Hi all! There is a BEAUTIFUL, and I mean BEAUTIFUL Golden Mantled Rosella at our neighborhood "Mom and Pop" pet store. He's been there for probably four months now and no one is interested in him. He is gorgeous though. I'm debating on whether or not to just bring him home with me. I can find lots of info on the web about them except if they are good companion birds. Does anyone know? Anyone have one as a pet? What's their noise level? It really doesn't matter if they get along with other birds or not since my other two hate each other. It's not like I'm getting a "buddy" for either of them. He'd have his own cage and more then likely his own area of the house. Is there any special considerations with having a bird like this? I just want all the information that I can get on them before getting into a several year commitment. Thanks in advance for your insights!

They sure are beautiful! I dont own one but I did read that they are better as an aviary type bird and can be hard to train. I guess as long as you dont expect much from him, and will be happy still if he wants his own space, it will probably be ok! I think they make nice sounds....

Rosellas are stunning birds and available everywhere in their native Australia at very cheap prices. However you very rarely ever see one handtamed. From what I hear, they are not inclined to bond with humans like Tiels, Toos, Conures, Quakers and many other species. Believe me, I can get a Rosella for $50 and if I thought for one minute they would be a good companion parrot I would. Over here, they are usually kept in outdoor aviaries and I actually have them visit my back yard sometimes (wild ones).

If you are seriously considering buying him, please be prepared to have LOTS of patience. Rosellas are best for experienced birdkeepers.

Thanks for the info Tiki. I really appreciate it. I think I may just have to pass on him. We'll see though. I am a glutton for punishment. It would be really hard for me to have a bird that you could only look at though.

I can't believe that you can get one for $50! I have never seen one over here, he's my first and he's $300. He's just so beautiful though. I can see now that I have to push my husband to build me an aviary/greenhouse this Summer! Thanks again for the input Tiki!

Oh no, now I feel bad like I did him out of a home!

What kind of birds do you have experience with? Maybe we can get more Aussies in here to help you out. I'd rather see him go to someone with support from ParrotChatter than some total newbie who doesn't know what they are doing.

I had a Rosella - very sweet little bird. Considerably quiet. Not cuddly, but liked to just hang out with you on your shoulder or arm. Loved to imitate the microwave alarm. He was hand fed, so he was very tame.

Oh Tiki don't feel bad! I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet. I'm still processing the whole thing. I've had experience with Quakers, He was my "starter bird" I adored him but he died in a tragic "hide and seek" accident involving my then eight year old son. He was a wonderful bird. Then I had two tiels, one male and one albino that I was assured was also a male. But...turned out to be a girl and after hormones hit they decided that they didn't want to be pets any more. A breeder that we knew really wanted them so off they went. I still get to see them now and again and they seem happy so that's nice. Now I have a IRN and a TAG. I don't know if any of them would qualify me for a GMR.

I just can't believe they sell them to anyone if they aren't real people oriented. This one originally came from Petco and the people that bought it decided that they didn't want him anymore so they sold him back to the little pet shop. They had only had him for around a month before dumping him off.

I'm not sure how tame this guy is. He's always pacing though. However I think I might too if I were stuck in that little cage with nothing to do. So I don't know what to do really. I feel really bad for him, but is that a valid reason to take him? Sometimes I say yes, sometimes no. It's just such a commitment. He is a beaut. In perfect feather too. Maybe I should hold him at least and see if we even click? I don't know. Someone either needs to talk me into it or out of it!!

Vicki, that's a great idea! Go down there and spend some time with him and see if you click. Be prepared for him to be scared at first if he hasn't been handled much. I feel really bad that he is stuck in a pet store where he isn't getting any attention.

I found some links:

http://www.rsc-sw-scotland.ac.uk/project_pages/barony/Bird%20ID%20cg/page_12.htm

http://pets.webshots.com/album/556234432mvfTUK (this person has a pet Rosella!)

http://www.geocities.com/khanbirdfar...ts/rosella.htm (more about breeding Rosellas)

http://www.madrun.com/rosella.html

http://www.featheredfamily.org/index...position=22:22 Rescued Rosella

http://www.mylittledarlings.com/aboutus.html Family with pet GMR amongst other birds

I'm just seeing this and looks like I get to play Devil's Advocate right back at ya, Vicki! Run back there and get him!! I agree with Tara in that you should spend lots of time around him and see how things go and get a feel for his demeanor - that's what I plan on doing with Mr. English Budgie