Large Parrot or Not?

MustLoveAnimals · Aug 14, 2014

I'm considering getting another Parrot. I have had a Parakeet in the past, and currently own a Cockatiel. I love her, but she doesn't seem to rely on me for companionship, I suppose it's just her personality.

I want a bird that relies on me for affection and companionship. I'm thinking about a large bird, such as an African Grey.
I'm not trying to rush into anything, so feel free to ask me questions and give me the facts, as well as your own experiences. After all, I did come here to learn.

I keep the Cockatiel in the living and dining rooms (they're connected), that's where everybody spends the most time.
Would it be dangerous to keep two birds in the same room? For them to be out of their cages at the same time? I let my Cockatiel out all day, and I put her up when I leave the house. I would want to do the same with another bird.

SilverSage · Aug 15, 2014

Are you a minor living at home? If so, then no, do not get another bird until you are supporting yourself entirely and living on your own. I know this sounds like a really long time, but look at this time as a chance to save p for the emergency vet fund every bird deserves and can require at a moments notice no matter how careful you are. There are too many heartbreaking stories, including my own, of parents not appreciating a kid's parrots, and forcing them to rehome.

If you are an adult living on your own with a stable job and living situation who can afford the upkeep including vet care of a large parrot, spend a lot of time at home, etc, then keep looking into it.

As for having the birds in the same room, that should be fine. Having them out at the same time will depend on the birds and how well they get along. Some of my birds can be out together, and some cannot. Having them as close in size as possible helps just for safety issues should a scuffle occur.

Birdman666 · Aug 15, 2014

CAGs aren't the most touchie feelie of birds either, you know.

They get handled on their own terms. So, if you are looking for a clingy cuddlebug, that isn't the best choice.

Macaws will and large toos will, but when you do that, you create an emotionally needy animal, which isn't healthy for anyone, especially not them.

Phlox · Aug 15, 2014

I think you should make a list of what you want in a bird specifically, and then we can point you in the right direction.

And I got my first birds as a minor living at home...the last one I got at my parents home I was already an adult and just finishing college and I still have him. He's 18...so I don't think that's necessarily a reason not to. It depends on how reliable you and your life plans are.

4dugnlee · Aug 15, 2014

Never owned a CAG so I can't say. I can say that 2 birds in the same room in their cages would be ok. Out of the cage, totally depends on the birds. My 2 will probably never be able to be out at the same time because of my Amazon. However, I know other amazons are fine with other birds, so again, depends on the birds. I would go with a similar size bird though, if your goal is to have them out at the same time.

Birdman666 · Aug 15, 2014

Agreed on both counts.

I have a CAG and they can be quite standoffish and independent. Where the other birds wanted to be lap birds, my CAG was running around on the back of the couch. When he feels like being held, he waddles over to me and picks up a foot, or lowers his head for a scratch. When he doesn't? He pushes my hand away with his beak and tells me "Stop it" of "Knock it off"

If you persist, when he doesn't want you to persist, he says "Oww! That hurts!" This is a warning. You will be saying that in a minute. Respect it, and leave him alone at that point.

CAGS ARE STUBBORN AS HELL!!! And they can be quite neurotic. Mine isn't, but he was raised his entire life with amazons and large macaws. They are his best buddies, and he has taken on some of their better characteristics, I think, because of it. He's every bit as attitudinous as a big mac or a zon, and just as goofy.

My CAG also displacement bites. He's the only bird I own that is not allowed on shoulders. And they have a beak like a scissors... I would much rather be bit by an upset macaw, than an upset CAG. Macaws pinch. CAGs draw blood...

He's also one of my smartest, and most cognitive birds, and speaks in complete sentences, often in context. And, he's wicked funny!!!

My CAG is an instigator. He used to chase the conures for sport. (Didn't try to hurt them, just entertained himself. He and my red front also played with each other, chasing each other all over the big playstand, and still do.) Point being the conures didn't particularly enjoy the experience.

I had them in a separate room. When they were all in the same room it was supervised.

Agapornis · Aug 15, 2014

Birdman, I always love hearing stories about your birds!

Everyone has given great advice. The only thing I would add is that if you really want another bird, maybe a green cheek conure? I know you said "larger" bird. But a GCC is big bird in a little bird's body! They have personality out the wazoo, and love to ride around on your shoulder when you're home. Something to think about!

Birdman666 · Aug 15, 2014

I've said it for years. CONURES ARE JUST SCALED DOWN SHRUNKEN MACAWS...

She said she was looking for a big bird, and specifically a CAG. I'm just saying, that's not likely to be the cuddle bug you expected.

Conures are definitely cuddlebugs!

Phlox · Aug 15, 2014

I was going to make a comment about a conure too.

(great minds and all that) They are addictive. My GCC thinks she is a macaw. When she's out and about on the chair with me, if a cat hops up, she'll chase the cat away. But she's little enough to fit in a pocket. That's a lot of bird in a little package.

She might be diminutive...but she is a BIG bird. And cuddly too.

thekarens · Aug 15, 2014

Phlox said:
I think you should make a list of what you want in a bird specifically, and then we can point you in the right direction.

And I got my first birds as a minor living at home...the last one I got at my parents home I was already an adult and just finishing college and I still have him. He's 18...so I don't think that's necessarily a reason not to. It depends on how reliable you and your life plans are.

I think you're the exception.

"Most" younger people have no idea where their lives are going so when college, marriage, kids, careers come along they aren't able to care for a parrot. There are always exceptions, like you. I relate it to like having a child at that age, most aren't up for the challenge, but there's always a few.

Birdman666 · Aug 15, 2014

thekarens said:
Phlox said:

I think you're the exception.

"Most" younger people have no idea where their lives are going so when college, marriage, kids, careers come along they aren't able to care for a parrot. There are always exceptions, like you. I relate it to like having a child at that age, most aren't up for the challenge, but there's always a few.

Click to expand...

Well, the tiel (and a conure) certainly will live into human adulthood at this point. So, it's essentially happening anyway...

With a large dependent bird, though, life changes. Your bird's needs won't.

MustLoveAnimals · Aug 15, 2014

SilverSage said:
Are you a minor living at home? If so, then no, do not get another bird until you are supporting yourself entirely and living on your own. I know this sounds like a really long time, but look at this time as a chance to save p for the emergency vet fund every bird deserves and can require at a moments notice no matter how careful you are. There are too many heartbreaking stories, including my own, of parents not appreciating a kid's parrots, and forcing them to rehome.

If you are an adult living on your own with a stable job and living situation who can afford the upkeep including vet care of a large parrot, spend a lot of time at home, etc, then keep looking into it.

As for having the birds in the same room, that should be fine. Having them out at the same time will depend on the birds and how well they get along. Some of my birds can be out together, and some cannot. Having them as close in size as possible helps just for safety issues should a scuffle occur.

I appreciate your honesty. I am 18 years old, have a job, and I do
live with my parents. They are also animal lovers, which is pretty lucky, I think. They tolerate noise, ruckus, etc. And they don't believe re-homing animals/pets is an option. They always tell me that before I get a pet, I need to picture myself caring for it it's entire life.
Of course, I would do more research before deciding. I'm also planning on interacting with different parrot species.

MustLoveAnimals · Aug 15, 2014

Birdman666 said:
CAGs aren't the most touchie feelie of birds either, you know.

They get handled on their own terms. So, if you are looking for a clingy cuddlebug, that isn't the best choice.

Macaws will and large toos will, but when you do that, you create an emotionally needy animal, which isn't healthy for anyone, especially not them.

Ahh, I see. Well, I want a bird that will interact and play with me. But also something that wants attention/affection from me. I'm not expecting cuddly like a dog. If there is a bird like that out there, I would love to know.

MustLoveAnimals · Aug 15, 2014

Phlox said:
I think you should make a list of what you want in a bird specifically, and then we can point you in the right direction.

And I got my first birds as a minor living at home...the last one I got at my parents home I was already an adult and just finishing college and I still have him. He's 18...so I don't think that's necessarily a reason not to. It depends on how reliable you and your life plans are.

I want a bird that loves me, and something I can create a deep bond with. Interactive, playful. I'd like to do my best to avoid bitey and sassy, if that's possible. A bird that seeks attention from me.

I am 18 and live with my parents, and I do have complete responsibility for my own pets, including a dog, a Cockatiel, a bearded dragon, and a red eared slider. I pay for vet bills and food. I care for them. I trained my dog (a GSD) myself (clicker training; it's the best!). My pets are my passion. I couldn't live a happy life without them. And I'm lucky enough to have very tolerant, supportive parents.

MustLoveAnimals · Aug 15, 2014

4dugnlee said:
Never owned a CAG so I can't say. I can say that 2 birds in the same room in their cages would be ok. Out of the cage, totally depends on the birds. My 2 will probably never be able to be out at the same time because of my Amazon. However, I know other amazons are fine with other birds, so again, depends on the birds. I would go with a similar size bird though, if your goal is to have them out at the same time.

I'm keeping an open mind about which bird. And if the two birds don't get along, I'll just have to schedule time out of the cage for each of them. That won't be a problem. Thank you for the advise!

MustLoveAnimals · Aug 15, 2014

Birdman666 said:
Agreed on both counts.

I have a CAG and they can be quite standoffish and independent. Where the other birds wanted to be lap birds, my CAG was running around on the back of the couch. When he feels like being held, he waddles over to me and picks up a foot, or lowers his head for a scratch. When he doesn't? He pushes my hand away with his beak and tells me "Stop it" of "Knock it off"

If you persist, when he doesn't want you to persist, he says "Oww! That hurts!" This is a warning. You will be saying that in a minute. Respect it, and leave him alone at that point.

CAGS ARE STUBBORN AS HELL!!! And they can be quite neurotic. Mine isn't, but he was raised his entire life with amazons and large macaws. They are his best buddies, and he has taken on some of their better characteristics, I think, because of it. He's every bit as attitudinous as a big mac or a zon, and just as goofy.

My CAG also displacement bites. He's the only bird I own that is not allowed on shoulders. And they have a beak like a scissors... I would much rather be bit by an upset macaw, than an upset CAG. Macaws pinch. CAGs draw blood...

He's also one of my smartest, and most cognitive birds, and speaks in complete sentences, often in context. And, he's wicked funny!!!

My CAG is an instigator. He used to chase the conures for sport. (Didn't try to hurt them, just entertained himself. He and my red front also played with each other, chasing each other all over the big playstand, and still do.) Point being the conures didn't particularly enjoy the experience.

I had them in a separate room. When they were all in the same room it was supervised.

Thank you for your insight! It was very helpful. I'd love a cuddly bird. In your personal experiences, which birds would fit into that category?

MustLoveAnimals · Aug 15, 2014

Agapornis said:
Birdman, I always love hearing stories about your birds! Everyone has given great advice. The only thing I would add is that if you really want another bird, maybe a green cheek conure? I know you said "larger" bird. But a GCC is big bird in a little bird's body! They have personality out the wazoo, and love to ride around on your shoulder when you're home. Something to think about!

Thank you very much! I actually did consider a conure. My main concern is; are they typically bitey and sassy? Are they a cuddly type?

MustLoveAnimals · Aug 15, 2014

Birdman666 said:
I've said it for years. CONURES ARE JUST SCALED DOWN SHRUNKEN MACAWS...

She said she was looking for a big bird, and specifically a CAG. I'm just saying, that's not likely to be the cuddle bug you expected.

Conures are definitely cuddlebugs!

I have considered a conure, and I still am. Could you tell me a bit about them? Bitey, sassy, loud, etc. I'd love to know more!

And I love the photo, by the way, they're gorgeous!

tab_xo · Aug 15, 2014

I was 17 when i got Fargo

I still live at home, studying full time, but like you, i take full responsibility of my animals, always have!

It is all about training, keep your bird independent and happy from day one, you will have a very emotionally stable bird who tolerates changes in your schedule..

There are alot of people who are against young people owning parrots, especially ones such as demanding as a macaw.. and they have those good reasons for that!!!

There are so many people who get a bird and realise how much effort it is and then just leave it in a cage... The problem is with young people, it is hard to see what you will be doing in 5 years time..

IF you know what you want to study at college, and you can study at home, because remember you can't take your macaw on campus

There are exceptions to the rule, i don't know of many 18 year olds that i would suggest a macaw to! But if you are like me, then it will be ok, because animals are your life haha

Have you handled macaws before ?

MustLoveAnimals · Aug 15, 2014

tab_xo said:
I was 17 when i got Fargo I still live at home, studying full time, but like you, i take full responsibility of my animals, always have!

It is all about training, keep your bird independent and happy from day one, you will have a very emotionally stable bird who tolerates changes in your schedule..

There are alot of people who are against young people owning parrots, especially ones such as demanding as a macaw.. and they have those good reasons for that!!!

There are so many people who get a bird and realise how much effort it is and then just leave it in a cage... The problem is with young people, it is hard to see what you will be doing in 5 years time..

IF you know what you want to study at college, and you can study at home, because remember you can't take your macaw on campus

There are exceptions to the rule, i don't know of many 18 year olds that i would suggest a macaw to! But if you are like me, then it will be ok, because animals are your life haha

Have you handled macaws before ?

I've always been fascinated with Macaws.

And no, I've never handled a macaw before. I am going to soon. I am going to go to a bird shop and interact with the different bird species. The only issue, is that I don't think I can fit a cage large enough for a macaw in the house. :/ I have a spot picked out, that could fit a cage that is 3' long and 3' wide. Even though I would allow the bird to come out of the cage all day, it would need a comfortable enclosure. What size cage do you have for Fargo? And I'd love to know more about him!

Large Parrot or Not?

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