Help me pick a parrot for my mother...?

Question

Me and my sister have decided that a parrot is probably the best pet for my mother. At first we thought parrotlets might be the key, since they are quiet, and can bond well. A cockatiel would be the first choice, but it is too loud for her apartment. A conure might be suitable, or even a budgie. So far those last two seem the most likely. She needs one that will bond with her, keep her comany, not be hard to care for, and that will not be too hard to handle as I will not be there to help her out with it except every few weeks or so. So a small breed seems best. Also, talking is not a priority at all, and we would buy a hand-raised baby for sure!

Also I am used to dealing with 'problem' birds but my mother is not. also, cockatiels are very cuddly and we miss that. The problem is the noise factor. I haven't ruled them out 100%, but it seems unlikely even though normally that would be my first choice.

Also parrotlets have not been ruled out completely either.

My mother is in a very noisy apartment, and I doubt that the fratboys next store would notice, say a bird whistle. Speaking from experience with my cockatiel when he would screech you could hear it quite a ways away. But a bird like a parrotlet which does not scream would be fine. Obviously this rules out any big species of parrot.

Also, most small parrots seem to only live to about 20. I should be settled in enough before my mother would need nursing home care to be able to take it in. My experienced with rescued birds is that if they come from good homes they may still bond to a degree. if worse came to worse my sister could take it in.

Also, I have heard green-cheeked conures. They made a lot of noise but their decibel level never went up so high that it would be a big problem in an apartment. But then again it was only a once visit. Also I do not know how loud other conure species are.

Given the stae of an apartment a cockatiel might not be too loud for it. It was just worried that it -might- be too loud.

Also, please I'll say it again. No large breeds, they would outlive my mother by far, and they are too risky to buy someone who is a beginner.

A cage bird like a canary might be okay. Would it depend on her? Would it bond? Could she play with it outside the cage?

My mom would be able to give the birds plenty of attention but not during the 2 shifts when she works at schools. Are certian breeds better suited for being taken to a school?

Well, she doesn't want a dog/cat/fish/reptile rodent, so we've narrowed it down to a bird. And she liked my little snuggly cockatiel a lot.

Answer 1

Cockateils are quite loud, but perhaps if you get a female one it might not be such a problem as they tend not to be quite so loud. Most birds are loud, but it really can depend on the individual bird.

Have a look at this site www.featherforums.com as they have all sorts of birds and you could find some more detailed info on different kinds of birds.

Remember even budgies can be loud! (I have 3...) Perhaps getting one hand raised budgie, as long as your mother has enough time to give it proper attention. This would reduce the noise as budgies are generally more quite when they are not in groups. Budgies are also small and relatively easy to handle.

Also, consider how old your mother is. If she became ill or had to go to hospitable or a nursing home then you might have to take care of the bird, so make sure you get one which you would be happy with owning too!

Good luck!

Good luck!

Answer 2

Does your mom want a bird? If you think a cockatiel is loud you have not heard a conure especially the aratinga species. They have macaw type voices. Green cheeks are quieter but I think capable of more noise than a cockatiel. Conures are not really suitable as first time birds. They require a fair amount of chew toys and attention to keep them happy.
A budgie is a good choice for a first time bird owner. Even if it is not hand raised a very young one will bond very well. I dont know how much noise a parrolets can make maybe you should go in an avairy and see how loud they are. All hook bills make noise. What about a singing canary?

My suns go with me to the shops etc they do enjoy outings but they are aratinga which means mini macaw, a cockatiel voice is nothing when comparing to a sun. A sun lives 25-30 years. They are extrovert clowns. Green cheeks are sometimes nippy. Neither of these are know as talkers a budgie has more chance of talking and is not loud. what about a female cockatiel that doesnt whistle although I do not consider a cockatiel loud at all.

Answer 3

Even a cockatiel if taken care of properly will probly outlive your mother they can live up to 25 years! I live in an apartment and have a Sun Conure, you wanna talk about loud, I'm amazed I haven't been evicted! Anyhow Green cheeks wouldn't be a bad choice, BUT if you want a quiet bird I would HIGHLY recommend something from the Poicephalus family, like a Meyer's parrot, or a Senegal. I had my Senegal for 2 weeks before my roommate knew that I had another bird, and the only thing that gave it away was that my bird started ringing like a phone, and my roomie knew it wasn't a real phone LOL. They are very quiet birds just slightly stockier than a cockatiel, and aren't terribly messy, my lovebirds, are MUCH messier!! They also have a very good disposition in that they love human affection. Meyer's tend to prefer to love their owners, rather Senegals like to be loved on. My Senegal won't let me pick her up until I scratch her head first LOL she's a total princess. These birds are extremely smart and can mimic sounds awesome, and I was able to potty train this bird in about 3 weeks!
I can't say enough great things about them! If you have any questions feel free to email me and I can give you more info, but I would recommend one of these long before a cockatiel, Green cheek, parrotlet etc, and these birds are about as much as a Parrotlet! Good luck!

Answer 4

We have a Quaker Parrot and although they can be quite loud at times, they are extremely affectionate. I would suggest you get a young one that has been handfed so it is used to human touch and has previously bonded with a human. No matter what kind of bird you get make sure it is handfed and weaned. If you want to get her a conure make sure you get one of the smaller species, they are much much quieter than lets say the jenday and sun conure. Green cheek conures are highly recommended for apartment dwellers. Do remember that most smaller parrots live 20-30 years. And budgies (parakeets) like like 15-20 years. They are a lifetime commitment. You can get loads of info off of the www.quakerparrots.com website. Good luck on your quest.

Answer 5

Parrotlet is just what your mom needs..
I have one and he is such a joy..male are the best as pets...


Owning a parrotlet is a 20-30 year commitment. This is longer than a child would stay in your home. If you are ready to make the commitment to care for and be the social flock for one of these delightful little parrots, you are in for a very rewarding relationship.

Therefore, the most important thing about caring for your parrotlet is:
Give your parrotlet time out of its cage daily. He is depending on you to be his companion for his entire lifetime. Play with, provide toys and exercise outlets, share affection with your feathered friend daily.

great site for info.

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ParrotletsPlus/

Answer 6

Talk to the pet stores in your area and they can tell you of some local breeders, also check with vets, watch the paper & be aware of what you have available in your area.

My mom, when I was a kid, raise parakeets. We had quite a few that would intermingle with the family, she would teach them to talk and due tricks. According to her the best parakeet is a male with the smallest eyes. Don't know if that really had anything to do with just talking or if it indicated intellegence too.

Also keep in mind the life span of a parrot and who is going to want the parrot when your mom can no longer take care of it?

I think that your mom should have her choice, after all it will be her bird.

Are you set on a parrot? Why not a singing canary?

Answer 7

Parrots in apartments is not a good thing because it may annoy the neighbors. I have had a conure and people a quarter of a mile away heard it. A hamster, guinea pig, or some other small quiet animal might be a lot better.

Answer 8

A female cockatiel sounds like your best choice. As a only bird. She will meet all the requirements. I've had several cockatiels and the females have always been sweet, cuddley, and quiet. Good Luck.

Answer 9

A cockatiel is too noisy and you are going to get a parrot?? All the ones you mentioned are way too loud!! All birds are messy and they are alot of work!! :o(

Answer 10

i have a monk parrakeet and i got her when she was young and so was i she is very sweet as long as your mother bond with and takes her out of the cage it should be the perfect bird