Too much bird for a beginner?

I'm in the market for another bird, but whereas I kind of jumped in with my GCC (who I love) I want to be more selective this time around. I'm considering several species (African Greys, Eclectus and Amazons; I briefly considered Cockatoos but concluded that wouldn't be a good fit) but keep cycling back to Amazons.

I've read they aren't good for people who don't know how to train birds, but I haven't found specific reasons why. I like them for their size, ability to talk and smarts but I don't know much about their behaviors, how loud they are (that's the reason why I'm no longer considering a cockatoo), or if they're suitable for a relative newbie.

A bit about me: I'm new to birds but am reading all the info I can find voraciously; I live in an apartment and likely will for a while longer; I have a 4am-1pm job but will likely start taking night classes and/or go to school parttime in the next couple years; realize birds can be high maintenance but am willing to devote myself to them and spending time with them. I love to travel and hope to bring my bird(s) along with me as much as I can (whether to the grocery store or across the US). Whatever bird I decide on will come from a reputable breeder as a baby.

Would this kind of life do an Amazon justice?

Hey Sarah, seems like I'm out to burst your bubble at every turn, but believe me that is not my intention, I often refer to Amazons as the most complex and sensitive of all the parrots, its definatly not a species I would recommend for a novice to birds, amazons are for the most part 90% attitude and 10% feathers, they can be very much like Dr jekyll and Mr Hyde, and you never know from one day to another which one will show up, Just my opinion, but I believe one has to really learn their body language and warning signs (more so than many other parrots) to try and understand their behavior before becoming owned by one.
Amazons are not as forgiving for the most part as many other birds are, if they feel wronged or mistreated they can, and most times will hold a grudge against those they feel offended them, it doesn't take much from an inexperienced handler of an amazon to mess up a relationship with their bird forever, but if done right they can be a great companion, just know they are not really known as a cuddly type bird, and for the most part are a very one person or one sex bird, that being said there are always exceptions to the rule.
The other two species metioned (Eclectus and Greys) also should to be researched in depth as they have their own special needs as well, I hope some of this has helped, as that is what it was intended to do, not to lecture or dissuade you, but to help guide you in the right direction.

I suggest you settle in with the bird you have now and wait a while before getting another bird. conures need your attention big time and you need to be there for him or her. I too often think of getting a second bird but my vet strongly talked me out of this thought. In my opinion you should get a few years bird experience and research before getting a second bird.

I was in exactly the same position...I wanted an Amazon, or similiar, and had only experience with smaller birds. Even then, I've only had the smaller birds for less than two years. Before then, I thought birds were not a pet I'd want to own...I did a LOT of research before getting Freddie...as you seem to have done.

I don't know what advice to give. I've had very little trouble with Fred, my YNA, and I'm so happy that I took the plunge! He is exactly what I wanted!!! I do know, from experience, that if you REALLY want an Amazon, than you won't be satisfied with another bird. You'll notice I had four birds before Fred, and was still unsatisfied.

My recommendation...Continue to research....so that there are no surprises. Join forums as you have done with this one. Be prepared to take the good with the bad. There may be a difficult hormonal period, but if you know this, it's no big surprise. There are many types of Amazons, some being less troublesome than others...but every bird is an individual, reflecting how well it's been handled and socialized, and it's personality.

You did mention that you are in an apartment. Amazons can work up to quite a volume. I can hear Fred, if he's in the mood, when I'm outside. Fred doesn't do that often, and he's responding well to my discouraging it, but there are times when he just "lets loose!" Will that be a problem for the neighbours?

Good luck with your decision!

I know how you're feeling as the bigger birds have a real pull.

My husband would like a bigger bird at some stage, but frankly, I just don't see how. Cal would be very upset as most conure's would be as she loves her free reign of us during out of cage time. I can't imagine how she'd feel if we suddenly had to cut "her" time down. This is the girl that gets upset if we need the bathroom and she can't come with!

We love Cal and she is enough for us with the rest of the menagerie. As Dave (hubby) says, he'd also like a horse or a cow or an elephant lol. But it's not possible .

I'd like to rescue every stray dog and cat I meet, but I can't because I must think of the ones I already have here.

I wondered if Levi(Linnie) would be jealous, as he was, and still is my cuddle bug. Fred waits his turn to be out, and everything falls into place. Things may be different adding a second bird if the first needs a lot of one on one time...

It is indeed the individual bird Sharon you're right! I couldn't agree more.

From Cal's general demeanor and actions, I honestly think it wouldn't be worth trying. She really does want to be with us all of the time and quite clearly gets jealous when we're with the other animals. The dogs and cats aren't around her during her out of cage time but when they're with us and she can see, she prances around making disgruntled noises inside her cage and tries to get our attention lol.

With Moo the rabbit, she will fly down to visit her happily inside the cage (unfortunately, as Cal is almost successfully poop trained, she views Moo's cage as an acceptable toilet....poor bun!) but if Moo comes out for a cuddle (she doesn't hop around the room much now, she's an old lady and prefers to lie down a lot lol) Cal will land on me and be on "Aren't I so cute!" behaviour until it's time for Moo to go home!

I wouldn't swap my girl for anything though, she's more than I thought I'd ever have in a feathered companion and I wouldn't jeopordise that for anything.

Cal does sound like she enjoys being an "only bird" ....LOL!

Thanks very much for the responses!

Bobby: No worries about "bursting my bubble", this is the kind of stuff I want/need to know. I realize I'm not ready for some of the more, hm, "opinionated" birds - I don't know enough about avian psychology or heirarchy yet to deal with a strong personality in a feathered frame.

SB: Very true. I think part of the reason I'm actively searching for the "right" bird is because I'm not getting far with the one I have at home. I need to practice the patience I've been preaching, but it's really hard with a painfully handshy bird not to want something else I can interact with. *sigh* Next time will likely be an already handtamed bird, whatever breed I end up going for.

SharonC: I'll definitely be putting more research into this!! Unless someone out and out GIVES me a bird, I'm certain my next purchase will be well thought out, with my having weighed ALL options. But it's great to know these stories have a happy side, and I'm totally loving the little fluffball in your avatar!!!

Von: True enough about the gravitational pull of the bigger birds!! Your little Cal is SO STINKING CUTE - those little Suns are what initially drew me to conures in the first place! Part of the reason though why I want another bird is because I think mine is lonely: she spent all her life with her siblings in the pet shop cage, and now she's all by her lonesome. I wonder if there's a toy or something I can get that she can snuggle with...

I have a LOT to think about, but fortunately finances are forcing me to hold off on doing anything rash. There's a lot of options on breeds out there, and I want to make sure I get what's best for my living situation and temperment (I'd rather have something cuddly, which is part of the reason I considered [briefly] the cockatoo and am still thinking of the eclectus).

Thanks for the advice!!!

Hi Lady,

I have only had Rosie for 2 months and I was offered a bird which I was thinking of taking. I posted a thread on the forum asking the members advice on getting a second bird. After reading their advice etc I decided not to get the bird.

My main reason was because of Rosie - I have not given her enough time to get used to me and bond, bringing in another bird at this point would create stress on my relationship with Rosie. The fact that you are not getting far with the other bird is a red warning light that time and patience - which you mentioned need to be given before your attention is drawn to another bird.

A new bird bird needs to be quarantined and not be kept in the same breathing space for about a month. Your parrots would have to be taken out seperately and given equal amount of attention. With the parrot you own and the parrot your interested in you need space to be able to give them the space they need without them being too close to eachother.

Researching is the way forward but that research needs to be used in order to gain experience. They only way your going to achieve that is to get a relationship going with your parrot you have at the moment. Any parrot can give you the love and companionship you want as long as you dont place expectations on them. As Ant said, every parrot is differrent and doesnt fit a mold.

I hope that you will make the choice that is best for your parrot and not for you - sorry, that may sound harsh but Im writing this thread with your best interests at heart Im not saying dont get another parrot ever, Im just saying that you need to give the both of you a chance first and then once your relationship has been established you can increase your flock

Hello, LE,
I can imagine that it is very hard to struggle with your baby just trying to win some trust when we all write of the funny doings of our birds and our relationships with these creatures that bring so much to the table. You wouldn't be human if you didn't feel a bit cheated because that isn't happening yet for you and your GCC. But, while your future may very well involve another bird or birds, you would be doing your present bird and yourself a disservice if you try to find a bird that better meets your expectations while the first bird is sort of set aside. (I don't mean that you would do that literally of course but withdrawal and reinvestment in the other bird would be natural.) Plus, you presently have a bird, that, if you continue to work with it, you are likely to succeed with and which is a type of parrot that can probably handle your present and future schedule. Some of the birds you are considering are unlikely to be able to do that. Especially because you want the bird to be able to be a companion on outings, I am going to assert (and yes I absolutely admit to bias) that a conure (or two!) is a whole lot easier to just jump in the car with than one of the larger birds with more needs and issues.

I am not trying to discourage you from sharing your heart in the future with more than one bird. (And if I was going there you would be right to call me on it since I have four if you don't count the ducks!) But I swear to you that if you break through to the connection that I know that is waiting for you with the GCC you have now, you will find that is something you will never forget and never regret waiting for. If it helps you decide, I would be willing to PM back and forth with you to help you in your work with your bird, sort of as i did with Kokaihi and Tori. Don't give up on your ability to win through to this bird.

I know exactly how you feel. When I had loki I was under the assumption I was getting a hand-tame lovebird, turns out I got a petrified-of-hands lovvie instead. I tried to work with him everyday and actually considered getting another bird who is already hand-tame. I finally reached the decision to adopt loki to a wonderful lady who had more experience than me. Lovebirds are naturally not as easily tamed as a conure it seems. I have faith in you that you can tame your GCC to be the best bud ever. Don't give up like I did!!!!!

Yeah I guess you all are right. I would probably be cheating my little GCC out of the attention she needs if I brought, say, an already affectionate bird (of any species) into the house. This is SO not to say my current baby isn't giving me love - today is the first time I'm really beginning to notice progress, and I'm finding my desire for another bird is beginning to diminish. I'm getting little cooing noises and warbles that weren't there before, but I've a ways to go before I can get my hands near her.

In response to questions on how much time I spend with the bird: nearly every moment when I'm not at work. I'll run the occasional errand or take my pup to the dogpark, but mostly I've been parked right beside her cage giving her the attention she needs (she was in a cage with 3 other broodmates so is bound to be lonely). It's only been a week too, but yes it's very hard to read everyone's experiences with a cuddly or loving bird - promising, especially knowing this could be my future too, but hard...

LE,
Is Mishka clipped?

bogo1 said:

LE,
Is Mishka clipped?

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Partially; as far as I can tell, she's had the first 3-5 outer primaries clipped. She can fly; not as easily as if she had all her feathers, but she can definitely fly, which is part of the reason I don't want her out of the cage.

Beilana said:

I know exactly how you feel. When I had loki I was under the assumption I was getting a hand-tame lovebird, turns out I got a petrified-of-hands lovvie instead. I tried to work with him everyday and actually considered getting another bird who is already hand-tame. I finally reached the decision to adopt loki to a wonderful lady who had more experience than me. Lovebirds are naturally not as easily tamed as a conure it seems. I have faith in you that you can tame your GCC to be the best bud ever. Don't give up like I did!!!!!

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Hi Beilana, Im so sorry to hear that you gave Loki up but you made the choice that was right for you. I just want to correct your view that lovebirds may be harder to tame than conures. Rosie is now stepping up to my hand and demands my attention all the time. She still bites but she wil live for about 15 years and I have all those 15 years to work with her. She is loving and affectionate in her own way. I also owned 3 lovebirds during my childhood and they were very tame. I owned a sun conure just after that for 6 months which was a disaster - he was tempremental and vicious - it all depends on the bird! I dont think that conures are like that at all it was just his own nature.

I just want to also add that even though one pays for a hand tamed bird they need to understand that the bird has bonded with the breeder and will take time to adjust to their new home and to you. Their character will change for a period where they go from a loving tame bird to nervous and scared bird. The view that once a bird has been handreared they are automatically tame is a niave mindset because they then need to bond with their new owner. Having said that, buying a handreared bird is the way to go because the foundations have been laid and the bird will be more responsive to you as their owner during that bonding period.

When I owned Hugo he was sick the whole time I had him. I realised that he would never be like the other birds on the forum. There were days when he never left his cage and would attack me because he was fighting an internal battle. Once I realised that he was an individual he became the parrot I couldnt live without. He became my friend not for what I wanted out of him but for what he gave me

Owning parrots is about loving them whether they show affection, talk or just want to play on top of their cage. Its up to you to decide whether your love for them is conditional or whether you love them for who they are. It takes time, patience, effort and continious love to form a bond with any bird.

I am REALLY surprised to read this thread, I cant believe that you consider getting another bird? I've read your posts about Mishka and YOU ARE doing an excellent job. You are patient, you are putting the time in, you did already fall in love, you are giving it your all and you are following advice! You know that it takes time and we all know how frustrating that can be, I think the only thing short here is that you need a lot more support from us on your Mishka thread.

http://www.parrotforums.com/conures/6550-taming-mishka-green-cheek-conure-3.html

When the weeks start feeling too much for you then stop a moment and think of how easy you actually have it! Think of me. An iguana takes more than a year to socialize and they NEVER become tame, most iguanas never even reach the socialized point! Hopefully that will make you realize that the weeks of teaching Mishka to trust your hands are really nothing but a tiny stepping stone to a wonderful relationship with a tame bird that you will have for years.

wildheart said:

I am REALLY surprised to read this thread, I cant believe that you consider getting another bird? I've read your posts about Mishka and YOU ARE doing an excellent job. You are patient, you are putting the time in, you did already fall in love, you are giving it your all and you are following advice! You know that it takes time and we all know how frustrating that can be, I think the only thing short here is that you need a lot more support from us on your Mishka thread.

http://www.parrotforums.com/conures/6550-taming-mishka-green-cheek-conure-3.html

When the weeks start feeling too much for you then stop a moment and think of how easy you actually have it! Think of me. An iguana takes more than a year to socialize and they NEVER become tame, most iguanas never even reach the socialized point! Hopefully that will make you realize that the weeks of teaching Mishka to trust your hands are really nothing but a tiny stepping stone to a wonderful relationship with a tame bird that you will have for years.

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I know, it's silly right? I said it elsewhere but it's like my head knew this would take a while (as in, give it at least a month), but my heart was like CUDDLES NOW!! :20: I do really want another bird eventually and the knowledge I'm gaining from this board is invaluable, but I know my reasons for looking at the moment were wrong.

Still, I appreciate all the information, both on Amazons AND on iguanas. I've always been a reptile person (did my senior thesis on the Mojave Black-collared lizard and one of my friends raises all sorts of snakes etc that I get to play with) but never knew that about iguanas!

Hie-hie, I know it must have been funny to hear about an iguana on a parrot forum but when I still battled with my parrot I always thought back of how tuff it was with my iguana. That made my parrot seem like a breeze, thought you could think of the same thing. You must excuse me, I am not always here.