What kind of Parrot should I get

My name is Brooke I live in California and I have wanted a parrot for a long time but now that I have the time, space and money I have no idea what kind I should get... I like African Greys, Amazons, Cockatoos, and Macaws. So here is a little about me so you guys can help me out... My hubby wants it to be ours... and we are planing on having kids. I am 22 and he is 25 so kids will be around this bird and I want him or her to be ok with it... I will keep my bird until I pass or am unable to care for it... We need a bird that will be ok around other people, they don't have to LOVE other people just not be freaked out all the time... It will have a ton of time with me and my husband and I will want it to meet other people some times.. I do want him or her to talk at least a little (after it gets older) So any one have an idea on what would work for my house.. I can work with alot.. so if it dosn't match right on it's cool just some ideas please!

Welcome to the Parrot Forum! I would check out each specific species forum here. I use to breed many species and I currently own 3 African Greys and an Umbrella Cockatoo. One thing to consider with greys is their dust. You will need an air filter.
While many species of parrots have the ability to talk many do not. So purchasing a bird for just that reason is not recommended. I have one African grey that does not speak at all. You could rescue or adopt an older bird that is know to be verbal as well as seeing an established personality. Some do come with baggage that needs to be worked with but it is so worth it. All my birds now are rescued, rehomed or adopted.
On that not, Greys are my most favorite species. Toos my second but not recommended. My third favorite that I use to breed is a wonderful little parrot from the poicephalus family called the Brown Head parrot. It is a medium size bird that makes a great family companion. Very sweet, playful, many can talk well(mine all did!). They usually take to all family members. Do some investigation into these wonderful little parrots!

All perrot (and huma) have issues and it is almost impossible to tell in advanse what they will be. But in generel tems Macaw, CAG (normaly best talker) and amazons can be wonderful perrots. Baby children takes a lot of time so think about if you will have enought time also for a perrot. Perrot and children can go really well but think about having the chrildren so that the perrot is use to it from the beginning. I have a DYHA and couldent thing of an other specis. Good luck and welcome to a great forum

how much your bird will like other people depends on how well socialized it is when it is young , i wouldnt reccomend a cockatoo if you are planning an having children because they are like babys themselves and required lots routien that shouldnt be changed

How much time do you have to devote to a bird. Some are more self sufficient than others. While conures love people and one on one time they are also good at playing in the cage by themselves. I like the greys also. They are not noisy birds, needs lots of mental stimulation via the toys you get, love to be with the rest of the flock. I hope you plan to check out your local bird rescue groups. There are so many in need. Good luck.

Hey Brooke, welcome to the forum.It's great you are researching parrots and asking questions here. My suggestion would be a hand raised cockatiel but they don't talk all that great, males better than females. The secret to a good family bird is to socialize it from an early age, don't expect it to sit in a cage all day and be a good people bird.Take it with you and do lots of different things with it, include it in your daily activities. Good luck and hope to see you around on the forum,keep reading post and asking question.

Thanks guys I have at least 3 hrs a day that I would spend with my bird and my husband would spend the same... To be honest I don't think the cage will be used much at all... He works at home and I work only 2-3 days a week (night shifts)... So he or she would have alot of time with us... and we have people over often and I would want to take him or her with me when we do go some where... I want a big-ish bird and I want a yong bird so I will probably get it from a breeder.

BrookeB said:

Thanks guys I have at least 3 hrs a day that I would spend with my bird and my husband would spend the same... To be honest I don't think the cage will be used much at all... He works at home and I work only 2-3 days a week (night shifts)... So he or she would have alot of time with us... and we have people over often and I would want to take him or her with me when we do go some where... I want a big-ish bird and I want a yong bird so I will probably get it from a breeder.

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You can get young birds from rescues too, FYI. They aren't all old with issues. And since birds live long lives, young is a relative term. My Too is 1 and I'm already her second (and LAST) home. The larger the bird, typically the longer the lifespan. You could get a large bird under 5 form a Rescue and that's still considered a 'baby' in relative terms. Just because a bird is at a rescue, does not necessarily mean the bird has issues. Birds are rehomed for lots of different reasons, but if what you're actually saying is "I want a baby bird", that's completely different.

I had Grey's with an infant. It's doable if you're willing to do the cleaning part for the dander (vacuum every day, change liners daily or at least every-other day), and are willing to "teach" your infant to sleep through any kind of noise (that goes with any bird, really and honestly, making things super quiet so an baby can sleep isn't the best anyway). Grey's are also more likely to talk, but it's not guaranteed. They are less likely to scream like a Too, but be prepared for them to pick up the babies cry That can be a little disconcerting!

Hi and welcome!!! That is a hard decision to make as to what kind of parrot is best for you. There are so many different wonderful kinds and they all have wonderful things about them (and also a few challenging things about them). I would say do your research and take your time deciding. My grey is really good with children. But as Katherine said they will definitely pick up infants crying and other children noises. When my daughter comes to visit me with her kids Peppers picks up all kinds of new sounds. Even after they leave I will hear her " That's mine!!!! MOM!!!!!!!!" and then the scream!! It makes me laugh though. Good luck deciding. It's fun stuff!!!

Thank you guys.. I am not getting one from a rescue because of the fact I do not like being inspected by someone.. I don't like the feeling and It is just me... It is not even really the age or any issues that come with the bird, I have all sorts of pets with "issues" Most of the time I just don't like the people working at the rescue.. sorry

Since you don't say where in Calif, the following is probably in vain. Fran's Exotic Birds in Cypress has maybe 20 for sale at any one time, and many are re-homes. Most are on their own stands, so you can get up close and personal with each one. One of them may choose you.

I live in ventura but I may make the drive just to meet them thank you

It's Exotic Birds by Fran
You gotta' have adobe flashplayer to view the site, however. We bought both our birds from Fran. She has been in business a long time, and has written one or more books on parrots. She used to be married to Omar, who has two exotic bird stores in Orange County. We've never been to those. Magnolia Bird Farm is near Fran's. They have a large variety of smaller birds, and sell cockatiels for $35. We've been there only once.

Yo be honest if I am going to pay 800$ for my bird it's going to be a baby

Wow, I wish there were bird places like that around here!

Do you have any actual bird experience? A large parrot is not simple to own no matter how pretty or sweet they can be. Have you ever spent any time with large parrots? Please look into websites like this one. Companion Parrot Ownership: What you need to know « Pet Junction Directory All About Cockatoos - MyToos.com Birds are wonderful, no doubt, we love them, thats why we are on this forum, but be sure that you are going into it fully informed.

I am informed on most breeds of birds and I have owned birds (small) and been around large bird many times, Thank you for your time

Birds are referred to as species not breeds. You came here asking for info and everyone has given you great advice. I hope you find what you are looking for.

I really am leaning towards a Grey!!

i think greys are awsome, but regardless, all birds are individuals and have the potential to seriously harm a childs tiny fingers. you have to train both parrot and child to interact safely. with that being said, im a little biased but what about a patigonian conure? they are cuddly, sweet, playful, and outgoing. they are very loud and conures in general are beaky birds. beaky isnt aggressive, they just like to test things with their mouth. you have to teach them how much pressure is too much. also you mentioned that you will take care of it untill it dies, or you cant take care of it any more. plan ahead and put the bird first, dont get a parrot unless you think you can care for it for the rest of its life, you may even have to put it in your will. you have to be absolutely sure that that bird will be its happiest for its whole life. vacation, kids, new pets, work, kids going to college, moving, even new furniture, will all affect your bird. and if its a loud bird, what will your neighbors think. when that bird screams every sunrise and sunset, will you be able to handle that every day for 50+ years? if you can, it will be the best most wonderful companion you could ever dream of owning! good luck with your decision and thank you for doing your research! you and your family will make wonderful bird owners!

ps: you should check out this thread, its a real slice of owning a bird

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/18774-so-you-really-want-parrot-huh.html