Reintroduce myself after 3 years

Hi I'm Brooke, about 4 years ago I decided that I wanted a large parrot. I read countless books, went and spoke to breeders, took avian care classes and then after about a year decided to join this forum to help me decide witch species of parrot would be a good fit in my life. When I joined I felt that the "advice" I was receiving was more of a argument on what I didn't know and why I shouldn't own a bird. Almost as if the forum members wanted me to prove myself. Unfortunately I didn't take that very well... I was a member of another couple forums for other types of animals. So the attitude I had received through me off. I decided then that i would be better off without a bird forum. I decided that I would get a bunch more of my little fellas (already had 2 cockatiels) before I get a big bird without the advice I was seeking... 3 years later, I have 4 pairs of cockatiels that breed about 1-2 times a year. A sun conure (goofy pain in the ass), 6 dogs, a horse, a sulcata, 2 res, saltwater fish, chickens, a turkey (dumbest thing I've ever met) , a pond and a 2 year old son. We live in a big house in the mountains in California. I still love my animals as much as my own child, and amazingly he loves animals more than I do. I have been with my husband for about 10 years. Well anyway, that's who I am. I have been reconsidering a large parrot, after finding out that I cannot have any more children. My plan was to wait until I had two kids, and then get my third with wings... Lol... But now... I'm not sure.

Oh and just so everyone is clear, this whole time I have been gone I have done even more exstencive research, I never stopped wanting a large parrot. I have at this point hand fed at least 30 cockatiels and I baby sit a cockatoo about 3x a month.

Hiya! I'm newish so you're new to me
I hear you on the no more kids big bird thing. My MIL sold her early childhood centre (preschool? O-5yrs) and found solace in her big parrot - my kids went to school, I'd stopped teaching and ...got my big parrot....there's a reason people say they're like toddlers

Welcome back!

Thank you, I hope I can find the info I need

Hi! Welcome back Brooke . There's an entirely different group of regulars here these days to start fresh with! You'll find that people are pretty friendly here, and fair with fellow members.

That's quite an interesting menagerie of animals you have! As you're feeling ready for a new bird, are there any particular species that catch your interest? Feel free to ask any questions you might have!

Goofy pain in the ass? Seems to fit most conures

BrookeB said:

Hi I'm Brooke, about 4 years ago I decided that I wanted a large parrot. I read countless books, went and spoke to breeders, took avian care classes and then after about a year decided to join this forum to help me decide witch species of parrot would be a good fit in my life. When I joined I felt that the "advice" I was receiving was more of a argument on what I didn't know and why I shouldn't own a bird. Almost as if the forum members wanted me to prove myself. Unfortunately I didn't take that very well... I was a member of another couple forums for other types of animals. So the attitude I had received through me off. I decided then that i would be better off without a bird forum. I decided that I would get a bunch more of my little fellas (already had 2 cockatiels) before I get a big bird without the advice I was seeking... 3 years later, I have 4 pairs of cockatiels that breed about 1-2 times a year. A sun conure (goofy pain in the ass), 6 dogs, a horse, a sulcata, 2 res, saltwater fish, chickens, a turkey (dumbest thing I've ever met) , a pond and a 2 year old son. We live in a big house in the mountains in California. I still love my animals as much as my own child, and amazingly he loves animals more than I do. I have been with my husband for about 10 years. Well anyway, that's who I am. I have been reconsidering a large parrot, after finding out that I cannot have any more children. My plan was to wait until I had two kids, and then get my third with wings... Lol... But now... I'm not sure.

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Hi Brooke and welcome from one newbie to another. Looking at the list of animals etc you have, you look more than capable and aware what a parrot involves so go ahead. If you can re-home one that would be an extra tick from me. Sometimes it doesn't pay to think things through too much just go and look at some and see what transpires. In a lot of cases they let you know they like you, unless you have a definite desire for a particular bird. Hope we will be hearing lots more from you on how your search is going and hopefully success in getting your new fid. We love pics here too.

Hello, Brooke! And welcome to Parrot Forums! I'm sorry that your initial visit with us didn't go so well, but I'm sure you'll find it a friendlier experience this time around.

And remember that if ever you feel as though you are being badger ed or attacked, you can always reach out to any of the moderators for assistance. (We're the ones in purple!) One of the reasons we're here is to make sure things run smoothly and that no one walks away from this site feeling the way you did.

As for your search for a big bird, are there any particular questions that you have? It sounds as though you've prepared well in terms of both research and practical experience (babysitting a cockatoo 3x a month most definitely qualifies in that regard... not to mention having hand-fed 30 cockatiels, which shows you have the time and patience.)

And which species are you looking at, now?

Hi, and welcome back!

Hello and welcome back! I hope your stay is a more comfortable experience this time!

Thank you all for such a warm welcome... Honestly i was young when I first came here and I had heard countless times that owning a bird was difficult and it was a huge life decision, when I came here I was hoping to hear encouragment but instead heard the same. I fully understand that it was just them looking out for the animals welfare but I was just tired of that same attitude. That's when I kinda made an ass of myself lol... But time heals all...

Honestly I am very confused on witch species I want. I have narrowed it down to a macaw or one of the larger cockatoos. Both i love and enjoy and both for different reasons lmao... It really might just come down to witch one I find and fall in love with first.

I have a specific list for the macaw and cockatoo species because I have genuinely thought about everything I can think of lol. I know that a blue and gold has a different attitude then a green-winged or a umbrella cockatoo vs sulfer crested cockatoo.

I was actually wondering if it is possible to own both a macaw and a cockatoo in the same home. If so witch would be better to get first? Should I get them at the
Same time (seems way way crazy to me)

As to the question about adopting one, I am 100% willing to adopt as long as it is NOT from a rescue. I have issues with rescues and it's a long story.

I have wanted a cockatoo for as long as I can remember but the past few years the macaw has really caught my attention.

Like I said this will be my other child.

Looking forward to hearing all about it in the future.

You'll get help re the macaw/cockatoo thing when others come on. Welcome back!

Yes it is possible to own both a macaw and a cockatoo, however Macaws are very sensitive to the dust that cockatoos have. If you do own both then keeping them in different rooms and an air cleaner is a must!

brianlinkles said:

Yes it is possible to own both a macaw and a cockatoo, however Macaws are very sensitive to the dust that cockatoos have. If you do own both then keeping them in different rooms and an air cleaner is a must!

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I have 8 cockatiels atm would that dust have the same effect on a macaw?

A Hello Brooke, I have a pretty similar experience it never happened on parrot forums, it happened on a budgie forum. On the budgie forum I had let it be known I got two budgies I had just signed up there and I was extremely happy. I posted my pictures excitedly and next thing I know in my opinion I felt like I was being attacked. They badgered me about the cage dimensions, they asked me if I had prior experience, they told me what I should and should not have in the cage. Honestly I didn't have prior experience, but neither did they at one point in their life, there is a first for everybody and everything. So needless to say I was so hurt to the point of leaving on my first day signing up. Eventually I was accused of being a possible "breeder" because I went on to buy two more, then two more a total of six budgies - 5 girls and 1 boy. Of course I have no intentions of breeding them. Anyway long story short once I got Carlos they realized I did love my birds because I updated a thread saying his whole ordeal, I think then they were like wow we pegged this chick all wrong. But yea I talk on 4 forums because I just love my birds and they're all unique and worth it.

I'm glad you came back, this place is a great place and I'm sorry you felt that way. I can assure you I've never felt attacked here. Hugs, so no worries. As for getting a parrot, just know it's a BIG responsibility and I'm sure with all the pets you have you can handle it.

Good luck Brooke! Oh are you looking for any particular species yet? Amazons are awesome! hehe

The most toddler-like of all the parrots are these guys:



What you are dealing with, with one of these guys, is essentially the same basic goofy pair bond behaviors as your sun conure - ONLY SUPER SIZED. They're as goofy as they get...

Lol I really love macaws attitude and they are so beautiful...

Hi, welcome back to the forums!!! I hope you have a better time than before. I love the effort you've put into learning about birds and I can see your determination. Good luck!

I have a feeling I have a serious addiction to birds lmao... I was talking to this woman the other day and she was talking about a bird she had that she didn't want.... All I could think was why? Lol shouldn't you know BEFORE you get a big ass bird that it's going to act like a 2 year old for the next 80 years and has a beak that will teach even the best moms what a true tantrum is?... Omg I mean my aunt has me watch her cockatoo 2x a month and that bird will tell me what to do the whole damn day.... Lmao... I have been bleeding from my cockatiels more than once and they are tiny.. I'm not trying to be rude but if you get a bird then you should keep it and keep it right unless there is some serious reason that you can't keep it... Not because the cute wore off... Ugh