suggestions or thoughts...choosing the right breed

Debbmarie

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Apr 20, 2016
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Louisiana
As a first time "big" or as my mom has been saying real bird owner. I'm trying to select a breed. Orginally I was very set on a Goffin but hubby isn't sure about it. We've been looking and between us and mom we've narrowed down to four species. Any opinions on each pros and cons thoughts or well wishes as a future bird parents. So the breeds are quaker, lovebird, parrolett or tiel .:greenyellow: :blue1: :green2: some details about our lives also. I'm a stay at home mom. I have a 3 year old son my husband does road construction so his schedule changes he may be local or off. We have two fur children. A 6 year cocker spaniel and a 16 year old poodle. We live in a large brick house so noisy isnt a problem. I'm also aware with any bird it's not if it's when you'll be bit. That's not an issue here. Growing up i had parakeets. My mom currently has an galah so we aren't complete strangers to being around birds or caring for them. As far as the bird I want a bird thats going to be my companion but I want my husband to be able to fool with them too. Its a family bird but I'll be the main care giver.
 
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Piasa

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Jan 12, 2016
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Beau 20 year old male Green Cheek || Jimmy Bullet 17 year old female white cap pionus parrot
Well Debb, what traits do you want in your companion?

Also if you can visit some babies to see who you react best to, and who likes you the most back - that is a wonderful way to choose.

I love quakers. They are prone to some difficulties like plucking and quaker mutilation syndrome - hard to deal with, but not every bird does these things. They are very charming, "bad", playful and smart

Lovebirds - seems to me people either love them or hate them. I am a lover. Very loyal, laid back, love to play

Parrotlets are TINY! If you have never seen one in person. I hear they are feisty and very smart, but I've never spent much time with them.

Cockatiels can be dusty and hard for those with allergies, can also be chatterboxes, but all around a well tempered, great companion

I'm sure you'll get lots more opinions soon :) enjoy the hunt!
 
Apr 3, 2013
944
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MD, USA
Hi there,
With parrots, what you have listed are considered "species," rather than "breeds". No harm done, just a common misconception.

Of your list, I would consider a cockatiel to be the best choice for a family companion. Cockatiels are generally less head strong than the others on your list. If you have an opportunity to look at some baby tiels, I think your heart would be sold.
 

Birdman666

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Sep 18, 2013
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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.)
I always thought of a Goffins as one of the little ones... :52:

My big mac fetish has kinda skewed the curve a bit.
 
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Debbmarie

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Apr 20, 2016
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Louisiana
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Sadly there are no local breeders so I don't have much option of going to see any it'll be a road trip to get my bird once I can find one
 

Birdman666

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Sep 18, 2013
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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.)

Brittany741

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SI Eclectus (Ruby) - 11 / Eclectus (Wrangler) - 7 / Eclectus (Pinto) - 6 /
Red Sided Eclectus (Oliver) - 4 mos. /
White Bellied Caique (Dan) - 2 /
Foster Congo African Grey (Molly) - 6
Goffin's are one of the smallest cockatoos. Every bird is different, too.

With a 3-year-old and busy mom, a Cockatiel is a great option. Tons of personality, great with kids and families.
 

wrench13

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Amazon fan here. Our Salty is a great family bird, and not that big ..about 300 grams and 9 inches.
 

Pinkbirdy

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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
Check out Caiques :)
 

Birdman666

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Sep 18, 2013
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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.)
I always thought of a Goffins as one of the little ones... :52:

My big mac fetish has kinda skewed the curve a bit.

But the Goffins personality is HUGE!

I was just referring to size perspective. Remember I had a "Bolivian" greenwing velcro bird for roughly the past decade...

Four Goffins = 1 Bolivian Greenwing...

My god those birds seem tiny....

Right now, I'd KILL to have my greenwing velcro bird back...
 

Pinkbirdy

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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
My Goffins is the most difficult of my 25 birds :) Size does not matter [my 4 Macaws are easier].
 

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.)
My Goffins is the most difficult of my 25 birds :) Size does not matter [my 4 Macaws are easier].

My goffins foster bird was the most neurotic bird I've ever met, and I've met plenty...

Macaws aren't difficult, in my opinion, they're just attention hounds... don't give them that, they will FIND A WAY to get it... you might not like what they choose...

Difficult, No.

Destructive?! MMMMMM.... Can be.

Intimidating? That depends on how squaemish you are...
 
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Debbmarie

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Apr 20, 2016
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Louisiana
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I'm really leaning towards a 'tiel. Hubby has said it's up to me mom thinks I'd do best with a Quaker or the love bird...
Choices choices
 

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