What type of bird?

[Nicola]

Hi everyone I live in Wagga Wagga NSW, but at the moment I am at my Nans in Orange. My Nan is think about getting 2 large parrots for the outdoor aviary and we are wondering what parrot would be best. Here are some things which might help:
Nan doesn't really want a lorikeets as they screech sometimes. She wants a bird that likes the sing and cheep
She doesn't want the price over $150
She wouldn't be handling it, but she would like to teach it a few words if possible, so a bird that can pick up a few words would be good.
Nan is experienced with big birds as she has had them before. Her most recent were 2 galahs, Bill and Ben in the outdoor aviary. Bill flew away, and Ben died of very old age. She still has one galah inside with one leg. His name is PrettyBoy
She is looking for another large bird.
Something colourful
As I said, she won't be handling it and it won't be inside but she will check its food and water a couple if times a day and she will say hello everyday. So something that doesn't mind it it doesn't get attention would be good.
Nan is also looking for a bird that can live in a cage in Winter with out being covered up with a blanket at night. She didn't need to cover the galahs up as they kept themselves warm.
Sorry for the long post, but does anyone have an suggestions as to what bird would be good for Nan that fits what I wrote?
Thanks in advance,

Nicola

[Hezz]

Why not stay with the galah theme? Or are they not colourful enough? Are cockatiels considered too small? Your nan may know them as quarrions. Is the $150 price tag for one or both birds?

[Nicola]

Thanks for replying Hezz We thought cockatiels, but we weren't sure if they would be alright outside without being covered up in Winter, as my Nan lives in Orange, NSW. With the price, she doesn't really want to spend $300 on 2 birds (she has to get the aviary fixed as well), so maybe if a bird was $100 each?

Also, the aviary is facing away from the weather, although somtimes the weather comes in from the side. There are trees that are pretty protective as well. She said the she would cover them if she needed too.

The temperature at night time in Orange if there is a frost is at least -3 degrees celcius. So a bird that can with stand the freezing cold would be good ;D

Nicola

[Nicola]

Hi Hezz Here is a picture of the aviary. I willl get you the complete measurements soon.





Nicola

[Hezz]

Hi Nicola. While I am familiar with the area around Dubbo, and Orange is not so far away, but quite a bit colder, I would be asking these questions of someone closer to Nan's home. You know you would be right with galahs; I feel cockatiels would be fine too, but ........... I would want to hear that from someone in the area. Sorry I can't be of more help.

[Nicola]

That's ok Hezz. Thanks

We went to the petshop yesterday to see what kind if parrots they have. We came across some Kakarikis which are native to New Zealand. It says they are really tolerant to the cold. More than cockatiels. Do you think they would be alright? Seeing as New Zealand close to Antarctica.

Nicola

[scottste]

Kakarikis are a lovely bird to keep. I have a couple and i enjoy wathcing them .... they are very quick birds, they like to fly close to you in the avairy, brushing past you and flying through your legs, they like to climb upside down on the avairy. The buttercups are my favourite - sadly too many people are mixing them and there are alot of mutations of colour, which I am not against, just hope the true colours don't become too rare. Your avairy looks smashing.

[Hezz]

I am sure kakarikis would be fine, Nicola. Just make sure they won't stress in the heat.

[Nicola]

Thanks Scott The aviary is my Nan's. it once housed 2 galahs which is why it is so big.

Nicola

[Nicola]

Thanks Hezz I've read that they may need some cooling in Summer. I'm sure Nan will see to that

Nicola

[spickydavies]

kaka would love that space my only worry is that I know mine would escape threw that door in less than a second, they are extremly quick & clever. Though I guess with any that's a worry!