Trying to decide what parrot to get

Hello all! I am starting to consider getting a new bird. I had a lovebird for 14 years, who just passed recently, leaving a birdie-shaped hole in my heart.

The main factors I'm considering are:
-I'll be renting for the foreseeable future. I'll be moving out of my current apartment in less than a year, and am not sure if I'll wind up renting a house (my preference!) or renting in a complex. Either way, space will be a limiting factor, as will noise.
-I work full-time, as does my bf, so I want to make sure to get a bird that won't go stir-crazy while we're away. Of course I'll give them lots of love when I'm home, and can do things like leave music on, provide good toys, etc for when I'm working.

The parrots that have peaked my interest so far are Indian Ringnecks, pionus, and green-cheek conures.

Any and all input is greatly appreciated! I have plenty of time to do my research, since my current apartment is no-pets-allowed (and even if I could convince my landlord, I probably couldn't convince all 4 of my current roommates!)

I think you should wait the extra year or until you're settled on a permanent house. Some things might change if your'e renting and the person allowing to live there might not want birds anymore.

How long would you be able to take your bird out? GCC's might need a bit of more attention because they are snuggle bugs.

Ringnecks or Pionus might be better but then again, I don't have experience with either of them. Silversage has all of these species and she could put more insight on this.

Hello, I'm so sorry about your lovebird. You must miss her dearly.

I can't say much about the apartment part of your question, as I live in a home.
However, there are members here who do quite well with their parrots in an apartment, so hopefully they will come along soon to offer some sage advice.

I have a green cheek and a sun.
I work 8 hour shifts, four evenings per week. Never on the exact same days, either.

After work, I take both parrots out daily, for 2-3 hours to play and fly. On my days off, they are out for lengthier periods.

Also, they love accompanying me to pick up kids from school, run errands or go to the park (Sunny by harness, Trixie in her travel cage).

So far, they have done quite well and are healthy and happy.

They have not suffered ill effects due to my work schedule.

Just make sure that you give your parrot out of cage time daily to ensure a happy bird.

The apartment question is a difficult one, but not one that should prevent you having a bird just because you're not settled into a long term home. Not all buildings are equal, apartment or otherwise, when it comes to sound isolation. I live in an apartment with exceptionally good isolation from the rest of the building; previously I lived in a terrace house where I could hear the neighbour's television through the wall, and a bird would certainly have been audible to the people living either side. The important thing is to ask questions and look at the building design and layout - are the windows double glased, does the room you plan to keep the birds in share an adjoining wall with another apartment, lots of little things that make a difference - when viewing a property, and stress to the agent that you want a property that has good sound isolation from other people in the area. It might limit your options but as long as you can’t forsee having to relocate in a hurry having a bird shouldn't preclude you being able to move house if you need to.

Lots of us on here have jobs that mean being out during the day and, if not ideal, it can work fine as long as you make time for them when you are home. I generally spend a couple of hours with my bird in the morning, then I'm out for about eight hours, then she stays up with me until I go to bed. When she came to me she seemed already set into a routine of several big naps during the day and then being lively until 9-10 at night, so that helps a lot and I leave lots of shredding and foraging stuff for her. Sometimes I go out in the evening and she has less time with me, then other days I'm around all day for her, so it averages out about six or seven hours a day. Not all that time is interacting but I leave the cage open and she's free to hang out with me as much as she wants, or entertain herself in her cage or java tree if she'd rather.

I live in an apartment with a Senegal Parrot and have no problems... She is not as noisy as some other parrot breeds and is small enough to be able to zoom around the apartment without risk of injury. She is a real little clown with incredible acrobatic skills... Would recommend these lovable little birds to anyone wanting a companion bird!

Hi,
Despite all we know about breeds, it really comes down to particular birds and your particular situation. We have three conjures, two parakeets and an Alexandrine. None of them read their own press releases in the various sources of specie specific information. So my advice is find a bird source where you can really spend some time with your potential addition and even then be prepared to train or adjust. For instance, my crimson was a screeching machine until i taught her to whistle instead and rewarded that sound. My Alex thinks he's a lap dog and wants frequent tickles that he'd probably accept from the mailman if the poor guy wasn't afraid of that big red beak. After having your love bird for so long and I am sorry for your loss, just trust your instincts. I am sure they are sound. Look for the "click" and the rest is give and take and training.
B

Have you considered getting two, perhaps ones that are already comfortable around each other? They will keep themselves amused while you're gone.

bogomolov said:

Hi,
Despite all we know about breeds, it really comes down to particular birds and your particular situation. We have three conjures, two parakeets and an Alexandrine. None of them read their own press releases in the various sources of specie specific information. So my advice is find a bird source where you can really spend some time with your potential addition and even then be prepared to train or adjust. For instance, my crimson was a screeching machine until i taught her to whistle instead and rewarded that sound. My Alex thinks he's a lap dog and wants frequent tickles that he'd probably accept from the mailman if the poor guy wasn't afraid of that big red beak. After having your love bird for so long and I am sorry for your loss, just trust your instincts. I am sure they are sound. Look for the "click" and the rest is give and take and training.
B

Click to expand...

I think this is ultimately what I'll wind up doing, I'm just trying to narrow down the types of birds I'll consider so I'm not overwhelmed!

I think you'd be fine with a pionus, poicephalus or green cheek in an apartment setting.

I'd like to add that two can be better for socialization, but will be worse for noise, at least if they are the same or similar species. Phlox the GCC was quieter before we got Archer the MBC. They are like 5 oz of pure chattering naughtiness. I wouldn't want to live without them though.

Neither and/or both are particularly loud however and only a few times a day. I'd think they'd be fine in most apartments.

I think African grays are my all time favorite! Super intelligent with tons of personality to boot. I had one for 10 years and her first word was a full sentence: "how are you"... Needless to say, I was devastated when she passed away, still have my blue and gold macaw. I love her to death but there's just no comparison.