can't decide :/

SkitzChik

New member
Dec 15, 2014
37
0
Australia
Parrots
Cockatiel
Hello all!!
I am needing help on deciding which bird to get. I have been doing research for a few weeks and still can't decide because i have heard equal good and bad things about all birds! Maybe you can help me!?
I have owned a cockateil previously and have considered getting another but honestly I have always loved my big birds! But I need one who isn't a crazy screamer and who is good around little kids. I really want a cuddly bird, one that I can carry around with me most days and give me kisses (i love birdy kisses)
I have narrowed my srearch down to heaps of different types including Indian ringnecks, hawk headed, alexandrine, moustached, and so many more I just can't decide!!
So if anyone can help give me suggestions or personal stories about their birds or about certain breeds they know fit what I'm looking for I would be so appreciative!!
Thank you all so much

Julia Myles xox :grey:
 

RavensGryf

Supporting Member
Jan 19, 2014
14,233
190
College Station, Texas
Parrots
Red Bellied Parrot /
Ruppell's Parrot /
Bronze Winged Pionus /
English Budgie
Hi welcome Julia. There are so many species to choose from! I'll start by mentioning that even if a bird is "good with children", that doesn't mean there isn't a risk of the child being bitten. Especially after the bird reaches sexual maturity. Certain rare individuals seem to 'never' bite or seem extremely tolerant but know that that's not the norm.

As far as the species you mentioned - The Indian Ringnecks, Alexandrines, and Mustached parakeets are all in the same family Psittacula. These parrots by nature are not "cuddly". Many tame pets of the genus enjoy hands off interaction with their family. Certain individuals might enjoy neck skritches and a rare individual might tolerate a certain amount of snuggles, but in general I don't think that's what you're looking for when you say 'cuddly'.
Hawk Headed parrots are exotic and beautiful, but they are not the easiest of parrots to handle. They can be temperamental and feisty and generally best with an experienced owner. Especially males. The females I think are a bit milder in this species.

Have you heard of Poicephalus parrots? The ones in this family that are popular are the Senegal, Meyer's, Red Bellied, Brown Headed. They make excellent pets - very independent and easy going in terms of being needy, yet are (or can be easily raised to be) super cuddly. They're also super soft to touch, and are considered quieter than most parrots. Males can be more feisty.

Also female Pionus I can recommend! They are considered 'quiet' as far as parrots go. Independent and not demanding, some may come to enjoy neck skritches and a few cuddles with their favorite people. The females tend to accept touching more than males typically. Also female Pionus are easier to handle after maturity than males.

Conures (many types out there) can make ear piercing calls for their size, but if you don't mind that, many are inclined to be cuddly and very interactive with their humans, and fast at learning tricks. Some can be a bit more demanding than the above 2 species and can be more vocal about it, but overall, conures are a favorite parrot species of many people.

Hope that helps some!
 

veimar

New member
Feb 5, 2014
1,150
4
Chicago, IL
Parrots
gcc Parry; lovebird Coco; 3 budgies (Tesla, Franky and Cesar); cockatiel Murzik, red rump parakeet girl Onyx
Hi and welcome!!! RavensGryf gave you very good advice. I'd also recommend you going to a local bird rescue or a pet store (or bird fair) to actually see the birds. I dunno where you live, but you could also try Facebook local bird rehoming groups.
I (actually my hubby was the initiator) rescued a little baby green cheek conure from a local pet store just by impulse, and he has been the best bird ever! I knew nothing about parrots at that point, but I learned incredibly by reading, watching videos, and asking many questions on this forum. I became seriously "infected" with a bird-bug, and my flock grew to 6 (I just rehomed one, so it's 5 again). We only got rescues after my first bird. There are so many birds out there that need a loving home, that you'd be surprised.
BTW, the bigger the bird the nastier the bite! :D And that can include the kid. :( And usually bigger birds are pretty loud (except Pionus and some Amazons). BTW, my loudest bird is cockatiel when he screams - it's ear piercing! And they say cockatiels are quiet - so you never know. :)
If you want a cuddly bird you should probably cross out your whole list - those guys don't like to be touched (there are some exceptions of course on individual level). Why not get another cockatiel or a couple of them? Quaker maybe? Smaller cockatoos are very cuddly and affectionate, but if you only had a cockatiel before it's not a smart choice. They need you 24/7. My dream bird is a Galah too, but I don't feel ready for it. :)
I'd really recommend a green cheek conure - they are fun, easy going, pretty cuddly (not all) and very smart. You'd never have a boring moment with them! I also like big birds, but I don't feel I have enough experience for them - so instead of getting one big bird I have a 'big' flock of small ones! LOL They are adorable and so entertaining!
 

miloslave

New member
May 17, 2010
408
2
South Africa - Cape Town
Parrots
Mustache Parakeet - Milo
CAG - Charlie
As far as the species you mentioned - The Indian Ringnecks, Alexandrines, and Mustached parakeets are all in the same family Psittacula. These parrots by nature are not "cuddly". Many tame pets of the genus enjoy hands off interaction with their family.

I agree with RavensGryf 100%. I have a male mustache parakeet and though he is super sweet and loving in his own
way, he certainly won't allow head scritches or anyone petting on his little body. He talks and have definite velcro qualities, lol, loves giving kisses, but cuddly, nope. I have to ad though that I would not trade him for the world!
 
OP
SkitzChik

SkitzChik

New member
Dec 15, 2014
37
0
Australia
Parrots
Cockatiel
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Thank you guys so much! I was considering a poicephalus buy I can't seem to find anyone local who breeds them. I'm in a small country Australian town [emoji14]
I might call around and see what options I have, there seems to be more exotic birds available then any other strangely enough :/
I would love a macaw personally but I wouldn't want to risk my little ones being bitten by such powerful beaks. So that's a bird for many years time I think [emoji14]
 

khaiqha

New member
Sep 19, 2012
320
0
Lewisville, TX
Parrots
Alexandrine Ringneck,
about to be getting a Jardine's
I have an alexandrine who started off hating petting but now is a total cuddle bug. I would advise you handle as many birds in person as possible, there are birds that you think you want on paper, and then there are the ones that just steal your heart.
 
OP
SkitzChik

SkitzChik

New member
Dec 15, 2014
37
0
Australia
Parrots
Cockatiel
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #7
I think that's a good idea khaiqha. I know a bird place out of town who have a huge range of hand raised birds ranging from cockatiels to amazons to macaws. I might make a day to go visit them all and see if one picks me :)
 

RavensGryf

Supporting Member
Jan 19, 2014
14,233
190
College Station, Texas
Parrots
Red Bellied Parrot /
Ruppell's Parrot /
Bronze Winged Pionus /
English Budgie
Oh now I remember you said you're in Australia on your othet post :). I know the species which are readily available vary from country to country. Keep us posted!
 
OP
SkitzChik

SkitzChik

New member
Dec 15, 2014
37
0
Australia
Parrots
Cockatiel
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #9
Of course! I have until the 23rd to decide! Its a birthday gift from my family. Once I have my feathery friend I'll be sure to post pictures :D
 

veimar

New member
Feb 5, 2014
1,150
4
Chicago, IL
Parrots
gcc Parry; lovebird Coco; 3 budgies (Tesla, Franky and Cesar); cockatiel Murzik, red rump parakeet girl Onyx
Aww, there are so many native parrots in Australia! It's my dream to go there! :)
I also thought about an eclectus... They require an experience, but can be very good pets for a family. And not crazy loud as far as I know. I never had one, so cannot tell form personal experience.
 

Freespin

New member
Nov 28, 2013
705
1
Waikato New Zealand
Parrots
Male senegal - Stephen. Previously Barry - Male Barraband
Nelson - Male Eclectus
Senegal!! I am in New Zealand and they are quite uncommon over here but I ended up with one and he is so awesome =D Definitely worth spending some time finding one. He loves scratches and made himself right at home as soon as I got him. He is very acrobatic and is fun to watch swinging upside down on his toys and perches. Very stunning looking bird which is a bonus :p He is a little sassy sometimes but thats a bird thing =D
 

Freespin

New member
Nov 28, 2013
705
1
Waikato New Zealand
Parrots
Male senegal - Stephen. Previously Barry - Male Barraband
Nelson - Male Eclectus
Or if you want to go with something a bit more... "Aussie" a Barraband! I had one as my first bird and he was amazing. Loved being with me all of the time just hanging out. Very gentle, non destructive and AMAZING little talker/whistler. Very easy little bird to have around although he wasnt a "hands on" kind of bird in that you couldnt touch him.
 
OP
SkitzChik

SkitzChik

New member
Dec 15, 2014
37
0
Australia
Parrots
Cockatiel
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #13
The native birds here are incredible! Although you need a certain license to have them. I never considered a Senegal :)
I think I'd give a barraband a miss though im looking for more a hands on bird :) but thank you for your suggestions!
 

Birdman666

Well-known member
Sep 18, 2013
9,904
258
San Antonio, TX
Parrots
Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
Hello all!!
Indian ringnecks, hawk headed, alexandrine, moustached...

Julia Myles xox :grey:

None of those birds tend to be super cuddly...

Other than the hawk head, none of them are particularly large either.

What do you consider a big bird?

For what you are describing, I'd recommend a greencheek conure.

Sennie's are good birds, but with Sennie you get plenty of TUDE!

It's a package deal.
 

Birdman666

Well-known member
Sep 18, 2013
9,904
258
San Antonio, TX
Parrots
Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)

Jayyj

New member
Apr 28, 2013
735
2
UK
Parrots
Alice - Galah cockatoo
Birds certainly don't come cuddlier than a galah, and mine at least is a very sociable little thing, quite happy having people around especially if they pay her attention. Easy to come by in Australia as well!
 

Roanoke

Member
Oct 30, 2014
195
2
Greenville, SC
Parrots
Teeko, GCC [Baby Amazon ETA: August 25th]
I'd also recommend a Green Cheek. They're very cuddly, clingy, and full of personality! Mine's playing the 'run around on the keyboard and attempt to cover up the key she needs to use' and 'sit squarely on the touchpad, bite if she tries to move me' games right now.
If you're looking for something with a bit more mass, try a bigger conure or a Quaker.
Are there any bird rescues in your area? You never know what you might fall in love with. Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll love it!
 

X45kylekatarn

New member
Jun 27, 2014
14
0
My first recommendation is a green cheek, I have one of the sweetest Sun Conures in the world, he doesn't scream but for maybe 5 minutes a day if at all, he's never bitten me, and cuddles are his speciality. From what I've read, Green Cheeks as a species tend to be even more friendly and playful than Suns. I read that you would love a macaw, well might I suggest the Hahn's mini-macaw? It's the smallest macaw, and the most friendly and least nippy of the macaws up until you get to the Hyacinth, which is probably more bird than you want.
 

SoCalWendy

New member
Jun 29, 2013
1,571
0
Kihei, Hawaii
Parrots
None at the moment
Hello all!!
Indian ringnecks, hawk headed, alexandrine, moustached...

Julia Myles xox :grey:

None of those birds tend to be super cuddly...

Other than the hawk head, none of them are particularly large either.

What do you consider a big bird?

For what you are describing, I'd recommend a greencheek conure.

Sennie's are good birds, but with Sennie you get plenty of TUDE!

It's a package deal.

Hahaha nothing like good ol sennie-TUDE!
 

Most Reactions

Latest posts

Top