New Member doing lots of research!

Hello all!

I was so happy to find this site! I love love the way everyone is so friendly and answers questions honestly but not rudely!

A little about me: I currently do not own any birds. I have been researching and waiting. The birds I am most interesting in potentially having is an Amazon, Red Breasted Cockatoo, or a Red bellied parrot.

Just wanted to say hi! I know I will have some questions and will post them soon. I'm ready to make a decision to find my right companion.

Oh and my previous companions: started out with parakeets, graduated to cockatiels, then owned a quaker. Sadly, I do not have any of them and have learned some hard lessons.

Welcome to the forum. Lots of people on this site to answer any questions. My vote is african red bellied, only because I have one my Tiki and she is a love bug. Sounds like you're doing your homework to make the best choice for you and your family

Thank you aliray! Yes...I want to make a sound decision. Thank you for your vote! The red bellied parrot is what has thrown me for a loop! Our local petco has one for sale and he is just tugging at my heart strings...I hate to see him on display in that manner. He was hatched 1/10/2013 I had never seen one in person before and I fell in love! And to be honest I am leaning that way....I'm just searching the forums for other owners as well. I haven't allowed myself to do much but go stare at him. I want to make sure first. I have narrowed it down to those three...it's so tough! I hope I don't anger anyone at the thought that I might potentially purchase from a pet store. I haven't made any decision yet but want to within the next month especially if I do purchase that precious red belly. He needs some love.....

No_where1976 welcome to the parrot forum family. You will find lots of very knowledgeable people here who are always welcome to help with advice and suggestions when needed. Feel free to ask any questions don't be afraid. Sounds like you already have your mind made up on the Red bellied parrot. Good choice. I have a Crimson bellied conure. He is 4 1/2 months old and adorable. He was a rescue. Many here will tell you to try to find a private breeder to buy from and that is good advice. But if you are so set on the red bellied in the petstore please make sure they give you a certificate of health and that is was seen by a certified avian vet before you buy it. If not it could have any kind of health issues that could be expensive to you after you buy it. And last after you buy it please take it immediately to your own avian vet of your choosing to have it examined for health issues. Good luck and enjoy the site and your new baby to be.

Welcome. the people here are great, they give you the cold hard facts but like you said will not be rude about it.

I would not recommend a galah/rose breasted cockatoo unless you feel you can meet their care requirements. They must be fully flighted for health reasons, they are highly prone to fatty tumors and fatty liver disease and must have a healthy low fat diet paired with exercise that can only be obtained by true flight. Many argue that they get exercise other ways, such as in forced flapping, but nothing truly compares to flight.

I find that people who clip their galahs simply don't know better, or don't care that they are affecting their birds life. people also do it for their own benifit, a clipped bird is easier to deal with, but I don't think cutting a birds life in half is worth being "easier".

If you can't leave them flighted, and put the time and training into them, don't consider bringing a galah into your life.

Thank you critterman!

Copperarabian - thank you for your words, that is has been my main hesitation in a Galah. I had the opportunity to meet and hold one a few years ago, she was wonderful and oh so beautiful! I was doing my research, when I found a breeder who had some. I truly am awe struck with them but don't think i'm quite ready to meet those demands. That is also my hesitation with an Amazon I have read and met with some breeders about the "hot" amazons when they mature and I'm not sure about that either. That is why I am so glad to find this site and read about true life experiences with "parronts" and their parrots.

I do know that I will be dedicated to their needs but the more I think about it the more the little red belly parrot is becoming my number one. I guess it just helped to type it out.
Thank you so much everyone!

Welcome to the forum.

Amazons are great birds and very entertaining now about the maturing age I haven't found that out yet we have a Yellow Crowned Amazon and he is the best but he is young he will be 2 soon so we have a few more years to go

Welcome
Enjoy the forum

Welcome! We would be happy to answer any questions you may have. I also joined this board because people are not rude on here and the advise given is correct advise. I was so tired of hearing IMHO's (in my humble opinion) which were not humble at all lol. If someone on here says that it really is humble, they aren't stating that so they can get away with being rude. If you like Amazons in general the females are easier to deal with during breeding season. Last year I had a hard time with Sierra but this year now that I know what to do for her we are doing great. I have read that Mealy's and Lilac crowned Amazons are suppose to be more layed back. My Mom has a 4 or 5 year old male blue fronted I don't think we have experienced him in breeding yet. He's a pretty good bird too. Anyway enjoy the forum!

Thank you everyone! I do love the Amazons! Actually I think all are fantastic just wanted to make sure I have the right fit for me. I think I will go to some more breeders next weekend and check them out. I have to travel b/c we don't have any in my hometown but I love road trips especially when visiting breeders