In need of a welcoming party!

Hi, my name is Halle and I'm 17 years old! I'm without a parrot but in about 6 months that's likely to be a change. I've been doing a lot of research, right now it's just a matter of deciding on a species/breed of parrot and choosing a rescue or breeder depending on availability. I think a breeder might be a better way just because they'll be more predictable and harm tamed but adoption is not out of the race quite yet. I'm saving up for supplies and all of the necessities and I'm looking for a good avian vet too. What species do you think would fit my lifestyle. The only requirements that I really have is that they aren't too advanced, they not too loud and that they are known to be playful/cuddly. Let me know what you think!

Hey, Milesh! I'll repeat the reply I made in your other thread.

Welcome!
Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee... I'm not sure ANY species can be guaranteed as suitably quiet for an apartment, although certain individuals could be, surely. Are you open to the idea of a finch, or dove, or other quieter bird? Let's see what others think...
Good for you for researching.

Welcome to you! And...Party!

[ame="https://youtu.be/3hy-39iRJos"]"We are Family" Music Video - YouTube[/ame]

Getting a pet bird is a LOT like deciding to have a child.
1. They will be completely dependent on you, which means you must be there every day to feed them at least twice, give the clean water and food, and clean up their poop.
2. They need lots and lots of attention. Petting, scratching, playing, talking, interacting.
3. They will be a twenty year commitment or more, just like a child, except that in twenty years they won't be any more grown up. It's like having a toddler for life.
4. You have to child proof your home so they don't get into something poisonous, chew on an electric cord, drown in the toilet,climb out the window, get stepped on, get eaten by a cat or dog...
5. You have to do a lot of research to find out what to feed them, what kind of toys to get them, what kind of things are toxic or dangerous, what temperature, how much sleep, what illness can happen and how to detect when a bird is sick.
6. Speaking of illness, even a well bird must go to an avian vet regularly for checkups, and a sick bird must go there at once. A sick bird can cost thousands of dollars in medical care.
7. Your life will be more restricted. Just like if you had a child, you can't spontaneously go off for a weekend or maybe even a night. You can't leave them in a hot/cold car, just like a dog, so it limits where you can take them without special accommodations.
8. Your social life will be possibly restricted. Imagine starting to date, with an infant. Many possible romantic partners won't be interested because they don't want to share your attention, or they don't like your bird, or they want you to come with them and leave the bird at home, or get rid of the bird, or they tease the bird when you aren't looking, scare it or bang on the cage to see what it does.
9. You will be more restricted on where you can live, you must find a place that accepts pets and not try to sneak the bird in. It could be a problem if you want to live in a dorm or group house.
10, The bird's needs will come first. If the bird is beginning to be anxious, but you have things to do, you might have to wait on your things and spend some time working with your bird to resolve the issue. If the bird is out of food, you make a trip out in the bad weather to get some. If the bird needs a toy, you find the money to buy or make one. If the bird needs breakfast, you get up and fix it. If the bird chews the couch, or your book, it's not his fault and you can't get mad and punish him.
11. Just like with human children, you don't know what you will get until you get it. You might get an Einstein of a bird who talks, does tricks, and is an angel. You might get a moron who never learns to say a word, do a trick, refuses to step up, bites you all the time, has a bad attitude or is outright evil, poops on your best clothes, on the floor, on the table, on the chair, on the couch....who screams ALL THE TIME..
12. Did I mention this goes on like this for 20 years or longer, up to 80 years for a parrot?

On the plus side, a bird can be a wonderful companion like no other. The rewards can be huge for the right bird and the right person. It's just that given the scope of the commitment to this living thing, it's worth taking time to be sure that it is the right bird, at the right time for you, and that you have the time and money to take care of it in good health and bad.

With all that out of the way, the best thing is to research different species of bird and see what resonates with you. There are forums here for many different kinds of parrots and you can get a feel for what kind of issues people run into and how they resolved them, or didn't. Once you have an idea of what appeals to you, you can ask lots of questions.

I do echo Galleria's suggestion to look at the parakeets. Many people just think of them as starter birds but they are tiny bundles of dynamite. Google for Disco - I forget if they call him a budgie or a parakeet - he sings, talks, says "nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition" and a thousand other things. He's adorable and cuddly! In fact, a parakeet holds the record for most words spoken by a parrot. They are little, but beautiful and sweet. Since they are smaller, their need a smaller cage, smaller toys, smaller food and this saves you money. And down the road if you decide you want to add another parrot to your avian family, it's easier to integrate a small budgie than to get two big parrots to get along.

I'm sure you get that I'm not talking down or lecturing or implying anything about you. I don't know you at all, so what could I say that would mean anything. I just think it's good to think about all the implications of making a commitment like this, because a bird is a big commitment. You, of course, get to make your own decision, so decide well! Ask any questions, and good luck with everything.

Disco the parakeet!

I agree that budgies/parakeets are more then just a starter parrot, I love my little budgies! And I've had birds for 4 years.

Birds are indeed life long toddlers, joys of being a bird owner.

Yes I forgot to quote that last reply.


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I tried having parakeets but they weren't what I was looking for in a bird. I do agree that they are underrated though.

Welcome to the forums, Halle. Thanks for joining and being so committed to education and support before the purchase. You'll be a better parront and have lesser odds of regret.

There are so many species of interest! Best advice is to learn about selected species and have interactions with them to better appreciate their characteristics. There is an adage that says the parrot often chooses the owner!

I started by narrowing down the traits that I would most like to see in a bird and the ones I can do without. I chose personality and talking ability over being more hands on. You can keep narrowing it down, like how much space you have, and you already said you would prefer a companion thats not as loud. I know nothing about these parrotlets but they look darn cute.

Hi Milesh, Welcome!!!

Hi again. For you, I recommend the yellow wing or canary wing parrot ( brotogeris ).
Small, but all parrot, they think they are as big as an Amazon. They can talk a bit, and learn whistles. But the best part of them is that they are know fro actually seeking out Human company. My Maxie was a mush ball, would take scratching anytime of the day. for as long as you cared to give it. He used to fall asleep in the crook of my neck or in my hand. Do some searching on Brotogeris . Here is a breeder link,

Brotogeris Breeder - Canary-wing and Orange-chin Brotogeris Parakeets for Sale

Oh! I never heard of those, Brotos... They seem wonderful! Makes me want a pocket parrot of my own.