Which is the best option?

  • Quaker Parakeet, their personalities will surprise you!

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    13

MGMork

New member
May 23, 2018
20
0
Victoria, BC
Hi everyone,

For a few years now, I've been stricken with a love for parrots. It started with Cockatiels, and has, more recently, spread to Conures and Quakers. I started a similar thread 2 years ago, but a lot has changed since then. With 2020 providing a lot of idle time to dedicate to thinking about potentially bringing one home (if the opportunity arises), the likelihood of it happening continues to grow. That being said, there are still questions I have that will keep me from making any choices until they're answered! And that's exactly what brings me here.But before I get to the details of such , I'll shed a little light on my living situation/lifestyle.

For starters, I live with a family of 4 (myself included) in a rather large household (roughly 4200 square feet). A good thing to mention is the fact that we do have a small dog as well (a miniature schnauzer), but old age has definitely made him a soft, calm, and passive observer more than anything. Like I said, the house is rather large, and we have a lot of free and open space to spare. In thinking about where the parrot would likely be kept, I was thinking of having two cages: one in the kitchen for the day (when I'm not around), and one in my room for the evening/night/morning. The kitchen itself is large, has quite a few windows, and is probably the "busiest" area of our home. (And just to be clear, we are all aware of all the changes that need to be made in our home chemical and product wise, and the bird would never be in the kitchen while someone is cooking.) My room is on the upper floor, is both large and well-lit, and is where the bird would be spending most of its time with me. If you have any questions or concerns about either location, I'm happy to provide details and am more than open to suggestions about cage placement.

As a whole, we are a pretty 'in-and-out' family - well, when covid isn't keeping everyone at home at least - but that doesn't mean the house is empty for long. The only one working at the moment is myself, but at a very minimal 4 hours a week in the evening. This is because my time is now predominantly spent at home attending university online, which has reawakened my interest and heightened the potential of bringing a parrot home. My younger brother is in school, and my parents are both working from home. At most, the house will be unoccupied for maybe an hour or two, if not less. But again, my life is now rooted here, and it's where I spend nearly all of my time. Further still, the idea of moving out isn't really in question, and it won't be for quite some time. The house almost always has someone in it, whether it be my parents or my brother, and they have all agreed to care for the bird in the event I am unable. I hope that's enough to give a sense of what kind of environment the parrot would be living in, but if you have any further questions, feel free to ask!

As it stands, I am leaning towards a Green-cheeked Conure. My local pet store (which is independent and locally owned) actually works with a breeder from Vancouver, who breeds, rescues and hand-raises Conures. I've spoken with him quite a bit, and have spent lots of time around the birds he brings in for me to meet... Often finding myself in the store for hours. I've done about as much research and forum-searching as I can, and have asked countless questions to both the breeder and the pet shop. While it does seem that everything would work out, I'm still worried that I'll make the wrong decision. And even though I'm fully prepared to prioritize the bird, as is my family, I'm sure you can understand that a choice such as this comes with uncertainty.

Is a Green-cheeked Conure the right choice for me? Like I said, I've been torn between them, Cockatiels, and Quakers. They all have such wonderful personalities and potentials that I'd happily embrace. The only thing I'd like to prioritize in terms of qualities or traits would be their ability to socialize and interact. Living at home, with a family that is just as smitten with parrots as I am, I'd like to be able to share the love - though having a personal bond is probably the most important. The more goofy, curious, and playful the better, but I suppose that all depends on the bird itself. As I had mentioned previously, we are all prepared to make changes to our lives and give what's needed to make sure this is the right decision. It means a whole lot to all of us, myself especially, and we all understand this isn't an easy or light choice to make. If it's of any concern to those reading, budget is no real issue here. Even if it's easier said than done, I can affirm that this bird would be my top priority, and I want to take it in knowing I can give it a good home, a good quality of life, and endless love.

I think that's about it! Again, if there are any important details that I missed, don't hesitate to ask. Ans if you do decide to vote in the poll, please explain your vote! Thank you in advance!
 
Last edited:

chris-md

Well-known member
Feb 6, 2010
4,349
2,119
Maryland - USA
Parrots
Parker - male Eclectus

Aphrodite - red throated conure (RIP)
Hello and welcome!

You describe a family of 4 but don’t actually desactive your station in it (unless I overlooked it). Are you a child in this family or the parent? How old are you? That makes a big difference here.
 
Jan 16, 2019
444
110
Maldives, H.Dh Kulhudhuffushi
Parrots
White-faced 'tiel (Cookie). Pied Budgie (Pepper).
Hello and welcome!

You describe a family of 4 but don’t actually desactive your station in it (unless I overlooked it). Are you a child in this family or the parent? How old are you? That makes a big difference here.

He's specified that he lives with his parents and that he has a younger brother. So I'm pretty sure that he's the older child is his family. He's also said he goes to university but didn't specify his exact age.
 

Laurasea

Well-known member
Aug 2, 2018
12,593
10,702
USA
Parrots
Full house
I have a quaker that was given up by a college student. College is a busy ( when non pandemic), school, friends, dating, work, hobbies, travel. Tge guy tgst gave him up to me had a huge love of parrots, and had been providing excellent care. But the noise , and the time a parrot needs, and some safety issues with roommates made him re home the burd.

I can tell you numerous times we have had roommates try abd harm parrots. Parrots are up and loud at sunrise. And some people seem to hav a hate / fear of parrots.

We have tons of people who are in a relationship , or married. And the parrot is a source of fighting . The person that joined the relationship doesn't understand truly that the parrot demands hours of attention every dingle day for 25 years, that yiu have to make so many concess for their safety...that tge parrot will see tgrm as a rival and hate them, bite them.

I am not wanting to be a bummer, and bring up all tge negative stuff. Its just that its very simular to taking on a 3 year old child, you will make sacrifice , like traveling. Its difficult to travel with your burd, and they suffer when you leave them .

Parrots are fantastic, incredible, intelligent, oh so messy, demanding...

Quakers are the most demanding of the species
Youve narrowed down to. I love them for sure. But a green cheek and cockatiels will tolerate being in the cage while yiu are at work or school. A quaker will likely self destruct. They are highly social, intelligent, and active. And they like to make noise , and turn to screaming when un happy or bored. They will also pluck and mutilate their bodies when their social, intellectual, and excerise needs aren't met.... at age 1-2 years tgey can become attack parrot cage aggressive. Still great away from the cage tho! Worse during breed season , i d open the door to hsve em fly at my face . A baby won't be this way till older, so it must be keot in mind that this could happen when they become adults, and must be worked around.

In 2 years will you be out of the house working 8 hours a day and then hitting tge gym....

Anyway im going to give yiu advice itger might not agree with. Get a green cheeck conure and a quaker , tgey must have their own cages. If you get both at the same time as fully weaned young babies , 90% going to be friends. Both if these species are social preeners, tgey are a goid match for squabbles, while the quaker is larger, GCC are fierce with tge sharp beak. Having a friend will be beneficial with their well being and mental health.
 

chris-md

Well-known member
Feb 6, 2010
4,349
2,119
Maryland - USA
Parrots
Parker - male Eclectus

Aphrodite - red throated conure (RIP)
Hello and welcome!

You describe a family of 4 but don’t actually desactive your station in it (unless I overlooked it). Are you a child in this family or the parent? How old are you? That makes a big difference here.

He's specified that he lives with his parents and that he has a younger brother. So I'm pretty sure that he's the older child is his family. He's also said he goes to university but didn't specify his exact age.

Thanks! That’s what happens with distracted reading. Thought I may have overlooked something.
 

Squeekmouse

Well-known member
May 31, 2017
840
337
Illinois
Parrots
Yoda, Green Cheek Conure - Trigger, Congo African Grey
If you can tolerate some nipping, then you can't beat the love and cuddles and goofy personality of a Green Cheek Conure, IMHO. :)

That being said, you sound like you're taking this quite seriously and have a great, mature attitude. Just be sure to think about where you might be in 5 years or 10 years and be prepared to consider your Fid when you are going through life and changes that will always come.
 

KitKatPlus

New member
Sep 19, 2020
58
4
Santa Cruz, CA
Parrots
Caesar the tiel (foster)
Green cheek conures, while they tend to be the least screamy of the conure species, still has the potential to be the loudest of the three species you're looking at, so that's definitely a factor.

As for cage in the kitchen: sounds good as long as its almost strictly for when you are gone. Good thinking about not having the bird there when you are cooking (and I'm assuming you are scrapping all teflon cookware or putting the bird behind a closed door), but also beware of tons of other dangers in the kitchen - a bird should never be in there unsupervised.

It's important to think about what will happen once covid is over. I volunteer with a parrot rescue and we have had lots of people coming in wanting a companion, but once covid is over their life will change significantly. If your family will take care of the bird while you are gone, they will need to build relationship with it too. Any of those species have the potential to bond with multiple people, but only if they are persistent in working with the bird. Trick training is a great way to build bridges between the bird and a family member who it may not usually interact with much :)

I may be telling you things you already know, but you can never be reminded too many times - I've learned that firsthand! Quakers are the most unpredictable so I may steer clear of them unless you were head over heels.
 
OP
M

MGMork

New member
May 23, 2018
20
0
Victoria, BC
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Hello and welcome!

You describe a family of 4 but don’t actually desactive your station in it (unless I overlooked it). Are you a child in this family or the parent? How old are you? That makes a big difference here.
Totally valid! ChocolateChipCookiez got it right though, I'm the one currently attending university :)
 

Laurasea

Well-known member
Aug 2, 2018
12,593
10,702
USA
Parrots
Full house
" Green cheek conures, while they tend to be the least screamy of the conure species, still has the potential to be the loudest of the three species you're looking at, so that's definitely a factor."

I don't agree with that :)
Quaker are notorious for their loudness, and for vocalize ( screaming/chatter) for long oer of time. Tgey like to maje noise, and they are go to maje even more if they are board or frustrated, or hormonal calling for a mate.
 
OP
M

MGMork

New member
May 23, 2018
20
0
Victoria, BC
  • Thread Starter
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  • #10
I have a quaker that was given up by a college student. College is a busy ( when non pandemic), school, friends, dating, work, hobbies, travel. Tge guy tgst gave him up to me had a huge love of parrots, and had been providing excellent care. But the noise , and the time a parrot needs, and some safety issues with roommates made him re home the burd.

I can tell you numerous times we have had roommates try abd harm parrots. Parrots are up and loud at sunrise. And some people seem to hav a hate / fear of parrots.

We have tons of people who are in a relationship , or married. And the parrot is a source of fighting . The person that joined the relationship doesn't understand truly that the parrot demands hours of attention every dingle day for 25 years, that yiu have to make so many concess for their safety...that tge parrot will see tgrm as a rival and hate them, bite them.

I am not wanting to be a bummer, and bring up all tge negative stuff. Its just that its very simular to taking on a 3 year old child, you will make sacrifice , like traveling. Its difficult to travel with your burd, and they suffer when you leave them .

Parrots are fantastic, incredible, intelligent, oh so messy, demanding...

Quakers are the most demanding of the species
Youve narrowed down to. I love them for sure. But a green cheek and cockatiels will tolerate being in the cage while yiu are at work or school. A quaker will likely self destruct. They are highly social, intelligent, and active. And they like to make noise , and turn to screaming when un happy or bored. They will also pluck and mutilate their bodies when their social, intellectual, and excerise needs aren't met.... at age 1-2 years tgey can become attack parrot cage aggressive. Still great away from the cage tho! Worse during breed season , i d open the door to hsve em fly at my face . A baby won't be this way till older, so it must be keot in mind that this could happen when they become adults, and must be worked around.

In 2 years will you be out of the house working 8 hours a day and then hitting tge gym....

Anyway im going to give yiu advice itger might not agree with. Get a green cheeck conure and a quaker , tgey must have their own cages. If you get both at the same time as fully weaned young babies , 90% going to be friends. Both if these species are social preeners, tgey are a goid match for squabbles, while the quaker is larger, GCC are fierce with tge sharp beak. Having a friend will be beneficial with their well being and mental health.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the detailed message, and you bring forward a lot of valid points. I've definitely thought about getting two parrots before, and would consider it if the right ones came along.
 
OP
M

MGMork

New member
May 23, 2018
20
0
Victoria, BC
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  • #11
If you can tolerate some nipping, then you can't beat the love and cuddles and goofy personality of a Green Cheek Conure, IMHO. :)

That being said, you sound like you're taking this quite seriously and have a great, mature attitude. Just be sure to think about where you might be in 5 years or 10 years and be prepared to consider your Fid when you are going through life and changes that will always come.
Good to know, thanks! One of the questions in my mind is definitely in regards to what life could look like 10 years down the road... And furthermore, what I want it to look like. Definitely an important thing to think about, so I appreciate the input :)
 

Laurasea

Well-known member
Aug 2, 2018
12,593
10,702
USA
Parrots
Full house
In Europe some countries insist you hsve more than one parrot, understanding how social they are as reported to us from a past member there. They aldo fint allow pulling chicks to hand raise, instead co parrent, only allowed rejected chicks to be hand raised. And have much larger minimum cage requirements that are enforced by confiscate of partots kept in to small of cages

Hopefully us in the rest of the world will improve our standards regarding these very intelligent, very social creatures
 
OP
M

MGMork

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May 23, 2018
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0
Victoria, BC
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  • #13
Green cheek conures, while they tend to be the least screamy of the conure species, still has the potential to be the loudest of the three species you're looking at, so that's definitely a factor.

As for cage in the kitchen: sounds good as long as its almost strictly for when you are gone. Good thinking about not having the bird there when you are cooking (and I'm assuming you are scrapping all teflon cookware or putting the bird behind a closed door), but also beware of tons of other dangers in the kitchen - a bird should never be in there unsupervised.

It's important to think about what will happen once covid is over. I volunteer with a parrot rescue and we have had lots of people coming in wanting a companion, but once covid is over their life will change significantly. If your family will take care of the bird while you are gone, they will need to build relationship with it too. Any of those species have the potential to bond with multiple people, but only if they are persistent in working with the bird. Trick training is a great way to build bridges between the bird and a family member who it may not usually interact with much :)

I may be telling you things you already know, but you can never be reminded too many times - I've learned that firsthand! Quakers are the most unpredictable so I may steer clear of them unless you were head over heels.
I totally agree, there's a whole lot of stuff that should be considered more than once. I really appreciate your points and tips! And yes, the cage in the kitchen will only be used when I'm out of the house as long as someone is free to supervise (and we don't even have any teflon to scrap)!
 

KitKatPlus

New member
Sep 19, 2020
58
4
Santa Cruz, CA
Parrots
Caesar the tiel (foster)
" Green cheek conures, while they tend to be the least screamy of the conure species, still has the potential to be the loudest of the three species you're looking at, so that's definitely a factor."

I don't agree with that :)
Quaker are notorious for their loudness, and for vocalize ( screaming/chatter) for long oer of time. Tgey like to maje noise, and they are go to maje even more if they are board or frustrated, or hormonal calling for a mate.

Ok, well it seems he is looking mostly at getting a conure, so they are still a loud species and that should be a factor in deciding, especially when there are other people in the home too :)
 

Jen5200

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Mar 27, 2017
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Baby - Sun Conure;
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Bindi - Sun Conure;
Stanley - Pineapple GCC;
Screamer “Scree� - Cockatiel;
Tee - Pineapple GCC; Jimmy - Cockatiel
*wave* from across the water near Bellingham :).

It sounds like you and your family have thought this through and are all dedicated and supportive about adding a bird to the family. Thank you for taking the time to research, and thoughtfully consider all of the pros/cons - a 25+ year commitment should never be an impulse purchase. I think you’ve done your homework and thought this through, I’ll just add my random thoughts/recommendations below for you to throw into the mix.

I have 3 green cheeks and 1 cockatiel (and 2 sun conures). I volunteer at a parrot rescue as well. I feel an obligation to note some of the most common reasons that I see birds dropped off, in case there are any that you haven’t considered. Moving/life changes/family relationships is the biggest one; followed by biting/behavioural issues, parrot health issues and noise/mess/lost interest in it. If you’ve considered those - then you are far ahead of many people! Birds are individuals, but it sounds like you’re very aware of that. A green cheek is a lovely addition - they can be goofy, cuddly and sweet. They can also be very nippy or prefer one person. If you are prepared to work with those traits, I think they are a great addition to a family. Cockatiels are one of my favourite birds - generally sweet tempered and personable. But they can also choose their person, are dusty birds (if anyone has allergies), and generally only males sing (If that’s important to you). I have a beautiful cockatiel and she desperately loves my husband - I’m the one who does all of her care, feeding and cleaning. I love her and accept that this is her preference - but spending a lot of energy/effort on a companion that prefers to spend time with someone else can be hard for some people to live with.

I do hope you’ll share with us what you decide, if you decide. And know that there’s lots of collective experience here for you to use if or when you need it.
 

wrench13

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I am going to be the stick in the mud here. Wait. Wait until you graduate and have established yourself in your chosen profession, have a stable house/apartment and possibly a mate. Can a parrot work in your present situation, maybe. But the odds are not in your favor. What happens when your working 8 hrs a day ( plus commute), and have to maintain a household? There is shopping for food, errands, and social visiting with friends and family and the myriad other things that take you outside the home. What happens if you fall in love with another person, but they are not a 'parrot person'?

And you have not mentioned it, but often the person who buys the parrot, the one who adores them, doesn't become the parrots favorite person? Lots of times the parrots 'person' is someone who is at best ambivalent about them or at worst dislikes them. Why? Who knows, but it happens - we hear about this all the time. If you have established yourself on your own, it's less likely to happen.

So I will always recommend college students to wait. Unless your family is independently wealthy ( in which case marry me!!) the realities of college life often work against owning and providing a healthy, fulfilling life for a parrot, and I am all about the parrots well being. Post graduation your chances are much better.
 

noodles123

Well-known member
Jul 11, 2018
8,145
472
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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
Just remember that when covid ends, you will all go back to in-person and then your bird will be very confused. There's also a lot they (parents) would need to be on-board with, like not using candles, most cleaners, and even more important- noTeflon/PTFE/PFOA/PFCS (EVVVVVERRRR-- not even on another floor). When you go back to in-person, would also be bad for the bird and unallowable in most places. Then, when you graduate, you don't know what job you will have or how your hours or income can be, but even small birds are super expensive due to upkeep costs and the necessity for avian veterinary care (at least annually).

I'd say wait until you have a solid income and a career...preferably in a town-house or rental home (because birds in an apartment can get complicated) and birds + a roommate= SUPER complicated unless they already are used to all of the rules they would have to follow/ lifestyle changes.
 
Last edited:

kimbell

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Nov 17, 2015
63
0
Austin, Texas
Parrots
Pico - yellow sided GCC
Hi! I'm late to this thread but I will comment anyway because I got parrot around the same age that I assume that you are. I got Pico, my GCC for myself on my 20th birthday. I am 25 now and I can't imagine life without him. He is my best pal. I won't say if you should or should not get a parrot right now. I don't regret getting my parrot at 20, and if I could go back, I would get him again.
However, I will share some advice or insight about what it has been like as a college student with my parrot throughout the last 5 years.
First, you don't know what the personality of your bird will be like. Could be a sweetheart to everyone, could be a sweetheart to no one but you, or could be apprehensive and bite-y to everyone including you.
My parrot is a sweetheart to me but not really to anyone else except my mom and my boyfriend. My mom and him bonded almost immediately, while it has taken two years for him to bond with my boyfriend. It has caused some stress in our relationship at times.
Because my parrot likes my mom, I can leave him with her on vacations. I'm lucky that is the case. Otherwise I would either a) not be able to go on vacations at all, or b) board him with a trusted vet, which is expensive.
Pico is loud, and his anxiety levels are seemingly arbitrary and directly correspond with how loud he is being (more anxious = louder) sometimes we have bad days, sometimes we have bad weeks. Since I live with roommates, his cage is in my room. So I'm basically locked in a room with a screaming bird all day occasionally, and it's not pleasant.
Pico bites everything he can for beak stimulation. This is a common trait among parrots. He bites my doors, peels off paint, tries to bite wires, my iPad cases, cabinets, books, important papers, shoes. He has ruined quite a few of my items. He has tons of toys, but you'd be surprised at how quick they are to get a good chunk out of something.
They are constantly on the move and constantly trying to get into trouble. I've had 2 scares with Pico that start with me not paying attention for literally 1-2 minutes.

Pico has bitten a ton of my friends, family members, and anyone I've dated. Anyone that wants to hold him at least (they get a fair warning, but he attacks unprovoked. He goes from super sweet to sour out of no where.) It's not fun.

Another thing is the poop and the general mess. Again, his cage is in my room, so naturally I am constantly cleaning poop and constantly sweeping.

Now that I am about to graduate - I am starting to worry about how it will be when I work a full time job. I'm starting to worry about how it will be when I have kids. I'm starting to worry about how I will do any travelling as an adult. Every decision gets made around him, but he is here to stay as I made that choice, and he would not understand life without me.

With all of that being said - I love him to death, I'm training him to try to curb some behaviors, and life with him has brought me so much joy.

I hope you make the choice that is best for you! Good luck!
 
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BellaTheLemonBirb

New member
Oct 26, 2020
9
0
Parrots
Bella - Female yellow pied cockatiel
If you're getting a bird, don't rely on a poll; you should go to your local parrot rescue. At your rescue, you should be able to hold and meet with the birds there so that you can decide which bird is the best for you. For any beginner, a conure is best. Quakers and cockatiels are very feisty and hard to deal with unless you get them tame. My best friend has a conure and has become obsessed. They have a very clowny and cute personality that is TO DIE FOR!

Just some info to know: The diet for a conure and most parrots is around 40% pellets, 50% chop (The chopped up mixture of veggies your bird gets in their bowl), and 10% seeds, grains and fruit. You can change this up based off of your bird's dietary needs, but this basically the diet your bird should get. (Note: Budgies, cockatiels, finches, and canaries need 20% seed in their diet)

Good luck with your new bird! :)
 

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