Which kind of parrot would be best?

Question

I am going to get a parrot for a Christmas present for somebody and I was wondering if you could recomend a certain kind? I would perfer one that is especially smart, and its color does not matter much to me.

Answer 1

I highly discourage you from getting someone a bird as a gift. More often than not, the receiver is overwhelmed by the amount of care and time birds need to thrive and that is usually bad news for the bird (rehomed, abuse or neglect).

If you know the person you're getting the bird for is wanting a bird, has all the necessary accessories (cage, toys, perches, high quality food (pellets, seed), playgym etc.), and has done lots of research/homework on what it takes to care for a bird successfully... that might be a different story. Otherwise, I strongly discourage it. You've got to be sure the recipient is ready and prepared for the many years of care and attention that is necessary (and the mess!).

If the person does not have prior bird experience, it's best to start out small. Cockatiels or Parakeets (budgies) make great first time birds. Males of both species are usually known o talk and sing more than females.

Again, I hope you will think twice about getting this person a bird, or pet of any kind as a gift.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Each parrot breed has it's own personality, and within that breed there is no way to generalize their individual personality because every bird is different. Some parakeets are very affectionate, and can learn a few words. on the other extreme, the Macaw is a very intelligent bird, can talk, and in some rare cases, can also be affectionate. The thing to realize is that these are very intelligent birds that still maintain a bit of their wild instincts. We have a conure. We got him when he was younger, and he is really attached to me. He is a cuddler, and is beginning to make sounds, just as a toddler will do when learning to speak. It's very exciting. We prefer the conures because they are easier maintenance than some of the other larger parrots, and less destructive. We've fostered some larger birds, and really struggled with the amount of attention they required/demanded, and they were very independent. Because of their size, it also made housing difficult. There is an organization called Mickaboo that they will have people foster birds (and then they can have the option to adopt). Mickaboo is in California/SanFrancisco area, but there are places like this all over the nation. This may be an option, because you can foster a bird, and then if it works out, you can adopt it. Then you are not out a large sum of money, you've provided a home for an animal that didn't have a home, and you got to "test the waters" so to say.

Answer 3

I guess that would depend on the person. I had one of the small green parrots and she was a delight. Good personality and talked up a storm. Actually talked in sentences.
The larger parrot are pretty, but expensive and can take off a finger. The older birds learn to talk faster. Some will not talk until 4 or 5 years old. If you don't have one spotted...call the ASPCA sometimes they have birds.

Has this person had birds before? They are messy and not easy to care for....be sure.

Answer 4

Before you get a parrot for a present. Think it through. They are a long time commitment. Is the person ready for this comminment? Also if it is for someone else, the best thing is to not make it a surprise but take the person to pick the bird. Having a parrot as a pet is a very personal thing. The bird and the person 's personalities much match. The only way to have this happen is for the person to pick the bird.

Answer 5

With this time of the year your choices in selecting a parrot for your friend will be limited. A cockatiel would be a wonderful pet; they are sweet, easily tamed, and affectionate. If you decide to go with a parrot that is a little bigger, I would not get the African Grey as a gift unless your friend has specifically asked for one (they are expensive birds, have very extensive care requirements, are easily prone to self-abusive behaviors if they are not patterned correctly from a young age, and they have a life expectancy of up to 80 years). A Green Cheek Conure or a Meyer's Parrot (if you can find one) are smaller in size, very smart, and playful. Conure's however are a bit louder, but more playful. The Ringneck is also a good choice (they have a good reputation for talking) but they are more flighty, less cuddly, and require daily handling to stay tame. Good luck and I hope you find the perfect gify for your friend.

Answer 6

parrots are an extreme pet to buy. If you do not know much about them it can be like taking care of a 2 year old for life. They are high maintenance adn not for the weak. Very expensive to take care of too. Parrot is not a good idea as a gift. You have to prepare to bring a parrot home you just cant say "hey i want a parrot" they are far more responsibility than taking care of 6 dogs and 4 cats.

Answer 7

Eclectus, very intelligent and doesn't make much noise but before getting this parrot, please remember this is a lifetime committment.
The birds heart will be broken if you should ever divorce it. Large smart birds get depressed and upset being alone while the owner works for 8 hours.
Read all the information you can find. My recommendation is to adopt from a well know bird rescue group.
I own a pet shop and do not sell Parrots, for good reason. Customers have no idea, the cost, amount of attention, noise and other factors of owning a Parrot.
Pet shops are the worst place to obtain a Parrot-don't know if the bird was previously owned, may have set in the pet shop a year.

Answer 8

The fact that you are asking the question here is your answer. You do not know what kind of parrot they would want, neither does anyone here. Do you know IF they want a parrot? If not, do not buy one. If you know they want one, give them a gift certificate for one & let them pick their own. Maybe give it with a book on the different breeds so they can read up on the different characteristics first. Too many things to consider - noise, mess, time commitment, lifespan, talking ability, colour, friendliness, size of cage needed, patience to train, toys needed, cost to keep it, etc.

Answer 9

parrots are very smart birds that can live up to 50 years. They need attention and mental stimulation.

if you watch the PBS experiments with the birds you know they are capable of blank bit mapping which means they are very brilliant animals.

make sure that the person getting the parrot knows that these are not decorations or toys but living intelligent creatures capable of meaningful interaction in a family just like the dog that stands guard at night in your house.

as a long time sailor, I would have loved to have had one if I could have taken care of it.

Answer 10

not to be rude ma'am, but a parrot is DEFINATLY not a good christmas pressie! they need HUGE cages and may outlive you! they are a life long commitment and should not be given to friends like chlothes! parrots need excersize and playtime, and cuddle time, most SCREAM and SQUACK and wake you up in the wee hours! they need tons of time devoted to them and i highly reccomend you get something a little more low maintenence! try a parakeet, hamster, or gerbil!