Advice needed on breed/whether I have a suitable home

Hello. I own a pet shop that doesn't sell any animals, just animal supplies. I have thought for a while about getting a parrot who could come to work with me every day but also be my pet who lives at home with me when I am not at work. I am just not sure which breed of parrot would suit this kind of lifestyle.

The typical weekly schedule would be Monday-Friday 9am-5pm at work in the shop with me. Monday-Friday evenings at home with me. Weekends with me or being babysat by my parents if I have social plans. They already do this with my dogs and are more than happy to take on the parrot too when I'm away.

As I mentioned I do already have two small dogs. The shop is also very busy with customers and their pet dogs so it would have to be a social parrot who is not fazed by different faces and dogs. The parrot could be out of its cage all day if it likes when we are at work and will be able to spend a good amount of time out of its cage in the evenings at home.

I don't want to get a parrot if my kind of home and lifestyle isn't suitable. I would never want to put any animal through stress.

Do you think it is a good idea for me to get a parrot and if so do you have any suggestions on breed? I have been looking at hahn macaws but really am open to any suggestions as I am a complete novice.

Should I look at rescuing an older bird or buying from a breeder? Also I am planning to move house within the next year. Can this stress the bird out? Would I be better to wait until I have settled in a new home first?

I'm sorry for so many questions. Thank you so much for any help you can give!

If you have your own store I vote GW macaw we have a store macaw at the pet store I work at and the store macaw absolutely loves it.

Welcome to you!

Moves can definitely stress out a bird but they'll adjust to it. If you're going to be going back and forth I must recommend getting one of the bird backpacks for transport. Macaws are extremely loud so I must warn you on that one. Be sure that won't be a problem with your living situation. Personally if you want something that will be fun to have around the shop I would suggest a Congo African grey.

But I must recommend to do research on care for these birds as they do require a good amount of attention. Also being that you will have it in your store look into what will happen if someone was to get bitten. Macaw bites are known to require stitches so protect yourself from any potential liabilities.

jiannotto9492 said:

Moves can definitely stress out a bird but they'll adjust to it. If you're going to be going back and forth I must recommend getting one of the bird backpacks for transport. Macaws are extremely loud so I must warn you on that one. Be sure that won't be a problem with your living situation. Personally if you want something that will be fun to have around the shop I would suggest a Congo African grey.

But I must recommend to do research on care for these birds as they do require a good amount of attention. Also being that you will have it in your store look into what will happen if someone was to get bitten. Macaw bites are known to require stitches so protect yourself from any potential liabilities.

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I would stay away from the African greys if you want a talking bird that actually enjoys meeting new people(I only say This because we have an African grey at the store that we have to keep in the back because he tries to maliciously attack customers) I would go with an Amazon and make sure to buy a sign that says parrots will bite thus eliminating any chances for people to sue.

African greys are one I had ruled out because despite them sounding like incredible birds I have read that they can be less sociable and really attached to just one person. I do need a parrot that is going to enjoy the company of many different people.

That's a great idea about having a sign to say that parrots will bite. Thank you!

CDavis said:

jiannotto9492 said:

Moves can definitely stress out a bird but they'll adjust to it. If you're going to be going back and forth I must recommend getting one of the bird backpacks for transport. Macaws are extremely loud so I must warn you on that one. Be sure that won't be a problem with your living situation. Personally if you want something that will be fun to have around the shop I would suggest a Congo African grey.

But I must recommend to do research on care for these birds as they do require a good amount of attention. Also being that you will have it in your store look into what will happen if someone was to get bitten. Macaw bites are known to require stitches so protect yourself from any potential liabilities.

Click to expand...

I would stay away from the African greys if you want a talking bird that actually enjoys meeting new people(I only say This because we have an African grey at the store that we have to keep in the back because he tries to maliciously attack customers) I would go with an Amazon and make sure to buy a sign that says parrots will bite thus eliminating any chances for people to sue.

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Ah yes, Amazons are a good choice too. CAG's could be a little malicious but I do know that they are popular amongst bird/pet stores over here. They're beautiful birds and great talkers. However I think regardless of what bird you get having a cage with a warning sign is a must. Regardless how friendly a bird might be they will bite if they feel threathened.

Do you think a hahns macaw would be a good option? After looking at the Amazons and GW Macaws I think my preference would be for someone a little smaller. Size isn't the most important thing though if the bigger birds would suit my lifestyle better.

TMJ said:

Do you think a hahns macaw would be a good option? After looking at the Amazons and GW Macaws I think my preference would be for someone a little smaller. Size isn't the most important thing though if the bigger birds would suit my lifestyle better.

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Go to a parrot rescue and go play with the macaws they are the most fun birds ever. If I had my own pet store I would have a GW macaw. Hahns are a little bit beaky in my experience but still awesome birds in my experience the Big Macs are the best greeter

Mini-macs are probably a very poor choice in my opinion. They have a reputation for being quite skittish. The reason a larger mac would be a consideration is they're big and they know it, same goes for a bigger zon or possibly even a large too (there was a store where we used to live who's owners brought in their Moluccan every day). In a high-paced environment with lots of people and activity and other pets coming in, you need a confident bird who won't be traumatized by the hustle and bustle.

If you like the idea of a smaller bird, some of the conures are pretty bold little birds (this would boil down to individual personalities) and while I don't know too much about them, caiques have a reputation for being pretty fearless and bold birds too.

Hahn's are great, look into the smaller cockatoos as they could be potential options for you as well. Any bird could be beaky and beakiness could be worked on. If an Amazon is gonna be too big that goes for African greys too. Just a note you're gonna want to buy two cages as well along with a carrier. It's gonna be costly at first so take a look at the cost of the birds as well.

Kiwibird said:

Mini-macs are probably a very poor choice in my opinion. They have a reputation for being quite skittish. The reason a larger mac would be a consideration is they're big and they know it, same goes for a bigger zon or possibly even a large too (there was a store where we used to live who's owners brought in their Moluccan every day). In a high-paced environment with lots of people and activity and other pets coming in, you need a confident bird who won't be traumatized by the hustle and bustle.

If you like the idea of a smaller bird, some of the conures are pretty bold little birds (this would boil down to individual personalities) and while I don't know too much about them, caiques have a reputation for being pretty fearless and bold birds too.

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I was gonna suggest a U2 until I saw that the OP thought an amazon was too big.

jiannotto9492 said:

Kiwibird said:

Mini-macs are probably a very poor choice in my opinion. They have a reputation for being quite skittish. The reason a larger mac would be a consideration is they're big and they know it, same goes for a bigger zon or possibly even a large too (there was a store where we used to live who's owners brought in their Moluccan every day). In a high-paced environment with lots of people and activity and other pets coming in, you need a confident bird who won't be traumatized by the hustle and bustle.

If you like the idea of a smaller bird, some of the conures are pretty bold little birds (this would boil down to individual personalities) and while I don't know too much about them, caiques have a reputation for being pretty fearless and bold birds too.

Click to expand...

I was gonna suggest a U2 until I saw that the OP thought an amazon was too big.

Click to expand...

I was also thinking a bigger too could be an option as well, given the ample attention and excitement of the kind of lifestyle the OP would be able to provide. King Tut sat on his post greeting visitors the San Diego zoo for something like 40 years. I vaguely remember seeing him at some kind of special event as a very small child. Not too (no pun intended) many people can bring their bird to work, so some of the traditionally more 'attention needy' species would be potential good matches in this situation.

Kiwibird said:

jiannotto9492 said:

Kiwibird said:

Mini-macs are probably a very poor choice in my opinion. They have a reputation for being quite skittish. The reason a larger mac would be a consideration is they're big and they know it, same goes for a bigger zon or possibly even a large too (there was a store where we used to live who's owners brought in their Moluccan every day). In a high-paced environment with lots of people and activity and other pets coming in, you need a confident bird who won't be traumatized by the hustle and bustle.

If you like the idea of a smaller bird, some of the conures are pretty bold little birds (this would boil down to individual personalities) and while I don't know too much about them, caiques have a reputation for being pretty fearless and bold birds too.

Click to expand...

I was gonna suggest a U2 until I saw that the OP thought an amazon was too big.

Click to expand...

I was also thinking a bigger too could be an option as well, given the ample attention and excitement of the kind of lifestyle the OP would be able to provide. King Tut sat on his post greeting visitors the San Diego zoo for something like 40 years. I vaguely remember seeing him at some kind of special event as a very small child. Not too (no pun intended) many people can bring their bird to work, so some of the traditionally more 'attention needy' species would be potential good matches in this situation.

Click to expand...

Yeah, I mean this also goes without saying that we forgot to ask the OP if they have experience with birds as well. Because to be honest I would never suggest a macaw, cockatoo, or a grey to a new parront.

As important as it is to make sure the bird isn't skittish in this case, it probably is even more important that the parront isn't skittish around it. The biggest thing I've noticed that a human's skittishness usually leads to the bird feeling threathened and biting. And with a bird that could give you stitches you need to be used to birds.

My girlfriend has been wanting another bird of her own for a while now and she was looking at cockatoos and I told her that she was out of her mind because my IRN intimidates her because she uses her beak for balance.

jiannotto9492 said:

Kiwibird said:

jiannotto9492 said:

I was gonna suggest a U2 until I saw that the OP thought an amazon was too big.

Click to expand...

I was also thinking a bigger too could be an option as well, given the ample attention and excitement of the kind of lifestyle the OP would be able to provide. King Tut sat on his post greeting visitors the San Diego zoo for something like 40 years. I vaguely remember seeing him at some kind of special event as a very small child. Not too (no pun intended) many people can bring their bird to work, so some of the traditionally more 'attention needy' species would be potential good matches in this situation.

Click to expand...

Yeah, I mean this also goes without saying that we forgot to ask the OP if they have experience with birds as well. Because to be honest I would never suggest a macaw, cockatoo, or a grey to a new parront.

As important as it is to make sure the bird isn't skittish in this case, it probably is even more important that the parront isn't skittish around it. The biggest thing I've noticed that a human's skittishness usually leads to the bird feeling threathened and biting. And with a bird that could give you stitches you need to be used to birds.

My girlfriend has been wanting another bird of her own for a while now and she was looking at cockatoos and I told her that she was out of her mind because my IRN intimidates her because she uses her beak for balance.

Click to expand...

This is a very good point that I hadn't mentioned. I have never owned a bird or even met a parrot before. I'm not a naturally skittish person though. I am not in any kind of rush to get a parrot, I would go and meet several before I would ever bring one home. Luckily I'm a pretty good planner so this won't be a spontaneous decision.

I do think that my lack of experience is whats making me lean towards a smaller breed. I have no idea if smaller means easier to handle? That was just my first instinct. Hahns are so adorable looking so I have fallen in love but not to the extent that I wouldn't consider larger. I do have a natural preference for smaller breed dogs too so maybe its just my disposition to go for the little ones!

Seeing everyone suggest large breeds is giving me food for thought. I posted here in order to get advice from experts so I would be silly not to listen to it.

If you like smaller animals (some people do, nothing wrong with the little guys), these little guys come to mind as a potential species who'd enjoy a fairly exciting lifestyle. High energy little things, not a terribly well known species:

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sminBwuRR_c"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sminBwuRR_c[/ame]

Welcome to the forums, thank you for joining!! Nothing in your preamble argues against a companion parrot, and your methodical nature will be most helpful. If you have not had prior experience, spending some time at a sanctuary/rescue or other one-to-one interaction will be advisable.

A large and typically confident parrot will do best in your pet store and will be less vulnerable to inquisitive dogs. Counterpoint is the potential liability, so the parrot may be best behind a counter until well proven. A macaw may be an excellent choice; Green Wings are among the more docile of the species.

Good luck in your quest, feel free to post questions as your discovery unfolds.

My suggestions were more the less from a business stand point as to what will end up attracting the attention of your shoppers. I was primarily suggesting good talking birds that are on the larger side. There's nothing wrong with smaller birds. I have an Indian Ringneck which are not exactly small but far from being considered big. Your best bet is taking Scott's advise and going to a sanctuary and interacting with birds of different sizes.

Just remember larger birds end up costing more and that you'll need two cages and a carrier if you plan on bringing your future bird back and forth.

He's a bit of my personal insight. I bought goose my GCC first and then recently my RLA I also work in a store with about 7 large birds and 40+ smaller birds. The smaller birds seem to be a little more hyperactive and I don't think that they would do well in a store environment because they are always moving and doing something while the larger birds can remain stationary and better for what your looking for. But go to the rescue and see what you fall in love with

Kiwibird said:

If you like smaller animals (some people do, nothing wrong with the little guys), these little guys come to mind as a potential species who'd enjoy a fairly exciting lifestyle. High energy little things, not a terribly well known species:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sminBwuRR_c

Click to expand...

Thank you for this suggestion. After some research I think this is the parrot for me. I'm going to visit some caiques this weekend to see if I feel the same after meeting them. I'm sure I'll be back with a bunch more questions before I actually buy one. Thanks so much for all your help!