Howdy from Texas

Howdy

I've been interested in owning a bird for a very long time, and I'm now in a position to get actually own a bird.

Just trying to feel out the different species/subspecies of the different birds and what would fit best with my fiance and myself and our corgi.

MrBackpack

welcome, yes bird pets are the best friends

welcome an keep reading forum an lol corgi!! always makes me think of the queen mother an the elderly, but i haven't seen a corgi for many a year!

what kind of bird do you have in mind??

Welcome. Where are you in TX? I could give you some reference on places to get a bird and there's a great bird shop in Richardson with knowledgable staff.

Hello and welcome! If you've got any questions about different species, I'm sure someone here will be able to give you good insight into the bird!

suebee said:

welcome an keep reading forum an lol corgi!! always makes me think of the queen mother an the elderly, but i haven't seen a corgi for many a year!

what kind of bird do you have in mind??

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I actually don't really know, but I understand the large responsibility of owning an intelligent animal, especially a large bird.

Initially I was thinking about a African Grey or a Cockatoo

HRH Di said:

Welcome. Where are you in TX? I could give you some reference on places to get a bird and there's a great bird shop in Richardson with knowledgable staff.

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I live in Austin, but am no stranger to driving for something I want: i.e. I had to drive past Dallas to get my corgi.

Hello, i am in houston

A Grey or 'too? In my mind, that's either end of the personality spectrum.

I have a wonderful Grey and highly recommend them. We also have a macaw and Alexandrine. My experience with 'toos is that they're great birds for the right person...and I'm not that person. But I have very high regard for anyone who is.

For some reason, I'm thinking there's a blue-throated macaw breeder in the Austin area, but I'm not sure. I'd need to check with my breeder here - since that's where I heard about it. BTMs are great birds.

From your user name, I'm assuming that you're kind of an outdoor person. This is a bit of a can of worms, but one can harness train their parrot and take them outdoors: camping, hiking, etc. There's a man with a red-front macaw (same kind of macaw we have) who takes his parrot rock climbing with him. There are danges outside even on a harness, such as birds prey, dogs, pathogens, etc., so consider it carefully.

HRH Di said:

A Grey or 'too? In my mind, that's either end of the personality spectrum.

From your user name, I'm assuming that you're kind of an outdoor person. This is a bit of a can of worms, but one can harness train their parrot and take them outdoors: camping, hiking, etc. There's a man with a red-front macaw (same kind of macaw we have) who takes his parrot rock climbing with him. There are danges outside even on a harness, such as birds prey, dogs, pathogens, etc., so consider it carefully.

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Actually the user name is a nickname from school where I carried a backpack, literally, everywhere: thus I was nicknamed 'backpack;' this evolved over the last couple of years into 'MrBackpack' or my XboxLive Gamer tag 'uber backpack.'

I do enjoy the outdoors, I am a avid gun collector/shooter and hunt my fair share of deer and feral hog.

I'm not sure I would trust myself with a large bird on a hike or anywhere totally out of my control, especially since I've never even owned a parrot before.

It talkes time...I wouldn't do it the first weekend with my bird...but it's an option. There are so many to choose from, what sort of personality are you looking for? The 2 species you mentioned have reputations for needing A LOT of interaction. And 'toos can be very loud.

HRH Di said:

It talkes time...I wouldn't do it the first weekend with my bird...but it's an option. There are so many to choose from, what sort of personality are you looking for? The 2 species you mentioned have reputations for needing A LOT of interaction. And 'toos can be very loud.

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personality...

I don't know

Welcome from another Texan... I am in Fort Worth... My son and daughter in law live in North Austin...
There is a ton of good information here. Just as a lot of questions...
1st question is to ask yourself why do you want a Parrot? They are like kids... they require a lot of attention and work.. you can just put them in a cage and feed and water them daily. Parrots are social and love to be around people... just like kids..

Just ask a way and I am sure you will find the answers here.

How is the hog hunting down there?

Howdy, my parents live in Dallas. My name is Angela and I'm in NY. I have fostered all kinds of birds over the yrs and just got my own. Its an Alexandrine. I love Greys, they can bond heavely to one person which I think is fine but I have a family of 5 and wanted a bird that might fit us a bit better. They are a little smaller than Greys but they do have a crazy long tail and need a cage tall enough for it to fit lol. They can be very good talkers as well but as with any bird, if they do or dont decide to talk is up to them. I find my Alexandrine Gorgeous take a look at them and good look finding your new baby!

For personality...do you want a cuddly bird? A clown? Someone a little more laid back? What sort of noise level can you and your family tolerate? Is talking ability important?

All birds are going to be loud from time to time, for some the times are just closer together. Just because you have a species with a reputation for good talking ability, doesn't mean your parrot will talk.

Here's how I see our birdies:

Jade, the red-front macaw, is a combination of a diva and a clown. She's beautiful and she know's it. She cuddles and plays and, man, can she fly. She can also be a bit tempermental and has been known to throw tantrums.

Ruby, my CAG, is a lovely little miss. She quieter than Jade, but her vocaluary is huge and growing every day. She loves to cuddle me and loves to try new foods. She can be jealous of me and the time I spend with anyone else.

Max (or Maxine) the Alexandrine, is our most aloof birdie. He's a bit of a grouch but deep down is a very sweet little guy. He's easily our loudest bird and can reduce a $50 wooden toy to splinters in about 12 hrs. He's done a pretty good job on our bookcase, too.

We fostered an Umbrella Cockatoo for a few months last summer, and I've found that I'm not a 'too person. He's a beautiful bird and really took to me...which became a problem since he would bite anyone/anything that took my attention away from him. He could also be very louds. Now, if he were an only bird, it probably would have been perfect.

Cowtown said:

Welcome from another Texan... I am in Fort Worth... My son and daughter in law live in North Austin...
There is a ton of good information here. Just as a lot of questions...
1st question is to ask yourself why do you want a Parrot? They are like kids... they require a lot of attention and work.. you can just put them in a cage and feed and water them daily. Parrots are social and love to be around people... just like kids..

Just ask a way and I am sure you will find the answers here.

How is the hog hunting down there?

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Why I'm interested in a parrot: and interesting and rewarding companion

I know that they require a lot of attention and work, but I would prefer an animal companion that, with the proper care and attention, will be with me and my growing family much longer than any cat or dog.

I was initially wanting to get a scarlet macaw, just as the stereotypical parrot, but I've learned that might not be the best idea.

EDIT: personality: I would like a cuddly bird, volume isn't that important, but a bird that isn't as endangered by the presence of cat would be the best... the fiance just adopted a kitten from a local shelter.

I understand that cats and birds don't really mix, but if at all possible I would like to keep the idea of owning a parrot open.

Our cat is kinda mean but she's terrified of the birds