Which parrot is right for me?

Question

I have wanted a parrot as long as I can remember. I have had other birds, my mother and I had two cockatiels for several years, I also had a yellow budgie I got when I was 10 that just passed away two years ago. My grandmother also raised canaries and lovebirds. And I've spent about the last 6 months looking into finally getting a parrot. I'm not concerned with appearance or talking, I want a friendly, companion bird. I don't mind some noise, god knows my budgie was really loud, but I don't want it to be loud all the time. I'll be able to spend a great deal of time with it, but if for some reason I can't, I want the bird to be okay with it. I have two german shepherds but I don't think they'd bother it. They never paid attention to the budgie and they are well behaved and easily trainable. I've been considering African greys (my personal favorite), senegals, amazons and conures. What would be the best fit for me?

Just to clarify a little more, money isn't a huge concern. If I have to save up a little longer to the bird that I really want, then that's fine. I have been doing a lot of research and talking to people who own parrots, but I still don't know which is for me. I am leaning towards a Senegal, even though I really want a Grey, because I know Greys require tons of attention and while I think I could keep it happy, I am not certain. As for conures, I was considering the green checked and blue crowned because I know suns are quite noisy all the time.

Answer 1

I have a Senegal, and he is absolutely wonderful!! He is not noisy, does not scream, but does morning chattering but it's my favorite time of the day to listen to him, because it's when he tries out all the new whistles and words he's learned so far.

He's an absolute clown, he does all sorts of goofy things just to get me to laugh, because he lives for my attention! He rolls over and plays dead, makes farting noises, tells the dog to com'ere, chases the cats away. He cracks me up everyday!

Amazons are SUPER loud, and many conures are also. If you choose to go with a conure, look into all the different types - Green Cheeks are smaller, and quieter, and very sweet. But Sun Conures for example, are known screamers! they are very loud all the time, even though they are so beautiful in color.

Greys are everybody's dream bird, so smart - but they are also one of the most neediest breeds of birds out there because of the same reason. Because you mentioned that you want a bird that will be ok if you miss a day or two of quality time together, I would not recommend a Grey.

I work and go to school and there absolutely are days where I just can't find time to take my bird out and play like he wants to. But he is happy just being able to see me in the room, when i whistle and talk to him, etc. I highly recommend Senegals.

check out this website and their mailing list for more info on Senegals, and other Poicephalus species (Meyers, Red Bellies, etc).

http://www.wingscentral.org/aps/

Good Luck finding your new baby!

Answer 2

Greys need a lot of time- they would not be ok by themselves. It would be like locking a 3-4 yr old in a room for an extended period of time.
Conures are pretty good- the mitre conure is a rather large and talkative conure and ours were relatively easy to please. He also would purposely do things to get a reaction, showing some intelligence. He has a "come here" whistle which he does every morning to make sure we notice him, and will keep doing so until we talk back. He also would just sit in one spot and watch you- he loved attention, but would sing to himself if left alone. Sun conures are supposed to be sweet, but the ones we had were only loud and annoying.
I have heard that Amazons are very loud, and I know nothing about Senegals.
Good luck and have fun! Right now I have 2 cockatiels, but eventually want to get a Moluccan Cockatoo or a African Grey. I have worked with both and love their personalities. But first I need to pay off college and get a house in the country where the neighbors won't hear if they decide to sing (or scream) :)

Answer 3

I would say the senegal or amazon. Conures are very noisy all the time, and believe it or not, they can achieve a far louder volume than budgies. Greys are a mixed bag, sometimes you get a friendly one, sometimes you get a very aloof one, sometimes you can end up with a sourpuss. Senegals are very sweet and loving, and amazons are curious and playful.

One more option you should consider is a cockatoo- they are known as feathered teddy bears because they LOVE to cuddle. They are very people oriented and want nothing more than to spend all day with you. They are usually fairly quiet, but they can scream like crazy if they're upset.

Make sure you spend some time with the bird you want to buy before you bring it home- hand raised babies are the best way to go.

Answer 4

Sounds like you have some good experience with birds. Here is what you need to look at. Prices on Parrots can go over $1000. How much are you will to spend? African Grays are very intelligent birds, and because of that intelligence you may find that you are going to have a 2 years for the next 50 to 60 years. Do you feel you can be committed that long? African Grays are a totally different ballgame then the smaller birds.

You may want to read up on birds that you are interested in.
Make sure when you find the bird that you want to buy, ask if the bird comes with a guarantee, you should take your bird to an Avian Vet as soon as you get it, that way you can make sure what you are getting is healthy.

If I can help you please let me know.

Sapphyre
Certified Avian Specialist
http://www.borrowed-rainbow.com
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/BorrowedRainbowAviary/

Answer 5

parrots are great, i have a 10 year old african grey, a senegel and a conure. the grey we got when he was an egg, we bought him from a breeder, waiting till he hatched then went over there everyday to feed him so he would get use to us, then after 6 weeks took him home. he is a great talker and even though we have ahd him since the beginning he is still mean sometimes. all birds are going to be that way, our conure is a very loud bird when she doesn't get her way, the senegel can be mean, he was abused before we got him so he can be skiddish around ppl and can go from being sweet and hateful in a split second. Of course like all birds, they wil bite, that is a normal instinct for them. i personally like the grey, the other 2 were my stepmoms. i dont get to spend much time with them like i use to since i just had a kid, but i love them all. also think about caging them, make sure they have enough room to spread there wings and NO MIRRORS!!!! it will make them bond to themselves in the mirror and not you. think about whether you live in a house or apt. will you annoy your neighbors with a loud bird.

Answer 6

i have a few different type of parrots and 2 of mine are Grey's. my oldest Grey is very independent and my youngest Grey does like alot of attention. my Senegal is not very nice at all. i have gotten a few nasty bites from him. my Senegal also likes to scream when he does not get his way or what he wants. i would like to suggest the ringneck family. i have the sweetest, nicest moustache parakeet, that is not regular parakeet it is in the ringneck family about the size of the Senegal with a longer tail. he is very happy chewing up his toys all day while my other birds are talking and fussing with each other. i must say, that their is no relationship for me like the one i have with my oldest Grey. it is something special when they can ask you questions and respond to you just like a person can..... of course, all parrots can be moody it is going to come down to what you are really the most attracted to.........

Answer 7

I had a green cheek, and they are the world most perfect bird.

ok, maybe not, she had quirks that I miss very very much. After my next baby is here (I'm getting a Lory-probably not for you, very very messy!, but maybe-if you can handle large amounts of mess, look them up) I'm going to be looking for anothe rconure.

So, thats my vote. conures. I LOVE green cheeks, but also wouldn't mind a cherry head, not sunnies, they are just too darn loud!

also, look at quakers if they are not illegal where you live. very personable, can talk, snuggly, good birds.

Answer 8

purely this previous summer time, I have been given 2 African gray Parrots, sisters somewhat, and could no longer think of existence without them! they're purely now gaining knowledge of to whistle, and it will take a pair of 12 months for them to initiate speaking. i might argue that they are the best birds accessible, and are very affectionate. They do tend to have a very close bond with one individual , generally of the alternative intercourse. i do no longer understand why that's although. My dad is their popular, and that they have got an inclination to be happiest while they're on his shoulder or sound asleep with him at nighttime in his mattress. I might desire to get them from him at nighttime before i pass to mattress in worry of them being squished!! Yikes!! yet as quickly as I get them, they're slumbering and snuggle up im my palms. I had available feed them before each thing, three times an afternoon. that's no longer as undesirable because it kind of feels. As time is going on they consume further and further. I did quite some analyze before hand, and had no hardship. i'm specific an African gray might a brilliant determination for you. they're smaller, yet distinctive exciting. we've potty experienced too!!that's rather comical to observe! they're pricy, yet possibly you ought to locate a good deal. good success!

Answer 9

Which parrot is right for me? This is a question that you must ask yourself before you think of keeping these lovely birds as pets. It is as important as your decision to have a child. You need to ask - which parrot is right for me - because every parrot has its distinctive temperament and nature. No two parrots are alike.

Parrots need a lot of attention and love to become adorable pets. Once they bond with you, you will realize how precious they are as pets. Choose your parrot according to your lifestyle.

10 Commandments for choosing the right parrot for your household:

No Impulse Shopping : Try not to adopt or purchase a pet on a whim or inspiration. Make it a deliberate, thought-out action.


Shop Around : Take the time to learn all about the kind of pet you are considering buying.


Visit The Humane Society And Animal Rescue Organizations : Pay a few walk-through trips to your local humane society. Just observe the pet when it is alone with you and try to make a mental list of its positive and negative points.


Match Your Pet To Your Life Style : Do you work long hours? Do you have children? Are they mature enough not to be a threat to the pet you choose? If you travel a lot who will care for the pet while you are away?


Match Your Pet To Your Home Environment : How much free space is there? Is there a back yard? Is it fenced? How will your neighbors feel about this new pet? If you rent, what will your landlord think about this pet?


Decide Why You Want A Pet : Is this pet going to be a child substitute? Do you want to teach it tricks and interact with it? Do you want to play with it and caress it? Your personality traits are very important.


Decide If This Is The Right Time In Your Life To Get A Pet : Frankly consider if this is really the right time in your life to own a (another) pet. If you already have other pets how will they get along with the new one? How stable are your human relationships? How good is your health?


Decide How Long You Want Your Pet To Live : Small parrots live 8-14 years; larger ones 35-60 years.


Decide If You Are Able To Meet This Pet’s Specific Needs : It is a good idea to do some research at the library as to how much care your pet will need and visit pet owners. Do you have enough time to properly feed and clean for it? Many pets get bored if they do not have enough one-on-one contact. This boredom can lead to a host of undesirable behaviors.


Cost : Besides the initial cost of the pet you may incur considerable expense in purchasing the pet a suitable cage. Over time, the cost of a good diet will far exceed whatever you paid for the parrot. It may need veterinary care and grooming from time to time.


The main species are - parrots, macaws, conures, cockatoos, cockatiels, parakeets and budgies.

Parrots - Parrots are a very popular group of birds. Parrots are intelligent animals who depend on some degree of socialization and training. Different parrots have different needs. See that you cater to all these needs to have a healthy and happy parrot in your house.

Macaws - Macaws have been rightly called winged rainbows. Macaws are flamboyant, colorful, intelligent and captivating birds. Their personalities are legendary. Because of their great beauty and engaging personalities, macaws have been kept in captivity for centuries.

Conures - Conures are known for their sweet dispositions and playfulness. They definitely have a mind of their own. In the wild conures are friendly, peaceful birds and seldom fight with each other.

Cockatoos - Most are colored mainly in white, but others come in grays and pinks, blacks, and in the Palm's case, deep blue. Well-raised cockatoos are adorable; a hog for attention, a socialite , and just a pleasure to have around.

Cockatiels - Cockatiels are ideal for the first time pet owner. They are characteristically happy and cheerful birds, never moody or demanding. They demand to be let on your shoulder for a ride, and make cute noises.

Parakeets - 'Parakeets' means "small parrots". Their small size, bright colors, and cheerful disposition make them perfect pets. It is calming to listen to their quiet chattering and chirping. Some parakeets even learn to talk.

Budgies - Each has its distinctive personality. Some budgies may be sensitive while others might get into mischief at every opportunity. Its popularity is gained mainly by its amazing powers of mimicry, and its antics are very amusing.

Ask yourself again - which parrot is right for me? All parrots need time and patience to make wonderful pets. Some parrots are cheerful all the time, some are often moody. Some play on their own, while some always demand your company. These birds can make your life beautiful and chirpy, but they can also die of heart aches. Think hard before you make your choice!



Author : Medha Roy.
Date Posted : 08 - Feb - 2005
Website : http://www.pet-parrots.com

Answer 10

you should try indian ringnecks or Alexandrine's. They are both very pretty looking, intelligent, good talkers, make lovely sounds and whistle pretty tunes, and arent loud all the time. And they are from $400(indian ring neck) to $700 (alexandrine). They both live 35-50 year, with a 2-3 year olds intelligence(human baby). I loved my indian ring necks, tey are very very cute and intelligent, alexandrines are bigger versions or irn, and i'll get mine soon(i have researched a lot on alexandrine.)




EDIT: BE SURE TO LOOK UP INDIAN RING NECK AND ALEXANDRINE. HERE IS A VIDEO OF IRN, CHEK IT OUT!!!!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z5wmKlrWtg