Parrot for College?

Cornell

New member
Apr 26, 2016
3
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California
Parrots
Military Macaw named Sargent
Hi all, I will be starting college next year at Cornell, and was wondering if anyone could help me find the right species for my lifestyle. I live out of state, so I will have to take plane trips to and from college a few times a year, and would like to bring my bird along. The dorm I'll be staying in allows pets that can be housed in a cage (birds included) and I'll have my own room the size of a small apartment. Are there any birds that could be my companion through my college years? I've lived with birds all my life, but I doubt my military macaw would be very happy moving into an apartment :( Thanks for your help!
 

Regan

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Dec 31, 2015
72
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Alexandrine
Moustach parrot? Reasonably quiet, small to suit small unit. Not sure how much they have in the way of playfulness(character) though
 

chris-md

Well-known member
Feb 6, 2010
4,349
2,119
Maryland - USA
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Parker - male Eclectus

Aphrodite - red throated conure (RIP)
Small is key here. Congratulations on college, you're in for the time of your life!

You're entering into a major transitional period in your life that will last the better part of a decade. You'll be wise to keep the bird responsibilities light. You don't want something too imposing. A small conure like a crimson bellied conure or maybe a cockatiel would probably be the best choice for you.

Good luck to you!
 

gracebowen

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Jan 14, 2015
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San Antonio
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Cora lovebird
Sky parakeet
[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Cotton-Infant-Noise-Reduction/dp/B007V5W8BG#]Amazon.com: Organic Cotton Infant Noise Reduction Hat: Clothing[/ame]

Got the link to paste
 

Piasa

Member
Jan 12, 2016
569
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USA Nomad
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Beau 20 year old male Green Cheek || Jimmy Bullet 17 year old female white cap pionus parrot
I had my green cheek conure with me in my college dorm and he did fine. I had to get special permission for him - that is super cool they let you have a caged pet! I've never had him on a plane, but he's been everywhere in the car with me and travels well.

My pionus is quiet too, but her contact call is high pitched and piercing. Still, I think pionus are an option as well as some of the other "apartment birds" like senegals, meyers, and parrotlets.

Sorry Sargent can't come with you. I'm sure when you are done with school, he'll happily start tagging along with you again :)
 
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C

Cornell

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Apr 26, 2016
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California
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Military Macaw named Sargent
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Thank you everyone for the great suggestions! Conures (green cheek or red bellied) sound like the perfect birds for my dorm, I'm so glad I'll be able to have an avian companion with me in college!
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
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San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
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Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Congratulations on beginning the next phase of your life! Having a bird will help you relax and will make a nice companion while studying.

Permitting a small parrot in the dorm is very progressive! Manageable size, minimal noise, and the ability to fit in a carrier small enough to fit below an airliner seat are good starting points. There are many species that fit your needs, though noise may be a characteristic of a specific bird.
 

sonja

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Jul 31, 2012
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My suggestion would be to wait until you actually start college and get into the routine of things and see if you still want a parrot, and can provide a good home for one. You may find that your activities are not what you expect and that it may not be the time for a parrot.
 

Birdman666

Well-known member
Sep 18, 2013
9,904
258
San Antonio, TX
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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.)
My suggestion would be to wait until you actually start college and get into the routine of things and see if you still want a parrot, and can provide a good home for one. You may find that your activities are not what you expect and that it may not be the time for a parrot.

A wise suggestion, I think.

JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN HAVE A PET IN THE DORM, DOESN'T NECESSARILY MAKE IT A GOOD IDEA... And perhaps in a year or so, when you're living in a roommate situation instead of a dorm... you can bring you mac home.

(What happens to the conure then?)

Who is going to take care of your Military mac while you are gone?
 

Pinkbirdy

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Feb 26, 2013
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Clifton Springs Newyork
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macaw,LS2,congo grey,2Blk Hd caiques,Hawkhead,yellowstrk lory,Blue frnt amazon,sun conure ,Yellow sided greencheek ,Goffin ,Rosebreasted Cockatoo,Greenwing Macaw,Blue and Gold Macaw,Nanday conure,Ecle
Hi,wait till you can give your Bird your all :) Your life might change alot after school is done. I was given a very messed up Caique that came from a College situation.They don't do well left alone AT ALL
 
OP
C

Cornell

New member
Apr 26, 2016
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California
Parrots
Military Macaw named Sargent
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Hi all, thanks for the advice! I was not planning on getting a bird right off the bat, not until winter break at least, so I'll have time to settle and make sure im ready for the commitment. I just like having everything planned out in advance so I know just what to do and how to prepare :) My military macaw will be staying at home in the care of my younger brothers, who I have been teaching how to properly take care of him ever since we got him.
 

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