DeeNTheChillas
New member
I am trying to decide what type of parrot is right for my family. I have always loved CAGs, they are my dream bird and I have done tons of research and have interacted with them over the past four years. If
However, a friend suggested I look into Eclectus because they believe they are a better family bird, and while I'm attracted to them, they just aren't the CAG to me.
I do not have large bird experience, so this will be my first bigger avian family member. I am, however, experienced with many other types of animals and my best friend has owned macaws and works in a pet store with many birds so she is available to guide me, as well as a very local pet store owner who would likely be my feed supplier (she has a red factor CAG).
I am the type of person who gets pets for their life. I have never given up a pet, other than the chinchillas I sell (I'm a breeder so that's just part of what I do) and even those I will take back at any point if needed. So I want to make sure I make the best choice possible.
I work regular hours, 8:30 to 4:30 Monday through Friday; husband works swing shifts, usually 9-6 or 2 to 10. We have a toddler and two pit bulls and three cats who live inside. However, we live in an old farmhouse with lots of rooms and it's very easy to separate the animals when needed, and I plan to put the bird cage in our back sunroom, which has a door - the cats are not allowed in there now anyway.
If I'm not at work, I'm at home (most generally) and I'm very much a homebody. I would like to build an outdoor flight area as well, someday.
So... thoughts? Suggestions? Any advice would be appreciated.
However, a friend suggested I look into Eclectus because they believe they are a better family bird, and while I'm attracted to them, they just aren't the CAG to me.
I do not have large bird experience, so this will be my first bigger avian family member. I am, however, experienced with many other types of animals and my best friend has owned macaws and works in a pet store with many birds so she is available to guide me, as well as a very local pet store owner who would likely be my feed supplier (she has a red factor CAG).
I am the type of person who gets pets for their life. I have never given up a pet, other than the chinchillas I sell (I'm a breeder so that's just part of what I do) and even those I will take back at any point if needed. So I want to make sure I make the best choice possible.
I work regular hours, 8:30 to 4:30 Monday through Friday; husband works swing shifts, usually 9-6 or 2 to 10. We have a toddler and two pit bulls and three cats who live inside. However, we live in an old farmhouse with lots of rooms and it's very easy to separate the animals when needed, and I plan to put the bird cage in our back sunroom, which has a door - the cats are not allowed in there now anyway.
If I'm not at work, I'm at home (most generally) and I'm very much a homebody. I would like to build an outdoor flight area as well, someday.
So... thoughts? Suggestions? Any advice would be appreciated.
Just be sure you know that they're babies until almost 2 years old. In the wild they stay under their parents care until around that age and still need their flock to learn. That's why a lot of CAG have issues. I'm sure if you can take him into the pet shop or even have him around his parents that he'll grow up just fine. 
