Need advice - what is a good "first" bird for someone?

Ok, so hubby and I were talking over coffee this morning and I told him about this forum and how wonderful everyone is here. Then of course I was talking about animals (fancy that!) and mentioned that we don't have a bird. I told him that I'm in a forum primarily for avian and talking about all my other "critters" doesn't cut it! LOL

I know some things about a few species from the wonderful people I have met through my artwork....but what I don't know is what would be a good species for someone like me that doesn't really know each one's nature? I know some of them can be a real handful! I did adopt a cockatiel some years ago that needed a home, but he was my only experience. Pretty little guy. All my other birds were wildlife and needed to be released back where they belong. I'm really good at handfeeding and I've heard that is a good way to start out for the bonding experience.

Any suggestions would be great! I was thinking maybe a little budgie but I'm open to suggestions. I won't be rushing out today to get one; I want to learn first so I do right by them.

I'm thinking a conure might be good for you if the size and noise isn't an issue! They are GREAT handfed, and even not handfed! But if noise has indeed been a problem in the past, go for a budgie! I am very happy that you are looking to find out more about parrots for future... And from looking at your earlier posts- it is great that you help out animals like that. Also a little hint: one of the species of conures that are quiter are the green-cheeked (but not all the time!)

Thank you! I am excited about the prospect of a new family member that can stay - sometimes releasing the wildlife can be a tearful event. Both joyful and from loving something enough to let it go where it is meant to be.

I am truly looking forward to a fid! I just want to make sure I know everything about what it needs so it can be happy here.

Hello again LadyG Before you think about a hand feeding bird think about adoption. There are many places that have birds that need good homes such as yours. We have published them here before. I am very fond of the African birds. Do you want a more quiet bird or one that plays and screeches. Or, something in between? Do some reading about the many types of Parrots.
Lucky is the bird that will live in your home!!

Adopting birds can be wonderful. Both of our birds are rehomes (but not rescues). Keep in mind, though, that a rescued bird can have behavioral problems or trust issues. Not always an ideal situation for a first-time bird owner. In short, do lots of research and be sure you know what you are getting yourself into, especially with a rescue or rehome. insist on interaction with the prospective adoptee to see how you are likely to get along. Find several someones who already own the type of bird you'd like and see how much care goes into it.

Getting a bird is a huge thing! I am so glad you are doing your research!! My first bird many years ago (and yes, it was an impulse buy) was a Senegal Parrot. He was the greatest. They are considered good apartment pets because they are low noise. When my husband and I would play cards, he would slowly get closer and then grab one of the cards and run off with it. We would laugh at his antics. Caiques are very clownish and fun. There are different conure species such as Sun, Green Cheeked, Half-moon and such. Parrotlets (also known as pocket parrots) are a lot of fun. Their closest relative is the amazon. If you feel brave, you can even go with a larger bird. I do disagree with the handfeeding and bonding issue. If you can handfeed and have the time, great. If not, then let it be done for you and visit your bird as often as you can until it goes home with you. Good luck in your search. Keep us posted.

Hi ladygarner
You are so thoughtful, doing all the research etc before buying a bird.
As you have worked with birds before, you have an idea what you are getting yourself into.
There will be many replies which will differ tremendously I am sure.
Browse thru bird sites etc, maybe you will find your answers there.
Adopting a bird is great, but there might be a few setbacks. New environment, Yet give a bird the love and attention, they eventually adapt.
Hand rearing if you have the time, is wonderful. You bond with the bird so quickly.
Training is easier with the young, as you would know.
At the end of the day, it's your decision, you know your capabilities.
I wish you luck.
Please keep us posted !!!
Lucky little fella who gets you as a mommy
Lovely day

Budgies are certainly a good start, but given dedication and time there are only a handful of parrots that would not be a good first bird.

To put it bluntly I think the idea of 'starter birds' is partially for younger people who may or may not be responsible or dedicated enough to take care of an animal that may live as long (or longer) than they will.

That said there are a few species that can be particularly challenging such as (perhaps) Hyacinth Macaws. Other than that it's just a matter of knowing the individual characteristics and knowing which ones will and will not work for your home. For example:

Genus Arratinga conures (duskies, suns, jendays, etc) are fairly small yet can be some of the loudest parrots. I'm also seeing a pattern that there is often a very painful (physically and emotionally) bonding period with new owners: quite often they go through a biting phase turning many fingers into ground beef and leaving the owner wondering what they've gotten themselves into. This phase does pass, but it seems so common among the Arratinga that I suspect it is part of their physiology/endocrinology. These conures though are the best birds you could have! (Of course I'm bias...)

Greys are often not recommended as first birds, yet we have several first time bird owners who are doing great with their greys. The caution is largely due to the amount of interaction and intellectual stimulation they need, not all first time owners would be prepared for this, but if you are there's no reason not to consider these wonderful birds.

Macaws .... well I have very little first hand knowledge of these birds but frankly they intimidate me; likely because I have raised a conure (see above). At his worst Auggie may have left some good scars on my fingers, but if a Macaw went through a similar phase they would not leave fingers! Apparently most (well raised) Macs are actually very gentle and biting is rarely a big issue so my phobia is likely unfounded, but personally I still cant get over it.

Senegals are great mid sized birds, as are Ecclectus though I think (not sure) Ekkies need a specialized diet.

So all in all there are very few parrots which would be completely unsuitable to a first time parrot owner given a patience and dedication which it sounds like you would have. The real question is what do you want out of a relationship with a parrot, and what can and can't you put into it?

Wow...some really wonderful information here! Thank you all so much!

Some things I have learned just from so much interaction with people "owned" by fids through my work is adopted or displaced babies can have some issues that would need special attention. I know if they are in distress, feather picking and biting can be an issue. One lady shared info about male cockatoos and hormonal changes resulting in some very nasty bites. And greys....well, I've heard some hilarious stories about those guys! Mimic the sounds of doorbells and cell phones.... That's incredible!

I think it would really break my heart to try one that had a home it had to leave. The poor thing would already be traumatized from leaving it's family and I would feel awful if I couldn't do things for it the way it's other mom did. I would worry that it wasn't comfortable or happy here; not sure I would want to start out that way - for either of us you know? Who knows, once I get hooked (and knowledgeable) I could wind up starting a Parrot Rescue! Sounds like me

Biting....that could be an issue for us both. If it wants to bite me then I would interpret that I'm doing something wrong. LARGE birds would definitely intimidate me; I do know I'm not ready for one half my size! I'm thinking on the small side although I have read here on the forum that even small ones can be little sticks of dynamite!

They all sound wonderful and I'm sure they are....haven't met an animal I didn't like yet! Thanks for the input...please keep going; I need to learn!

There are a lot of factors that go into deciding on a feathered friend, you seem to have thought most of them through though and that is good. Noise level is a consideration but anyone who has had more than one bird can tell you that they all vary even within a species. Size, not only from the intimidation factor, but from the space you have available is a consideration. A macaw cage takes up a lot more space than a conure cage. We were able to dedicate an entire great-room to our birds so are able to get away with having smaller and larger birds.

I am understandably partial to the GCC. Unless mine is chattering away at me, or yelling at the Cockatiel to be quiet you would hardly know he was there. He came to me already weaned and we have bonded wonderfully. He has been going through a major molt right now and seems to view my fingers as a shreddable toy, but all that is quickly forgotten with kisses and the "oh please mom don't stop" scritching time (I'm the only option he has for help with those pesky head pin feathers lol). They have their days and their moods just like any other species including humans! I am though definitely a bit more cautious with my B&Gs moods, but the love that these big guys give is indescribable. That said they are much more needy (at least here) than the little guys are.

Much like the decision to have children you can research it beyond belief and you will still not know everything you need to know!

I would recommend a couple of tiels. They are not extremely long-lived (about 25 years), they are small, very mild mannered, easily tamed and, if you have a bonded pair, they do very well on their own for many hours at a time.

I would NOT recommend senegals (too aggressive, even the females get very nippy when hormonal), male amazons (aggressive during breeding season), greys (too emotional), cockatoos (too many problems to list), macaws (particularly minis -they can be downright nasty when they get older), lovebirds (too hormonal), any conure (too loud and too nippy) or ekkies (they all end up having problems regardless of how careful you are with their diet). If you have the time to spend with them, a lesser jardine or a pionus are great medium size birds.