I was deciding between a sun conure, african gray, and blue macaw. I know the sun conure likes to scream a lot but I don't know which to decide.
2007-03-22 04:55:17 · 9 answers · asked by kirr45 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
None of these birds is easy to maintain. The sun conure is very noisy, and will live 20+ years. The African Grey parrot is very sensitive and intelligent, needing lots of time and attention, and will live 40+ years. The blue and gold macaw is VERY loud, needs a HUGE cage, and will live 50+ years. All these birds require special diets and veterinary checkups at least once a year. They are a significant commitment of money and time.
If you want to try bird keeping, and want a bird that requires less attention and maintenance, you could get a pair of finches or a pair of budgies (parakeets). If you get a pair, they can keep each other entertained, and will be cute to watch.
Finches are really not interested in being held or petted, and you will have to work with the budgies to keep them friendly if you get a pair. But, they don't live for 50 years (more like 5 yrs for finches, 10-15 for budgies) and they are cute and busy and fun to watch. They're also not hugely expensive.
If you are determined to have a 'parrot'-type bird, and realize that you are making a +15 year commitment, you could get a cockatiel, lovebird, or parrotlet. The cockatiel is the most mellow, quietest, and least bitey of all these birds. They are wonderful, friendly, sweet birds who often end up at humane societies or bird shelters. However, I recommend that you educate yourself a lot more before you purchase any of these birds.
In summary, all the birds you named are difficult to keep, expensive, and loud. Based on the question you are asking, you haven't researched the topic well, and you're going to get in over your head with the bird species you named. If you're just beginning to learn about parrots, you should start with a bird that is not likely to make you miserable.
Good luck! There are many online bird forums and message boards that you can go to for more information.
2007-03-22 05:47:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
By far, I'd say the African Gray, but get a "true" Gray with the red tail and not a "Timmy" (Timneh???) which is not too different from a conure. The conures are screamers! I have an Amazon parrot and we had a Blue & Gold macaw. Rosie, the blue&gold went to another bird owner who has an entire room in his house as an aviary. They are tough to maintain in the household, because I didn't like to keep her in the cage. She ate things, like our window frame, the bed, etc. The Amazon is quite a bit smaller and never lived anywhere but inside his cage (25 years) so he is quite happy there. When we take him out, he is constantly trying to get back in anyhow.
Anyhow, my opinion is that a smaller bird is easier to keep and the conure screams to much. The African Gray, besides being an absolutely beautiful bird (great for macro photography, too) is reputed to be one of the very best talkers.
2007-03-23 12:46:45 · answer #2 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Neither. They're all full time jobs.
I can't tell you much about the Macaw or the Sun Conure but, I've researched getting an Gray for the past two years and I will get one someday but I'm waiting until I'm pet-free (with the average lifespan of my current pets, I'm looking at another 10-15 years from now).
Gray's have the IQ of a 5 year old and the emotional stability of a 2 year old. That means they pretty much need constant attention and lots of toys to keep them from getting bored. If you're looking for low maitenance... definetely not the bird for you.
Getting a larger parrot is not something to enter into lightly. It's a major commitment, it's likely to outlive it's human too so not only must you prepared to offer it everything it needs while you're with it, you must have a plan for when you're ill and gone. In my case, my kids have already decided that my son (who dreams of being a Falconer when he grows up) will take custody of my Gray when I can no longer care for it.
2007-03-22 12:22:58 · answer #3 · answered by RanaBanana 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All parrots scream. All parrots bite. All parrots are very messy. And all parrots need a lot of time and attention. So, if you're looking for an easy pet, a parrot is definitely not for you. If you do decide to get a parrot, please look first in your local shelter or find a rescue in your area. There are lots of them in need of a good home because so many people give them up once they find out what difficult pets they are.
2007-03-22 11:59:30 · answer #4 · answered by true blue 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only kind of bird that is easy to maintain is one that is stuffed and sits on a shelf.
2007-03-22 17:45:46 · answer #5 · answered by Quetzel 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no bird or other animal kept as a pet is especially easy to keep. they all need constant care clean water and food. your bird will need to be cleaned out every day, so unless you have the time do not get a pet.
2007-03-22 11:59:41 · answer #6 · answered by fushia 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well my parakeeets aint all that loud they a very calm at night. the only time they make noise is when they are outside i guess cus their happy but other than that they are easy to maintain. dogs are also very good
2007-03-22 12:45:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
seaguls are easy to maintain, throw them a few french fries and they are happy
2007-03-22 11:56:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
chicken there are so many ways to have it duck can be trickey and turkey are big to much leftovers
2007-03-22 12:03:38 · answer #9 · answered by cozjeanda 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋