Pre Bird Research

Csells

New member
Aug 7, 2017
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Good evening!

I do not currently have a bird but grew up around them as my dad had a large flock. He had a sun conure, quaker, many cockatiels, a sulfer crested cockatoo and an African grey. My most favorite was the SCC, Baby Bird. She was extremely cuddly and had a huge personality.

Now, as an adult with my own family, I'm considering getting a bird. I've been a dog trainer for over 17 years and would like to have a bird to "train" using operant conditioning aka a marker. My husband and I work about 35 hours a week but because of my job, I do have the ability to take bird with me daily, which I would love to do.

We have 3 kids ages 8, 9 and 12. All are very good and respectful towards animals mainly because I demand it with what I do but the 12 yo is the only one whose been around birds.

We do travel often. For example we are out of town Friday-sunday at least 1 time per month. Most of the time, the animals come with us so I'd like to include the bird IF the moving doesn't stress him out.

I need help deciding which direction to go. I research typically more then I need to, so if I could just get some pointers based on the information I have provided, that would be great! Although I loved Baby Bird, I'm really intrigued with the African Grey but am willing to consider and research any bird that would fit my household and training desires.

Cost for bird purchase and set up is not a factor.

Thanks so much. If this isn't the correct place, please let me know and I can re post else where. :grey:
 

itchyfeet

New member
Nov 1, 2014
1,013
7
Middle Earth
Parrots
Ethyl the cockatiel, Henry & Clarke the IRN's, and Skittles the lovebird (my daughters)
I'm going to chuck a vote in here for the IRN! The following post is my opinion only, slightly tongue and cheek and a tad to sway your thinking. Read it with a grain of salt!

Always loved cockatoos, and both mum and mum in law have them. One SC2 & the other a RB2. They're fun and their comical, but they don't have the brains factor of the African Grey.

The African Grey has an aura around them, that kind of regal old soul attitude. They're still big parrots that can be a bit neurotic if something goes awry. They're still a 'big cage' kinda parrot, and have the potential to be intimidating to family/house sitters.

Then there are the indian ringnecks! By golly these boys are on to it and chatty to boot. They do well in a large flight cage, and travel well with their carrier cages. They're allowed to stay at many places because they look 'small and innocent', and whilst my kids are expected to know how to read the birds behaviours, there is still a smaller beak to contend with. They respond well to training and are pretty intuitive. They love the car. Henry was easy to harness train the first time, he has since had a fright and won't go near it now.
They don't cuddle though....at least mine don't. We're talking very generalised tendencies here.

If you found a young wee ringneck and introduced him to your lifestyle from day dot, I'm confident you would have an independent and adventurous traveller who would be able to engage with you at a cognitive level.

Good luck with your planning - so much fun!
 

FlockFive

New member
Jul 17, 2017
45
1
Parrots
Happy the green cheek, yellow sided conure. Bella the african grey congo. Lemon the meyers parrot.
Considering your large family and the fact that you might need to use a pet sitter often (i.e. you will need a bird that is easily socialized), I would recommend a Meyer's parrot! They usually do not become one person birds, can be happy in their cages as long as it is large and well equipped for 8h a day, and is less noisier than some of the larger parrots. They are also very hardy, gentle natured and more "child friendly". Females tend to be tamer than males with less aggressive tendencies during breeding seasons. Meyer's parrots are also very industrious, intelligent, and LOVE to be trained :)
 

wrench13

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Yellow Shoulder Amazon, Salty
Welcome and be welcomed. It's funny how almost every parrot owner, when asked for suggestions for a new parrot, will put in a good word for the kind that they have. Not every time but close.

I am no different. I suggest one of the smaller Amazon parrots; Panama, Red Lored, White front or my own Yellow Shoulder Amazon. These all have the reputation of being very smart, not as hot headed as the "hot" 3 Amazons, Have have medium to high speaking abilities, are good 'family' parrots, are able to keep a relationship with more then just one person and can learn tricks well. At least my Salty does. Most are 12-13" full grown and some are smaller ( Yellow Shoulder iS 11-12" and around 300 Gr.). Here is a recent video of Salty going through our evening training session.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlG1V0CQQKY"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlG1V0CQQKY[/ame]

Good Luck!
 

clark_conure

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Jul 14, 2017
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A crossover Quaker Scuti (F), A Sun conure named AC, A Cinnamon Green Cheek conure Kent, and 6 budgies, Scuti Jr. (f), yellow (m), clark Jr. (m), Dot (f), Zebra(f), Machine (m).
My vote is for a conure. They are smaller and less likely to be able to seriously hurt little fingers and earlobes. And you know they have crazy personalities that entertain everyone, esp. Kids.
 
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Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
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Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Welcome to the forums, thanks for joining and providing an excellent introduction. You chose the perfect location!

I have a hunch you're going to end up with more than one bird over time. We call it "MBS," or Multiple Bird Syndrome!!

My preference is for cockatoos, but what really matters is finding a great fit for your family and expectations. May I suggest visiting a rescue, sanctuary, or large specialty bird store to interact with a variety of species? You will likely be able to handle several birds and get a feel for their personalities and traits.

There is also the notion of being "chosen" by a specific bird. Once you narrow the options, acquiring one that shows special interest in you or your family can pay huge dividends.
 
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Csells

Csells

New member
Aug 7, 2017
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0
  • Thread Starter
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Thank you all for such excellent information. I've written down and taken note of the birds recommended to me. We have a few trios planned this weekend and next to local bird stores, breeders and 1 bird sanctuary. My hope is that I am able to narrow down my option by doing this and try really hard not to fall for the first 1 I engage with. ;-)

1 question - is it better to purchase as a young, freshly weaned bird or get an older one? Thanks everyone!
 

itchyfeet

New member
Nov 1, 2014
1,013
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Middle Earth
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Ethyl the cockatiel, Henry & Clarke the IRN's, and Skittles the lovebird (my daughters)
The multimillion dollar question!

Ethyl was a pet shop bird 15 years ago, before I knew any better.

Skittles came newly weaned from the breeder. My 8yr old saved for a good 18months and built a relationship with the breeder, and was absolutely solid on her choice of species and colour.

Henry and Clarke were both young age re homes. Henry has an awesome upbringing and was only available due to an unexpected change of circumstances. Clarke had a bit of a rough run but he's coming right. So neither were newly weaned, but both were under 12 months old.

If you go for an older bird, you may get to skip puberty, which is an advantage. However, with a quite specific lifestyle and goals, a younger bird may adjust to your way of living a lot easier. Henry has road tripped and camped with us a few times. I'm in NZ though - there aren't too many predators to worry about and we prepare well, with contingencies for weather chances etc. I'm not sure a bird much older would have adjusted to that so well. A younger bird doesn't necessarily mean straight from the breeder though - rehomes are for all sorts of reasons, not just poor treatment/rescue.
 
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