Considering Pionus as First-Time Bird

A few months ago, I met a friend who has a Red-bellied Parrot, which has completely changed my misconceptions about captive birds. She is the happiest, most well-adjusted bird and I have fallen in love with her. I have been reading up on parrots in general and have decided that I would love to own a parrot of my own. After much, much investigation of various species, I think a Pionus would be a wonderful bird for me. I am considering adopting a well-adjusted rescue, not a young bird.

I have two questions for members here:

1. If you could give any advice to someone starting out with a Pionus, what would it be?

2. My only real concern is that I own a cat. She is extremely docile and front declawed (I am vehemently against this but it was a last resort because of medical problems.) I think my kitty would be far more terrified of a bird than a bird would be of her! However, I wondered how Pi's generally do with other household pets, and if anyone has advice for introducing an adult bird to an adult cat.

I am still letting the idea of owning a Pi settle in, but it is something I want to look into in the future. I will be visiting a parrot expo in December to hear speakers talk about parrot ownership.

I foster a rescue pionus that isn't even close to well adjusted so I wouldn't be much help. RavensGryf has some well adjusted ones though and should be around soon

Ugh... I just typed a LONG post and my iPad locked up and it had to get erased!!! Don't we just love when computers do that?!!

Anyway, let me TRY to remember what I said in this condensed version lol . I think it's great that you're putting a lot of thought and research into getting your first bird!

I LOVE Pionus and highly recommend them to both experienced and beginning bird people alike! I have a Bronze Winged male named Raven. I had a BW female who passed away in 2006.

Have you ever met a Pionus? IMO all the Pi species are gorgeous with subtle but unusual coloration and oversized dark brown eyes. They're a medium sized bird, about the size of the very smallest Amazons. They're said to be closely related to Amazons, and they do have some similarities, though Pionus are less extroverted and vocal than an Amazon.

When mature, the males generally tend to be more aggressive than females, especially when in breeding season (even pet birds will retain this instinct). Pi's fortunately show pretty clear body language or a strut display to tell you when to stay away.
Generally speaking, Pionus prefer not to be cuddled or petted too much if at all, but I've noticed from my experience as well as hearing about others, females are more easy going and may accept cuddles easier than males.

Pi's are VERY independent. They are not naturally a 'needy' species. Though they love and need out of cage time like any bird, they can self entertain for long periods with no problems if they have to. PIONUS ARE ABOUT THE EASIEST PARROT FOR THEIR SIZE!

Pionus LOVE to play with toys of all sorts. Raven has a large cage with enough toys for several birds, and he loves it.

Just keep researching, reading, and asking, and if a shelter will let you come and see or handle Pionus when they have them, it would be great! Keep us posted