Dream Birds vs. The Right Bird for You

I've been thinking about this a lot lately and I wonder how everyone else feels.

I think everyone who's gotten into birds has had dream species they think they want, based on ...who knows; looks, rumored temperament, talking ability, whatever. But I've discovered that what I thought I wanted and what I needed in my life, wasn't the same bird at all.

I used to dream about getting a Grey or an Eclectus, maybe a Pionus. From the books and articles and Bird Talk, etc. that seemed like what I wanted, what I'd like. I used to imagine what I'd call them, how our relationship would be, etc.

But then the opportunity for Iris appeared...and there was an Ekkie in that household too, who I really thought I would want instead. I had a name picked out and everything...except when I met him it wasn't right (he hated me and I just felt weird about him). And Iris? She's the perfect girl for my house.

I never even CONSIDERED a zon, since their reputation is so bad...but now, the more I talk to actual people who own them instead of articles...? I was totally wrong.

I love Iris and I'm looking forward to my future YNA. I'm so glad I ended up with the bird and the bird family I did.

Anyone else experience something similar?


(Not that Greys and Ekkies are bad...at all. I still love them. They just aren't right for me.)

Dream Birds - Four macaws: Hy GW RFM BTM...

I have two of the four, and have played with all four. Owning two is great. One more macaw would be one too many. TOO MUCH WORK!

The real dream birds are the ones that you are most bonded with. I am fortunate in that I have had many dream birds over the years. None were ever more bonded than my own BFA... Exceptional personality, and exceptionally bonded. (Though Maggie, my GW, is close!)

I have five at the moment, wouldn't want to live without any of them.

Wouldn't want one more either. I like my flock the way it is.

Fantasy objects of any kind rarely live up to their expectations. (How could they?) That's why a good fantasy is often better than reality.

When you wake up, you just let it go, and go on living.

Yes thank you for posting this. I think its the same with bird chooses you and it just clicks. I want a macaw or a grey when I get my own house but I know that I need to start small then go big. Like maybe get a small conure first then go up from there. But its best to click then to just oh that's pretty I want that one but then when it gets older it hates you and you hate it. It was supposed to be my bird but it loves your partner instead. So I totally agree with you! Life takes you on a different loop then you had planned.

kq_fan said:

YI want a macaw or a grey when I get my own house but I know that I need to start small then go big. Like maybe get a small conure first then go up from there.

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Personally, I think that's a myth!

If you want a macaw get a macaw. Just learn how to work with one, and train it, and deal with the potential behaviors you will encounter first... Go in and handle them. Get hands on experience. THEN get the bird you want.

Dream bird: A cockatoo. They are just so hilarious and I ADORE them. But really, for now I think I should stick to the smaller counterpart:the cockatiel.

(anyway, all birds are perfect in their own ways!)

Ya maybe I dont know ill just see if I find a macaw that will fit my life and I can help it then ill get it but I am in no position to get a macaw right now that's for sure! And then if you just keep going up, you might become a hoarder! Cas big birds live a long time!

i got both!!!my dream bird was an green cheek,i got 4 and one has really bonded with me ,she was born here and raised with her parents and me,i can't wish for any better!

kq_fan said:

Ya maybe I dont know ill just see if I find a macaw that will fit my life and I can help it then ill get it but I am in no position to get a macaw right now that's for sure! And then if you just keep going up, you might become a hoarder! Cas big birds live a long time!

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Well, what I hate about that "starter bird" concept, is quite often you get a bird that becomes super bonded to a person, and it is the center of attention, sometimes for years...

And then they get the bird they really wanted. And the little bird loses the attention it used to receive, and acts out because it is heartbroken...

Then it gets rehomed for acting out...

That is the "starter bird" pattern I frequently saw. Not saying you would do that. Just saying it happens, because people didn't get the bird they wanted in the first place.

What a fun topic. I can definitely relate to this!

I have had other birds in the past 20 years of having parrots...

I will only mention the 4 which were TRULY "dream birds" that I had dreamed of and wanted, then had obtained.

First, sometime in the late 90's... I went to a bird fair and saw the most stunning parrot I'd ever seen. Not something large, actually, smaller than a Cockatiel... An Australian Hooded Parakeet (Psephotus genus grass parakeet). They were rare in the US, and usually only kept as aviary birds. Nonetheless, I searched and searched for a breeder, and happened to find one a couple hours from where I lived. I got a hand fed male I named Adrian. Even though hand fed, he was a typical grass parakeet with more of a wild "aviary" personality. I loved him nonetheless, and was excited to finally see him start to turn to his adult male coloration. Unfortunately he died before fully coloring. Never had a necropsy, but vet didn't think it was from a contagious reason, and Robin tested negative for everything years later.

Around the same time frame, I got a juvenile male Plumheaded parakeet. Ooh, the colors of the adult males I so admire! Long story short, I was inexperienced enough to buy a 'wild' bird of an already hands off species, and Shelby NEVER tamed down in the cage, so he went to live with a breeder.

In 2005, I managed to find my FAVORITE SPECIES of all time. I've always loved the look of the Bronze Winged Pionus, then the Pionus general characteristics didn't seem bad either. My first BW was a female I named Adrion. She was well handled and petted while she was still weaning, so was an unusually cuddly Pionus. Also more typical of the females, she had a gentle, and really nice pet personality. Unfortunately, vet thinks she was a carrier all her life, and she died from PDD at a year old. Both this bird and the one above were named 'Adrian/Adrion' and died. Not a good name for me apparently...
Now, I once again have a Bronze Winged Pionus. My boy Raven will be a year old at the end of this month.

In 2006, after admiring and researching them for about a year prior, I NEEDED a Slender Billed Corella (Cockatoo). They're rare, but I found a breeder, saved the money for her, a huge cage, vet visit and tons of supplies. Wow, this was a real dream come true! I had researched what I had thought was thoroughly, spent a year digging up SB owners to ask, but as with researching anything, it is nothing compared to having the real experience. She (the species) was actually a little different from the other white Toos. Very independent for a Too, she just couldn't hold still to be cuddled very long (too much energy) although I was able to touch her everywhere. She was very, VERY active! Think of an active species of monkey... Literally. She also had a different sort of call. Not loud like most Toos, but annoying odd 'chirp' lol. She was a real line of sight chirper too :52:. My life just could not accommodate her fully enough, and she went to live in an excellent home with aviaries and a whole large house dedicated to the training and enrichment of large parrots. I lost thousands of dollars having to give her away after a few years, but it was okay. I just wanted her to have the best. Actually, around this time, I very much wanted a Blue Throated Macaw. In retrospect I'm so glad I saved the heartache of having to rehome, because I know I wasn't able to handle that either.

SO... after all that, I've come to see what species I truly love, and are a great addition to my life. Now I have the experience to realize that I am a true Poicephalus and Pionus fan. Reality is... Robin, Griffin, Raven, and little Budgie Twigs make me very happy. THEY are my current dream birds
After owning birds for 20 years, I know what I CAN'T handle, and what is sensible! Having more experience doesn't necessary mean that you can start small and go bigger and bigger... It depends on so many factors what species and size is right for you, lifestyle, and family.

If in the future more are added, it will be another Poi, or Pi, and Don wants his own bird, an Amazon. Those species are realistic and sensible for us personally.

There are lots of species of parrot that fascinate me. Some, such as Mullocan toos, I love but I don't think I have a lifestyle or temperament that would allow me to ever keep one. Others, such as Vasas, Major Mitchells and black red tail-toos are hard to come by in the UK. And Spix macaws or vulturines?

The truth is, once I'd met Alice a couple of times, I only wanted her - and now she's with me I can't imagine loving another bird as much. So, turns out when it comes to dream birds, an adolescent galah with a bundle full of issues is the absolute pinnacle for me!

I'd also say that a female Vosmaeri Eclectus would be an absolute "dream bird", but only a dream. I absolutey love the striking yellow tail tips and purple front of the female Vos. One of the most "eye candy" parrots in my opinion.

I had a really nice female Grand subspecies Ekkie for about 6 years, before she was rehomed back to her breeder. I have to admit my ex prodded me toward the heartbreaking decision. She would scream and scream when I was working a lot, and he and his daughter didn't know what to do. It also took a whole lot of 'extra' effort (IMPO) to provide the proper daily diet which is a bit different and more strict in requirements than most other parrots.

So another species not realistic for me then, now, or ever... But I do drool over them :32:

I love my two little guys and could say that an IRN male was my first dream bird But my guys were a package deal since they were bonded and I'm So glad they are because funnily enough I reaaally have hit it off with my sun conure! I feel like I have the best of both worlds--the cuddly one and the entertaining one.

I do have to say that some day in the Distant future I would love to own a larger bird (medium-large). here are some of my "dream birds" now which are feasible for me to get someday..

(These arent in any specific order just kinda came to mind)

1. male eclectus (no preference on type)
2. african grey (preferably timneh)
3. rose breasted cockatoo
4. cape parrot
5. blue throated macaw
6. goffins cockatoo

And now the more unrealistic ones ...

1. palm cockatoo
2. hyacinth macaw
3. blue and gold macaw

(my dream job is to work as a bird keeper at a zoo sooo hopefully I can at least work with some of these dream birds someday after all )

Yes Birdman that's so true! I would feel awful if I got another bird with Lilo! She would be heart broken! Might hafto wait unless it was like jay jay he wasn't hand tame so she didn't have another bird craving for my attention! And Lilo is not an easy pet to have! She acts like a macaw! So she is great!

I am happy to say that I am VERY SATISFIED with my green cheek conure, Larry, and my canary, Norman. I put a lot of thought into choosing them and I wouldn't change anything. (well, not so much thought with Norman, that was hubby's) I love them both.
I have ~dReAmEd~ of having another bird, not because I dream of a 'different' bird, but just because I love birds so much in general.
After taking a hard look at myself, lifestyle, my relationship with Larry & Norman, I came to the conclusion that they are all I need right now.
I know my limitations and I simply do not feel that I could divide my attention to the extent required for keeping more birds, although I do have the time.
We also took into consideration when we got Norman that a canary does not require the same amount of 'care' and 'attention' that a parrot demands.
Maybe someday I will change my mind and feel differently about keeping more birds, but for now I am 'happy as a lark' with my two boys

Nice thread!

I've owned many birds over the years and then due to moving across continents, I had to find homes for my birds (2 African grays and lovebirds) and was so sad I didn't get another for ten years!

My dream bird is my new little GCC, Peep. He's full of himself and clingy but canbe on his own when I go to work. He knows when I come home he will be out and about for the whole evening.

I would like to have one more bird someday, a larger bird (not as big as a macaw) maybe a rose breasted cockatoo. We will see. Just to have two would be plenty but I'm in no rush!

I'd never ignore Peep. We would have to find another bird that Peep agrees with!

When I was young my dream bird was a lesser sulfur crested cockatoo. Hhhmmm... I outgrew that. Some people have what it takes to be a too parront, but I do not.

Then, a Green Wing Macaw and a Panama Amazon. Someday I may own one or both, but honestly, I don't see it happening (other than a rescue B&G I may someday save) because it would take so much time from the birds I already have! There is nothing small about a Green Cheek personality!

My dream bird has always been a male ekkie, and I was lucky enough to add Ekko to the family last Dec. He is as wonderful as I had always dreamed! The funny thing is that I had never even thought about a Pionus, but my hubby wanted a BHP so we got Talli last year, and have since added a WCP, Pisces, as well. I love those two so much, and I would have missed out if not for Reg wanting Talli.

The only addition I would LOVE to make would be a Galah, thanks to those of you who have them and have made me fall in love! The beautiful Chili just makes me want to come cuddle her



Sometimes we end up with exactly the flock we are meant to have, I think.

Terry57 said:

Sometimes we end up with exactly the flock we are meant to have, I think.

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I think so too. Looking back, that did happen to me after all the birds I've had.

I did alot of research and was lucky a breeder was close by. I think Mango picked his "dream dad"! I came into his house and we clicked right away. I was looking for an Eclectus that was well socialized. Keep in mind, the better socialized a baby is, will have ALOT to do with how they are around new and different things. Mango is just about as bold as anything. Sounds, kids, other people, and even the occasional buzzard flying overhead just get his interest. Even at the beach, while watching Pelicans fish, a big gust of wind knocked him off my arm, he just flew back to me and continued watching the Pelicans! He always has to know what is going on, wanting all the attention he can get. I feel very lucky he picked me!