thousands a year. It's a 60 or more year long commitment. They have a very precise diet, you can't just feed them seed and a few veggies or they will become very malnuorished. If they don't get the attention they need, they can become agressive and pluck all of the feathers off their body, which can be extremely hard to reverse.

In your case, I think another budgie is best for you. It will keep Frankie happy to have a buddy. While tiels are also cute, I think Frankie would really appreciate having a friend again.

[BUUZBEE]

i agree my stpe mom is wierd her mine says no your not getting this then hey lets get that, i am thinking abot aa tiel now can they talk?

Try enjoying what you have with Frankie!

[BirdieBabi]

With A LOT of time training. It's just like making your budgie talk, which is kind of hard unless you have the patience

But you shouldn't be buying a bird because they talk, so i wouldn't care about that

[alicia]

sp frankie could play with a cockatiel???????

[alicia]

With A LOT of time training. It's just like making your budgie talk, which is kind of hard unless you have the patience

But you shouldn't be buying a bird because they talk, so i wouldn't care about that

i dont i was just wondering lol

[BirdieBabi]

Sometimes, if they are attached. But i wouldn't get an adult cocketiel form the store and expect them to get along. It is also not recomended to keep them together, unless they are fully attached. Which you can't expect will happen.

Why can't you just get another budgie? It is soo much easier, and Frankie would be happy

[alicia]

well see i might get a budgie and a family pet another bird seperate the 2 budgies mine and one other bird diff spechies as the family pet

[BirdieBabi]

Oh I got it. Just make sure you read all about the bird you get, and If it's anything but a nice cockatiel, then don't let them near Frankie.

And have your step mom read about them too. Because right now, she doesn't even seem to care to look up any info, and have you look it up (in your first post at the bottom)

[alicia]

what?..........

[BirdieBabi]

.......Just make sure you both look up info. And don't get something you cannot handle

[alicia]

well now were not shuer what to get she said we'll see when we get there

[BUUZBEE]

when you get where?

[Babyluv12]

Please don't mix an african gret with budgies.....The grey can be huge compared to little tiny budgies....african greys are REAL smart parrots but they are also VERY expensive and require ALOT of attention-IF not they will act a fool! SEriously...it's a long term commitment ...

[softie]

Alicia,

In this thread, you have changed your mind from African Grey, to a tiel, to another budgie. This is worrysome to me.

Are you even sure if you can take care of any bird right now? How do you change your mind so quick from one bird to another? Are you prepared to take the responsibilities or do you just want another bird?

The frequency of you changing your mind only proves you are not commited. Is it that you just woke up one morning, saw an African Grey and decided you wanted one? Have you even thought of research?

I don't think you are either prepared for an African Grey or a tiel. Another budgies is best for you, your knowledge, your time and commitment. Needless to say, I think you should be spending more time with Frankie than trying to deliberate which bird to get.

[Amy]

hahahahahahahaha, no no lol my step mom wants a family pet one that will not die so easy she thought sbot a love bird , now shes thing abot a cocitiel

Alicia, Budgies do not 'die easily'. An African Grey would have a bigger chance of dying if not properly cared for. So you'd probably just be waisting your money.

Another budgie would be good, after all, they can live up to 10 yrs +.

[Lemon]

I would not get a African Grey if I where you,

I had the chance to buy one but I was smart enough to know how much work these birds can actualy be, they also can become VERY loud and if this bird is not tame enough it sure can make you BLEED with a good enough bite to your hand, face ect ...

This bird will probably try to kill your pet budgie any chance it gets, african greys can become jeliouse of other little birds .. even if they want to play with a budgie they will most likley end up killing it, this african grey will also need a HUGE cage to live in.

African Greys will need ALOT of attantion .. this is a much too big step for you, you have only had knowledge of a budgie and if you think you can handle a bird like a grey I know for a fact your wrong, will this bird be out for at least 5 to 7 hours a day?

If not it will SCREAM! enough to damage your ear drums, there exspensive for vet trips and need alot of different foods to eat .. you even have to cook for them, please don't make a mistake of buying a bird like this .. yeah sure they live long but that does not mean there an easy pet to handle ... you NEED to know ALOT about them.

If you want a bird that lives long I would get a pacific parrotlet, there small and can live up to 25 years old -- they can also be taught to speak very clear, if not that a green cheek conure is also another pretty easy bird to take care of .. they can live up to 30 years old .. they also will need ALOT of attention but they also can get nippy.

If I where you I would not get an african grey .. no no no.

[zarrion101]

Amy is right, budgies do not die that easily if they are properly cared for in a loving home. Of course eventually all pets have to pass away but I've had three budgies and a cockatiel in my lifetime and they have had no problems yet.

If I was you Alicia I would sit down with your parents and really think about it. If you don't know what to have then you really don't need anything at all. :o

[bs007]

Alicia,

In this thread, you have changed your mind from African Grey, to a tiel, to another budgie. This is worrysome to me.

Are you even sure if you can take care of any bird right now? How do you change your mind so quick from one bird to another? Are you prepared to take the responsibilities or do you just want another bird?

The frequency of you chaning your mind only proves you are not commited. Is it that you just woke up one morning, saw an African Grey and decided you wanted one? Have you even thought of research?

I don't think you are either prepared for an African Grey or a tiel. Another budgies is best for you, your knowledge, your time and commitment. Needless to say, I think you should be spending more time with Frankie than trying to deliberate which bird to get.

You took the words out of my mouth! :p

[Ruta<3]

I believe Lemon made a very good point. Your bearly ready for another bird besides a budgie but if you demand getting a different type think small. You dont have the knowledge nor the responsbility to care for a grey.

[Baby5566]

Alicia,

Why can't you be happy with Frankie? It is still so soon since Mardy died, don't replace him so quickly. Do you realize how big your vet bill will be if you get a larger parrot? Your step mother didn't like your Budgie, she was ready to make the bird sit in a cage all day long with no interaction. Now she wants a parrot? She's not ready and neither are you.

Liz

[alicia]

Alicia,

In this thread, you have changed your mind from African Grey, to a tiel, to another budgie. This is worrysome to me.

Are you even sure if you can take care of any bird right now? How do you change your mind so quick from one bird to another? Are you prepared to take the responsibilities or do you just want another bird?

The frequency of you changing your mind only proves you are not commited. Is it that you just woke up one morning, saw an African Grey and decided you wanted one? Have you even thought of research?

I don't think you are either prepared for an African Grey or a tiel. Another budgies is best for you, your knowledge, your time and commitment. Needless to say, I think you should be spending more time with Frankie than trying to deliberate which bird to get.

well i moved into a mantion, and i can take care of my bird and new one

[alicia]

well when you guys got your first birds did you maby not have probs i bet sometimes you did right, why cant you be happy for me im getting another bird.
i will not get a africkan grey ok!. but i will buy some more birds 2 one diff and 1 budgie for frankie

[BirdieBabi]

We would very be happy for you, It just, we are a bit concerned on how you weren't able to bring Mardy to the vet. I know your with your dad now, but it is all still the same. Most people who have cocketiels/ other birds are pretty good with budgies, and would beable to easily get them medical attention and probably use to, or have multiple budgies.

Maybe you should try what i'm doing. Save up for only the bird (have your parents buy everything else) and everyone would know how commited you are.

[Ruta<3]

Im sorry to be asking this but can you use better grammer? Its becoming a pain to read what you type and it makes you sound immature.

[Baby5566]

Alicia, it's not that we aren't happy for you, that's not the point.
Your step mother was ready to abuse your bird, she wanted to put Frankie in a cage and leave Frankie there until the end of time with no interaction!
She couldn't have suddenly decided she was a bird lover overnight. Larger parrots, even Cockatiels need to be out of their cages ALL the time. You cannot cage an African Grey and expect it to love you. We are trying to help you, just accept the advice and thank us for it. You don't HAVE to listen.

[softie]

well i moved into a mantion, and i can take care of my bird and new one

It doesn't matter if you have more space or not. That's not the point we are trying to get to you.

What we are trying to get you to understand is the knowledge you must have to take care of these birds. You may all the space in the world, but what good does it do if you can't even take care of them?

If you wanted another budgie in the first place and ready to take the responsibilities such as access to the vet, I would be supporting you because I know that many people do need another companion because of a lost one. But for you, it just seems to me that you just want another bird, and that is not a reason to bring home an african grey, a tiel, or let alone, another budgie.

You need to be prepared when you bring home a pet. And that is one thing that I don't think you are, Alicia.

[C&C]

Larger parrots, even Cockatiels need to be out of their cages ALL the time. You cannot cage an African Grey and expect it to love you.
I agree. And if she's worried about budgie poop, good god will she hate a larger bird's poop. LOL

I think you should listen to the advice given above. Stick with Frankie for now. Once you're truely ready for another bird, get another budgie, from what you've told us, a budgie is really the only bird your family can handle right now. In the meantime, talk with your step mom and tell her all the research you've done on the bird that you want. Let her know exactly what goes into owning that bird, that way both you and her will be happy with the new family member.

[Tiki<3Polly]

ALICIA!!!

Trust me, if your budgie died, in less than a year or so, then you are NOT ready for another breed!
NO OFFENSE!

Trust me, I had canaries, and they livesd for about... 6 or 7 years. Then my mom said that I can have budgies. My first budgie that I have EVER got is STILL alive!! Baby, is not very tame, but once, when she was very cuddly with my, i had a chance to clip her wings. That helped me A LOT! Then my parents decided, that we can have the tiel that my neighbors caught outside, tiels are VERY sweet, but they need WAYY more care than a keet if there is only 1!I would suggest that you don't got another bird, or in fact, any pet, untill you and your step mom have done about 1/2 - 1 year research! Then I would trust you with another bird!

[Kalahari]

alicia it's not a matter of space.

If you were to get an African Grey, taming it wouldn't be easy. They get jealous of other people or pets getting attention. They SCREAM.

Tiels also need more care than budgies. I considered a tiel, then I thought I didn't have enough experience with birds yet.

I can guarentee that budgies are easier to keep alive then any of the birds you mentioned. They can live to be 15 years old. They don't need super-specialized diets. They don't need an 1000$ + cage. They don't need 10 hours of attention everyday.

[alicia]

ALICIA!!!

Trust me, if your budgie died, in less than a year or so, then you are NOT ready for another breed!
NO OFFENSE!

Trust me, I had canaries, and they livesd for about... 6 or 7 years. Then my mom said that I can have budgies. My first budgie that I have EVER got is STILL alive!! Baby, is not very tame, but once, when she was very cuddly with my, i had a chance to clip her wings. That helped me A LOT! Then my parents decided, that we can have the tiel that my neighbors caught outside, tiels are VERY sweet, but they need WAYY more care than a keet if there is only 1!I would suggest that you don't got another bird, or in fact, any pet, untill you and your step mom have done about 1/2 - 1 year research! Then I would trust you with another bird!

you lisen to me ! he died because my mom is not ok right now shes got no money anf my dad dose

[zarrion101]

well when you guys got your first birds did you maby not have probs i bet sometimes you did right, why cant you be happy for me im getting another bird.
i will not get a africkan grey ok!. but i will buy some more birds 2 one diff and 1 budgie for frankie

It your choice Alicia at the end of the day and I myself will not think any different what ever you do. I just think people might be trying to send a message out to you before you land yourself with a big expensive bird, that could be vicious, demanding and messy and live a very long time. :o

But as I said it's up to you, goodluck. If you don't want to hear what some are saying, don't read it and just ignore it if that is the case o don't reply to it. :)

The advice is just there on the plate if you want it. ;)

[alicia]

look here . i can quareenteen now, i can afford food,water,vet bills,quareenteen space,love,medicin, anythin!

[C&C]

Just because you like it or can afford it, doesn't mean it's the right bird for you.

[Baby5566]

Just think long and HARD Alicia. What will happen when you are off to college? What will happen to your bird when you're married, when you have children? How about when you go on vacation? A big bird is a big commitment.

[BirdieBabi]

Just because you like it or can afford it, doesn't mean it's the right bird for you.

Yes very ture. Which is why so many animals are homeless now..

Just research a little bit and ask everyone about it after you've chosen what's best with your life. That's why i'm getting the Meyer's, because they fit perfect with my schedule, and with my money limit, and my house size.

[alicia]

Just think long and HARD Alicia. What will happen when you are off to college? What will happen to your bird when you're married, when you have children? How about when you go on vacation? A big bird is a big commitment.

im never getting married first of aall im not shuer abot collage im pretty shuer yes and if i cant bring my bird i will fined another collage intill i fined one and i already siad im not geting a gray

[SushiGURL]

Grey's are so smart! My best friend had one named Zazzy! He was kindah hard to get along with cause he always wanted to be better than everyone and needed ALOT of traning, but was very funny! I think greys are awesome

[C&C]

and if i cant bring my bird i will fined another collage intill i fined one
All I have to say is good luck with that one! You obviously haven't been to any colleges or know about dorms do you?

[alicia]

no not realy but some let you

[C&C]

I'd say 1% of them if you're lucky will allow any pets besides fish.

[Baby5566]

im never getting married first of aall im not shuer abot collage im pretty shuer yes and if i cant bring my bird i will fined another collage intill i fined one and i already siad im not geting a gray

You don't know that, you don't know if you're getting married or not. You don't know if they'll let a bird in college, you just don't know.

[alicia]

look, im not getting married because when i grow up my life will be detacated to my pets , i will lots of birds everything, namely birds , actualy im pretyt shuer fish and birds, but i know this sounds wierd but in life i care abot animals more than i do people it sounds wierd but if it was a family member i would for them but almost anything els i would go for my pets more than the people im ubsessed with animals ive had them since i was at beginning of life before i was boren, i have grown up with pets never gone a day with out pets ,pets,pets,pets,pets pets, i love pets i grew up with them ive riased baby mice ,wild birds, A SKUNK, 5 bb racoons , a wonded fox you name it almost everything i cant go a day with out a pet i feel bad about what ive done like my great gerandma died and i dident cry a few days later my rabbit died i cryed for a week, ive even taken care of frogs have any of you ever had a pig for a pet her name was sue she got out and some one shot her and killed her we lived out in the country then, but like you guys i bet have never had soooo many pets in your life have you, have you!

[C&C]

lol I wanted to do that when I was 12. Hun, things change qiuckly, you won't feel the same in 5 years, trust me.

[Tiki<3Polly]

I agree with you c&c!
They might let you have a finch, but an african grey...


YEAH RIGHT! you would be lucky to find a college that will let you have a finch!

[alicia]

when i keep a promis to my self i do it

[alicia]

i dident say african gray i said BUDGIE!

[Tiki<3Polly]

still, a budgie wouldnt even be able too! too loud! finches are one of the quietest birds!

[C&C]

Is there anyway you could combine the two threads alicia has? They're basically about the same things and it would make it less confusing.

[Baby5566]

lol I wanted to do that when I was 12. Hun, things change qiuckly, you won't feel the same in 5 years, trust me.

Lol, they sure do.

[BirdieBabi]

Wow, this has gone WAY off topic!

This one should also be closed, since all that is being disussed is something that shouldn't be in this thread! :p

[BUUZBEE]

Wow, this has gone WAY off topic!

This one should also be closed, since all that is being disussed is something that shouldn't be in this thread! :p

exactly what i said on the other one. this has gotten really rediculous.

i have one final question for alicia. Where was your dad when you needed money for the bird that died? why was he not taken care of then, just becuase you live with him now, what makes it any different?

[MissBeeHaven]

sits back and continues to read


Yah know, this is better than the soap opera that I am currently watching right now.

[alicia]

can a finch be tame

[BirdieBabi]

Not really...they are too wild. I guess if you were really commited, but I wouldn't try

[alicia]

what makes a differance he lives about 3 hours away from my mom!

[A-n-M]

A finch can be tame with alot of time. I have some finches that are tame, they come up and go on your finger. They normally go back to being wild if you don't spend time with them.

[BUUZBEE]

what makes a differance he lives about 3 hours away from my mom!

he should have helped you when you needed help and obviously wasnt going to get it from your mom. distance doesnt mean he couldnt have helped, sent you some $, you say he has a lot!

If he didnt help you then, why would he pay for bird care now, and even when your leaving in a year or so?

[alicia]

in the stress i was in i wasent telling him what was going on
so he couldent

[BUUZBEE]

why on earth didnt you ask your dad for financial help when you mom was broke?

[alicia]

after it was to late my mom told me not to tell intill i felt i had no other choice

[BUUZBEE]

Thats a shame.

[alicia]

she was broke because she did something bad ok and she dident want me to tell she was afrid he'd take me away for ever do you get it now can i make it any clearer

[BUUZBEE]

she was broke because she did something bad ok and she dident want me to tell she was afrid he'd take me away for ever do you get it now can i make it any clearer

Your sarcasm is not needed.

[alicia]

she was encouraged to do something that a teenager would do i dont meen ciggerts either

[BUUZBEE]

I didnt ask for details of what you mom did, nor why she was broke

[alicia]

well im fine im setteld in and everything

[C&C]

Alicia, based on what you're telling me, everything's not fine in the long run. It may seem that way now, but you need to wait to be sure everything is stable in the long run before bringing any more pets home.

[Bea]

Alicia, i want to say just a few things. :) First of all a budgie can and WILL live well into their teens with proper care. They can be absolutely fantastic pets when given the time of day. They can become tame and remember that a BUDGIE holds the world record for largest vocabulary - over any other parrot! Now that's impressive. They are simpler to care for than their larger relatives (though still not "easy" and "throw away" pets as some people think). So if your parents are wanting a pet that can be a family pet and not die so easily why don't you all get together and research how you can be the BEST budgie owners ever so that you can enjoy Frankie for many many years to come.

If you choose to get another budgie please do not get it "for Frankie" - that's just a bad idea. That's like your parents having another kid "for you". You won't necessarily get along now will you? Any new bird you get must be bought because you want it and you can and WILL give it the best care you can. If Frankie and the new bird didn't get along you would have to give them both separate times out of their cages and lots of love for both of them. That's double what Frankie already needs. Do you have this time?

You mentioned an interest in cockatiels. While lots of people say they're harder to care for i tend to disagree. Their diet is the same as budgies (seed, veggies, fruit, cooked foods) and they are flock birds just like budgies and will want to be with their flock (you) as often as possible. They can come out to play with budgies but they aren't the same species and will hardly benifit from each others company. They cannot be kept in the same cage (the tiel would need a much larger cage) and they'll need a different seed mix (more money for double the food). It would need stronger toys, which are more expensive, as their beaks can rip through things much tougher than a budgie can get through. Other than basic things like this their care is essentially the same as budgies and if you can be a great budgie owner you can be a great tiel owner.

Why don't you take some time for the pain of losing Mardy to ease, and use the time to research your options. Remember that a budgie or tiel has the potential to be with you up to 20 years (tiels more sometimes) so don't make the decision lightly.

[Tiki<3Polly]

I agree with you Bea! That was a great way with words!

[Lemon]

Alicia,

From what I'm reading you have NO idea what to do with your birds,

If you can't even decide now then you won't be able to handle another bird.

God gave you a brain and it's about darn time you start using it!

Birds are NOT all about fun, they need LOTS of work and you have to be happy when cleaning up there crap and washing there cages every single week, I don't know if you get mad when a bird craps on your face because I sure don't .. you should NEVER get mad at a bird .. even if it bites you, having a proper temperment is somthing everyone needs before buying a bird. Birds have feelings and don't like having NEW friends all the time ... you want another budgie but what if your budgie does not like it .. what if this bird turns out to bite ALL the time when you handle it .. then what your just going to get ANOTHER new bird!?

I espeacaily don't belive you will be able to handle a tiel either!

Your only 12 years old YOUR brain is still developing .. please wait till it's done, then maybe later on in your life you'll hopefuly be ready for another pet bird.

[Babyluv12]

PLEASE! DO NOT GET ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do it and u a favor...

[roadsidexcoalition]

You changing your mind from African Greys, to 'tiels, to another budgie doesn't show that you're going to be committed. Are you just getting another bird to say that you have more than one bird, or are you going to research the species and give it the time, patience, love, and respect it truely deserves?

You should be spending more time with Frankie rather than worrying about getting another bird. From what I've read, I haven't yet been convinced that you're even ready for another budgie and neither is your family. If your step mom won't allow you to take Frankie from his cage, how do you think she'll respond when there are two birds? Having more than one bird equals more noise, more mess, and overall, more attention needed to the both of them.

And what if Frankie and the new bird don't get along? What then? There's no guarantee that they will accept each other. They could get into fights and one could end up getting hurt. Are you going to be ready for the vet bills and responsibility of caring for an injured bird?

Honestly, I think that you need to wait a while to get another bird and spend time with the one you have. It's apparent to me that you're not yet ready for a full responsibility and your step mom probably won't enjoy having 2 birds in the house.

[pal0m1n0]

This thread started 5 days ago and given the fluid nature of Alicia's situation, I think it would be better to close it and move to a more recent thread. :)