New Member from CO

Hello

My name is Luis, I'm 27 yrs old just moved to colorado from NY. I've had a lot of different pets in the past and have looked into parrots before but was living in an apartment so finally decided a parrot wasn't for us at that time. We (me and my fiance) made trips a few times to check out birds and she really liked the umbrella cockatoos. It had a pinkish tint and red feathers on its head when the feathers went up. Anyway we just moved into a house that is an adult care home, my fiance takes care of the residents that live here and I'm probably going to start school in a few weeks. We have an apartment in the basement, it has windows so there's sunlight but nothing to really look at since we are downstairs. I was looking at african greys but pretty open to options as I want to make sure I get the right parrot for my situation. As far as the noise its pretty isolated ( there's another word I wanted to use but can't think of it right now) so its not too much of a problem and the owner of the house says its ok to have pets/small dog etc... as long as it isn't too agressive or loud.

blue02celi said:

Hello

My name is Luis, I'm 27 yrs old just moved to colorado from NY. I've had a lot of different pets in the past and have looked into parrots before but was living in an apartment so finally decided a parrot wasn't for us at that time. We (me and my fiance) made trips a few times to check out birds and she really liked the umbrella cockatoos. It had a pinkish tint and red feathers on its head when the feathers went up. Anyway we just moved into a house that is an adult care home, my fiance takes care of the residents that live here and I'm probably going to start school in a few weeks. We have an apartment in the basement, it has windows so there's sunlight but nothing to really look at since we are downstairs. I was looking at african greys but pretty open to options as I want to make sure I get the right parrot for my situation. As far as the noise its pretty isolated ( there's another word I wanted to use but can't think of it right now) so its not too much of a problem and the owner of the house says its ok to have pets/small dog etc... as long as it isn't too agressive or loud.

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Welcome Luis!! Welcome to the Forum and welcome to my home state of Colorado! I am in Grand Junction, located near the Colorado/Utah border, west of the Rocky Mountains.

I am still trying to get some coffee into my groggy brain, so I will pop in a bit later and write more. You will meet many friendly and welcoming and knowledgable people here!

Hi and welcome Luis!
You can find loads of info in the forum for several species, and on parrot issues generally!Stick around and keep asking questions on species you are interested in and people who own such birds or know will let you know what they think!
I own a tiel, a rosella and an amazon, a Yellow Crowned Amazon (probably female) who is a rescue...
If you don't face a noise issue an anazon is a nice bird, who will keep you entertained, playfull, funny, and there are species with good talking ability.

BUT they are loud, dawn and dask are their times,flock calls, they can be loud other hours, can be taught not to, but can go away with it and become an intolerable screamer!If you decide on this species mind that you stick to training since very young, being the dominant ''bird'' of the flock, teaching what is acceptable and what is not.

Keep in mind that larger parrots need a lot more attention, not that the smaller ones don't,but imagine if you face the aggression of a neglected macaw....

A macaw would be awesome, but I know that is more than I can handle right now. I've been looking around a bit, I don't have internet here until friday so I'm on my sidekick which makes internet surfing kinda slow, but lovebirds kinda caught my eye as well and some other breeds that aren't very well know that I can't remember names to lol, I was reading some of the "help me choose the right species" posts and getting some ideas. Something that is playful, not really shy, not TOO loud but I know sounds come with the package. I like colorful but not a requirement. Back in NY we found a rescue that had 2 sun conures and even though they looked really pretty at the time I lived in an apartment and heard they could get very vocal so we decided against it. Same with the cockatoo, I would love to have it.... when I move into the mountains at least a mile away from anyone lol

Welcome to the Forums!!!

My suggestion is stay away from any larger parrots for now, they all can be loud at times. If you want an idea of what a Too sounds like go to
http://www.mytoos.com

They have a sound clip there. I personally would never consider a Too, because of how demanding they can be. Just not fair for me to do that to a Bird. Macaws are also very loud, not a great pet if you have neighbors living very close. I have an Amazon and I live in an apartment, trust me on this one BAD IDEA!!! Same with a Grey or an Eclectus, can be loud.

Have you considered a smaller to medium size bird? My suggestion of course is gonna be a Senegal, its a parrot with a huge personality that seem to think they are the size of a macaw, but they come in a small usually quiet package!!!

Lol
Sorry I think I confused you guys. I would like to have a too, but since I'm not moving into the mountains anytime soon, I won't be getting one. I am looking for a small to medium sized bird. Like a T/CAG is about the size I was looking at. I know a too isn't that big, but vocally it is and when I was looking at them about a year ago I was told they are the most returned bird. My friend had a CAG which is how I got all bird crazy. I know there are a few rescues around which when I start looking is where I'm gonna start. I saw one that is in CO but kinda far which kinda sucks cause they let you volunteer and you can see which bird would best suit you.

Sorry I think I confused you guys

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Oh believe me, thats easy to do.

I know there are a few rescues around which when I start looking is where I'm gonna start

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What a wonderful idea, Have you considered Ekkies? they are a wonderful bird, I'm sure Wilma will be on soon, as will be able to let you know all about Ekkies, she our current Ekkie mom.

Luis, I have a Maximillian Pionus parrot. They are about 12 inches in length, not loud, they are a hoot and a holler. Mine is clown-extraordinaire. They are not easy to find in this area (Colorado), but not impossible.

At last glace over at the Gabriel Foundation, they did have some Pionus for adoption (which is not normally the case) (Pionus are rarely re-homed).

What is the general area of Colorado in which you live?

And, like Tracy, I, too, have a Senegal. Smaller than a Pionus ... but a hoot and a holler as well.

Check out the Pionus forum here ... I've posted a little about Mojo.

Best to you in your quest!

I live in littleton. Funny you mention the gabriel foundation I just wrote them requesting info on becoming a volunteer, figure it would be the best way to see what these little guys are all about. When I get my internet on friday I will be able to search the internet better, right now this small screen on my sidekick isn't doing the job

Just realized I said pink umbrella too when it was a moluccan too.. Just checked out the gabriel foundations web page, they have a lot of too's.... looks like people haven't been doing their homework

Welcome! Sorry I haven't said that yet, but better late than never. I'm glad that you've come here for advice, it's a great place to be! I have an Amazon, and I do not recommend one for an apartment like situation, but I might be biased since my Amazon tends to be the spawn of Satan.

And Tex, I'm sorry but this has me giggling:

you are now welcomed here with more than open arms!

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I'm just thinking of how our arms can be more than open, or what else we could be opening to our new friend ...sorry, I'm working on way too much sleep... :21:

I had to throw this out there: A PARROTLET!!! (Probably too small for your liking, but they are fun little, deserving creatures!).

A tiny, teensy weensy parrot (28 grams! ) with an Amazon attitude!

Am I also the only one that has a Parrotlet here? We definitely need more that are owned by Pionus and Parrotlets! LOL

blue02celi said:

I live in littleton. Funny you mention the gabriel foundation I just wrote them requesting info on becoming a volunteer, figure it would be the best way to see what these little guys are all about. When I get my internet on friday I will be able to search the internet better, right now this small screen on my sidekick isn't doing the job

Just realized I said pink umbrella too when it was a moluccan too.. Just checked out the gabriel foundations web page, they have a lot of too's.... looks like people haven't been doing their homework

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Luis, I grew up in Littleton ... very good that you are looking into volunteering with the Gabriel Foundation! It will be a very valuable experience.

I live on the other side of the mountain from you (250 miles due west), just bordering Utah. A lady locally also does work with the Foundation.

I just took a peek (at Gabriel) and they have 2 Pionus for adoption. Yay! One is a screaming White-capped (probably not up your alley) ... "Igby" is listed only as a Pionus ... no subspecies listed. I've been watching their site for a little while ... but, my husband keeps a close eye on me and keeps me from bringing anymore living, breathing creatures in.

Anyway, welcome to the Forum and a grand welcome to the Colorado Rocky Mountains! We've travelled the state border to border (travelled the region, actually) ... and iffen I can be of any help, just drop me a PM. We can help you find some fun places to take in the beautiful state and enjoy yourself!

Luis ... you will need a good avian vet no matter what species you choose. I highly recommend:

Dr. Jerry LaBonde, M.S., D.V.M.
Homestead Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital
6900 South Holly Circle
Englewood, CO 80112
(303) 290-8233

He is in your area and is known as the BEST avian vet in the entire state of Colorado. I've spoken to him on the phone when I was searching for a Pionus. He is a very nice man. He may be a resource for you if you are looking for a specific breeder or if he knows of any birds needing re-homing.

Thanks for the vet info, one less thing to worry about. Hoping to start going to DeVry soon so hopefully I won't be in classes all day, like my friends back home in community college got away with 3 days of classes a week lol

Welcome to the forum!

Welcome!

Confusing... well whack me upside with a wing! If you think you're confused now, wait until you have a feathered creature that has the mentality of a 3-year-old with a can-opener attachment... oh, and can talk.

You're smart in doing your research. Keep in mind each parrot has it's own traits but they are all individuals. Once you've done your research, maybe it might be good to take an open mind/heart approach and see if a fid picks you. My Fritzy, RIP, picked me and my Keupi, a Senegal, surely picked me.

Storytime - after I lost Fritzy to cancer, I decided after a lot of research to get a Senegal. I went to a few breeders/stores and interacted with a bunch. At the last store (well known for quality, ahem, stock), which was the last via Keupi, after being disinfected I went into the 'baby' room. They opened up the Sennie's house (4 there) intending to take out a different one. Well, Keupi took his 'first flight' that day and landed on my chest. Remained planted on me for over an hour. My deposit was put down that day and 4-5 weeks later he came home. (I also visited every other day - he was still weaning - and every time I came into baby room - there he was on the door.)

So, figure out what you are/are not willing to handle in terms of species and then... especially... maybe let your fid pick you?

Just a thought!!

and, again, WELCOME!!

Keupi said:

Welcome!

Confusing... well whack me upside with a wing! If you think you're confused now, wait until you have a feathered creature that has the mentality of a 3-year-old with a can-opener attachment... oh, and can talk.


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LOL!!! You are quite adept at descriptive writing! LOL!!!

Deanna said:

LOL!!! You are quite adept at descriptive writing! LOL!!!

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Whoops! Thanks Deanna!

Key to the fold - the human must have a sense of humor...and realize that the days of having a clean carpet/floor are over. To the feathered ones, a floor is not perfect without a shell...

LOL!!