What type of bird is ideal for me?

Hi! I am in the market to get an exotic bird, preferable a medium-large to large bird, like a Patagonian Conure or an Umbrella Cockatoo. Even though I have never owned an exotic bird, a good friend of mine has an African Grey and whenever I'm around him we get along very well and he seems very happy to sit with me and 'chat' a bit. I will be away from the bird for about 7 hrs M-F because of school but will dedicate the rest of my time to it. I will also take it with me whenever I travel so it wont get stressed out being away from me. Is a Cockatoo a good choice for me? Will it be okay being away from me during the day? If not, what other medium-large to large bird would be a good suit for me? is it better to get a rescue bird that is older and more mature or to get a new born?

Welcome to the forum if you have never owned a bird before I would not recommend a cockatoo these birds require the most experianced bird owner to care for them I would go for something such as a Senegal conure or if your considering a medium sized bird the African grey is a great choice

I'm actually starting with a lineolated parakeet and working my way up

Ok if your considering a cockatoo I really think you should read this info on them and don't skip any parts as this will give you an insight of how hard it is to care for one of these beautiful birds BusyBird.com - Cockatoo care, information on cockatoos, diet, cockatoo ownership, cockatoos, hazards, cockatoo toys, toxic, safe, plants, general information

Maybe this is not what you want to hear but I really don't think a large bird like an umbrella cockatoo or something large-amazon-size is good for a first timer. Cockatoos are for experienced bird owners with years of knowledge. Just because you have a frien with a friendly african grey does not mean all birds will be like that. I read that at times senegals were supposed to be friendly and snuggly, and I'm still having troubles with my sennie stepping up to my hand. Have you cosidered conures? If you are going for a bigger bird you can perhaps consider nandays... Not as big as a cockatoo or anything, but they are bigger than normal conures. They can be super LOUD, be ready for that. If you are not going for size or anything, what about a green cheek conure. They are like a gigantic, playful, bird packed into a 10 inch package. Perfect for first time bird owners who are willing to spend time with them. I speak from experience, my girls are the most active birds I've ever seen, and they won't be able to send yout to the ER. One thing I can not stress enough please do your research. I'm really sorry if I come off as rude but I know quite few people who have gotten a macaw or an african grey and especially cockatoos as a first bird and they ended up being rehomed in less than a year (sometimes even a month)since they were not ready for what a responsibility these large birds are. "It bites me" , or "It doesn't talk and makes a big mess." Heck I did a year of research before getting my green cheek conure girls, and if I hadn't, I don't think we would have the kind of band we have now. So, do tons of research just on different species, then the subspecies, then on the bird itself. I know, a lot. I know you can never be 100% prepared, but it would be 500 times better then if you just got the bird on a whim. Just my two cents! Again, I really apoligize if I come off as mean but just wanted you to know. Welcome to the forum!

Have you considered a pionus at all? They are medium sized and aren't usually as needy as a cockatoo. In general, they are pretty quiet and not prone to screaming. They are definitely a bit more laid back than some other birds, so if you want a super active and playful bird, something like a conure might be a better choice.

I always say start out small, but some people would disagree by saying getting what you want to begin with. I started out with Cockatiels and years later I'm back with Cockatiels along with bigger birds. I love my Cockatiels and will always have them. Think twice before attempting any Cockatoo, especially the bigger ones like Umbrella, Moluccan, etc. IF you don't know how to handle the bigger birds, it can be very dangerous! Birds will bite, regardless if they're tamed to begin with. It takes long term commitment and trust to build up a relationship with them. Conures can be pretty noisy as I am not a Conure fan, nothing worse then a Conure scream, I have Cockatoos and a Macaw along with other birds, they're nothing like a Conure scream. I really think that Cockatiels are excellent birds to own, even for beginners! You would usually see me with one or two of tiels on my shoulders walking through the house. As long as they're being trained properly when young, they make a excellent family addition. Another thing you need to consider is the dust level as Cockatiels, Cockatoos, and African Greys makes a powder dust substance from their feathers. It's VERY dusty!!!! Daily bathing is suggested! Please do think twice before adopting or purchasing any bird. Are you ready for the commitment? Don't just think your friend have one that's sweet, you want one too and think it will be just like him. It doesn't always end up like that! Good luck in whatever you decide to choose.

Maybe your friend has a too and its all lovey dovey when your there but behind closed doors these birds can be terrors I know my friends who own a pet shop in my town own a umbrella cockatoo she's sweet when she wants to be but then there is the down side as with all birds if your wanting one of these birds I hope you have at least 8+ hours spare a day to pet him or her you need to be financially stable to provide the largest cage you can afford the best quality pellet mix along with fresh fruit and veg every day and also a ton of toys to keep the bird active and happy we are not telling you these things to scare you out of getting a bird but a cockatoo is no bird for any first time owner ignore the advice and get a cockatoo and suffer the consequences

or go with a Linnie another big parrot in a small package

makes me feel all warm inside when people call cockatoos "exotic birds" like they're super special. I see them every day around our hills.

***firstly - I have limited cockatoo experience, and that was a galah...***

But honestly i would rather a loud cockatoo than a loud conure. lol.
I can handle the noise, but conures are just piercingly high pitched! - i would take the throaty, larger bird sound any day, even at twice the volume!

When you say 7 hours 5 days a week school, what kind of school do you mean? like secondary, college, uni?..

I wouldn't recommend any long-lived medium to large bird if your life still has exploring and settling down to do because the odds of you handling all that peacefully and happily with a large too in tow are highly unlikely, and even if you love it to bits, it may just tie you down. and what can i say, life happens...
(i am a hipocrite, i got pickle after i finished year 12. but that doesn't make what i say any less true, I'm just lucky he also loves my mum to bits and shes really great about taking over for a day or too if i really need it).


We have many opinions on here, and you have come to a nice place to ask your question. but i cannot judge you on the information you have provided.

Some questions you can ask yourself might be

- re-homing birds is great, but re-homing any larger bird is hardly beginner stuff... Do you have any bird experience?

- Do you have the means to pay in excess of 1500 for the initial set-up of the bird?

- and ongoing food costs with pellets, fresh (even organic) food every day?

- and ongoing vet bills (which can also easily get over $1000 because you will need an approved avian vet specialist)

- do you have the time to prepare said fresh food every day?

- what is your accomodation like?

- would a loud bird affect neighbours?

- do you intend on ever renting a unit or apartment in the future?

- if you do not live by yourself would everyone in the house be prepared for changes to be made to make it safe for the bird (e.g. doors, hazards, tefflon...)?

- If you have a large bird, and intend on letting it travel with you can you afford a travel cage?

- can you afford the bother of lugging a larger cage all that way because he cant stay in the travel cage for tooo long (depends on your travels of course)?

- have you researched laws about captive birds in any places you may be travelling (over state lines and such)?

- How many hours you are willing to spend with the bird each day?

- how patient are you, and would you be scared of it if it was bitey?

- are you prepared for the never ending task of cleaning up after your birds mess? (because there will be mess of sorts)


I'm sure there is so much more. and that you are already thinking on this even without me saying so...
I cannot recommend you a bird with the criteria being size, exoticness, and hours needed. you have left too many options open.
Perhaps start researching birds you like and their care and reputations, narrow down a short list, if there are breeders in your area, visit them, look around and ask questions there, handle the birds. Better yet if there is a rescue nearby go see if you can volunteer there, (i have none but i wish i did) It would be a great experience.

Hope you find the friend you are looking for, and to see you on here again, perhaps with a new fid.

MikeyTN said:

I always say start out small, but some people would disagree by saying getting what you want to begin with. I started out with Cockatiels and years later I'm back with Cockatiels along with bigger birds. I love my Cockatiels and will always have them. Think twice before attempting any Cockatoo, especially the bigger ones like Umbrella, Moluccan, etc. IF you don't know how to handle the bigger birds, it can be very dangerous! Birds will bite, regardless if they're tamed to begin with. It takes long term commitment and trust to build up a relationship with them. Conures can be pretty noisy as I am not a Conure fan, nothing worse then a Conure scream, I have Cockatoos and a Macaw along with other birds, they're nothing like a Conure scream. I really think that Cockatiels are excellent birds to own, even for beginners! You would usually see me with one or two of tiels on my shoulders walking through the house. As long as they're being trained properly when young, they make a excellent family addition. Another thing you need to consider is the dust level as Cockatiels, Cockatoos, and African Greys makes a powder dust substance from their feathers. It's VERY dusty!!!! Daily bathing is suggested! Please do think twice before adopting or purchasing any bird. Are you ready for the commitment? Don't just think your friend have one that's sweet, you want one too and think it will be just like him. It doesn't always end up like that! Good luck in whatever you decide to choose.

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I have to agree with everything said above! I often say start out with the bird that you want, I don't like the idea of getting a smaller bird to "practice, or try out" however I feel like there are exceptions to this. You are still in school, where are you going to be in five years from now. A cockatoo is not a bird that is going to work in an apartment. These are one of the most difficult birds to successfully live with. I am not going to go on and on with the pitfalls of owning one but it takes lots and lots of commitment. I have a grey, an amazon (rehome) and two cockatiels. I have to say one of the most charming little birds in the world are cockatiels. We got them for my daughter because she loved our birds and we wanted to get her birds that were easily handled. I really had no experience with them and they were not even on my radar as a bird that I wanted. Well, that has changed! They are so adorable, they love her, they whistle (wolf whistle) every time they see her. They hang out on her shoulders and just are so cute! They have very big personalities in little packages. They are indeed little cockatoos. They love to be cuddled! I say get a cockatiel!

Continue to do your research...the larger parrots, like Amazons, Macaws, Cockatoos, Greys, are very intellegent and form bonds with their "owners." They are quite demanding when it comes to interaction with their "flock." They are not domesticated, but still retain many of their wild animal attributes. I learned my lesson as an intern/resident. I was single and the hours were long. A very loveable Amazon turned nippy and fearful because I could not spend the time with her. I was able to find a good home for here and the new owner was able to spend time and return her to a most wonderful companion. 30 years later, my wife and I have 2 greys (a 14 week old Timneh and 20 week old Congo) and spend about 4-6 hours a day with them. This is our second go around. Paddywack our first grey was 20 years old when he had an accident and died. He was a wonderful companion and we miss him tremendously. If you choose a parrot, you really need to be able to spend the time and attention. Parrots are more companions than pets.

You had mentioned a Patagonian conure as a bird on your list.....I have one and he's a great bird a cuddle bug but very loud so be prepared for that and also they can be bird aggressive as mine is....they are common in rescue despite being one of the. Rarer conures seen out there

FutureDVM said:

Have you considered a pionus at all? They are medium sized and aren't usually as needy as a cockatoo. In general, they are pretty quiet and not prone to screaming. They are definitely a bit more laid back than some other birds, so if you want a super active and playful bird, something like a conure might be a better choice.

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Ha! U took the words right outta my mouth.I too would recommend a Pionus.Maximilian Pionus are great 1st timer& family birds.Not the very best talkers but they are laid back,not as attention needy & they are quiet The Pionus was a front runner 4 me but being that I am a stay at home mom & I have done a yr of study on parrots I went with the Eclectus Parrot glad I did.Hes been a best friend 4 me & my family

I'm relatively new to birds. I had a cockateil that had a feather biting problem. I wasn't able to stop it, and lost him. A year or so later a Bronze Wing Pionus found me and we've been together for over a year and a half. She's a sweetheart, but very opinionated. I would start with something smaller. A bird is a big responsibility. Too many birds end up getting rehomed or out in the garage for all the wrong reasons. I hope you go with a smaller bird, have good luck, and a long and happy relationship with your fid.

Like many people said, don't do a cockatoo as your first bird. Cockatoos require experiance and even the most experienced may still end up at the ER getting stitches.

Pionus, African grays, Alexandrina parakeets or Indian ring necks are all great birds for someone who's done their research and are committed. Keep in mind they will change your life. Look up a list of dangerous household items.

One more important thing, when considering a bird how much pain are can you endure? A macaw or cockatoo can inflict a serious bite as I stated, I've also seen some terrible amazon bites that needed stitches and left big scars on peoples face and arms. Medium-large parrots can even leave nerve damage. When getting a bird at some point you will be bitten, no matter if it's out of jealousy, aggression, or just grabbing you to hold on.

hopes this helps some

I was gonna start with a TAG, had one about 20yrs ago, but don't think I'm really up to speed again, so that's why I decided on a Lineolated parakeet