So, my parents and I were talking the other day, and we've decided to get birds. Two birds; a male and a female, to be exact. We're going to get two pink and grey gallahs (google them if you don't know what they look like).
My parents have had a bird before (Who they called, "Cheeky" as apparently he was a very mischievous bird who liked getting all kinds of trouble), though that was a long time ago and unfortunately the bird didn't live very long because it had to be put down (either it was some sort of disease or he was in pain from something, I can't remember since they told me the story a while back, and they had to put him down because they were very sad to see him suffering). But me... I've never had a pet bird before. I really need some advice here, because I'm no bird expert and I want my birds to live a long, happy and healthy life.
Anyways, we're going to get baby ones, so that we can possibly hand-raise them to be friendly toward humans and mimick speech. Possibly teach them a few tricks if they are comfortable and willing (I personally like the trick of "Dancing". My granddad has a parrot and, when he whistles to it, it bobs its head up and down as if dancing to the tune)..
Any advice is appreciated, I'd like to know everything I could possibly need to know. From the most irrelivant to the most relivant information, I'm interested in hearing it all. Especially the following questions:
What do I feed them (I'm going to get them as young babies)?
How do I treat them (Is there anything special I need to do in order to make them human-friendly)?
What kind of cage will I need and what toys do birds enjoy playing with?
What age do they normally reach sexual maturity?
If they develop a biting habit, how do I stop it?
How regularly should I clean the cage?
I'd like to know all that, and possibly anything else you can think of. I want to be as well-educated on this subject as I can before I get my birds. When I do finally get them (which will probably be later on in the year) I'll post a picture of them here
By the way, my parents agreed that I get to name the male, and they get to name the female. I don't know what they'll name the female, but I have my heart set on the name 'Raphael'. I've always liked Ninja Turtles, and Raphael is my favourite character so...Yeah :3 Besides, by giving the bird the name 'Raphael' I could give it heaps of nicknames like Raph, Raffa, Raffo or Raphie... And I think Raphie sounds absolutely adorable for a bird.
One other thing I'd like to know is... How do I get my birds to mimick speech? Do I just keep repeating to them the word I want them to learn? I totally want to teach Raph how to say his name and how to say 'hello'
).