Good signs when picking out a new bird?

Hi,

I'm thinking about buying a baby conure, quaker, or senegal.

Right now I just have experience with my cockatiel. When I picked her out, the lady handed her to me and she jumped on my shoulder and just hung out and preened my hair. She seemed very relaxed. When I got her home, she was eager to be played with.

Over the past few, I visited a few pet stores and breeders. The conures and senegals seem very jumpy and try to get away. They squawk and open their beaks to bite when taken from the cage.

Is this normal for senegals and conures? Is this a warning sign that the birds weren't socialized enough? I don't know if I'm expecting too much.

I just want to pick out an easy-to-handle bird since I'm still pretty new at this.

Thanks in advance for any advice

When I got my Sun Conure, Daisy, from petco, she was a bit hesitant to come and sit on my shoulder. In fact while she was in her cage she stayed in the top back corner. However, the employee who was showing her to me had hand fed her since she was a baby and so Daisy was very attached to her. She put her on my shoulder, backed away slowly, and then out of sight. Daisy peeped nonstop in my ear!!! When I got her home she was a bit nippy, but not viciously so. More like she was trying to get to know what stuff was. I think every situation is different. Sometimes the birds at bigger pet stores aren't used to regular human contact (either because they aren't there for very long or because the employees don't handle them) while at others the birds are handled regularly and have bonded with a particular employee. I'd suggest asking an employee as many questions as possible (particularly the person who has had the most contact with him or her.) Visiting the store and asking to see the bird before you decide to buy him/her is also a good idea. Also, they may not tell you up front, but they may be willing to offer you a discount on the bird (it usually depends on how long the bird has been there i.e. the longer their time there, the more money off you can get.) Daisy has acclimated well and loves hanging out on my shoulder and pretty much be where ever I am. I even take her back to the store so her other "mama" can see her! Well those are my two cents!

I don't know if I'm expecting too much.

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Well actually, you're not. Like OM said; most birds in your average pet store, (Petco, Petsmart, etc.) are often not socialized very well.

I think you could find your perfect match at rescue, believe it or not. Some rescues, like the Gabriel foundation or the Pheonix Landing; take fantastic care of their birds and socialize them well. At a rescue, they're always socialized with the many volunteers at each rescue. What I'm saying is, always get a bird that has been well socialized.

Are you expecting TOO much? Not necessarily. It's good to know your experience level and what you can work with. As PQ suggested you can look around and find the right bird for you.

Are you expecting much? Yes. It takes time to build a relationship with a parrot. The best relationships take time and patience.

That said though when you find the right bird you'll know it. They may be hesitant or shy, and don't let this trouble you too much - I must diverge a bit from PQ here: I'd say even the most well socialized birds can be a bit shy. When you spot the right bird you will know it, you'll be sure. Don't be turned off if they don't hop up on you right away. But if you aren't 'feeling it' then it probably isn't the right bird for you anyway.

Check out rescues and other bird sources. See what's out there.

On a personal basis I would not get a bird from a store and I do not mean to offend the many people that have done this. PQ is right on with the rescue. I am a volunteer for one of them and have seen many birds that are well socialized and well behaved. The foster home mom will get them on the correct diet too. It is well worth the effort.

Thank you for all of the helpful advice

I've settled on a just-weaned green cheek conure that is very sweet and seems comfortable being handled. The breeder comes highly recommended in my area, and I can see why.

After I get more experience, I plan to add another bird or two to the flock, and I will probably go with a rescue.

Congrat's with the new bird
Wish you many hours of joy and happiness.
Let us know how it goes
Remember !!!! we love sharing pic's