Me again! More questions!

HannahandSunny

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Forever in my heart. Sunny the Corella
Hope youā€™re not all getting sick of my questions :eek::p
I recently put up a post in the ā€˜cockatielā€™ section, asking a few questions of my home is suitable.. I recon we came to the conclusion itā€™s is as long as I make some changes and take precautions when cooking.
Okay so now I canā€™t decide... Iā€™ve been keen on getting a cockatiel, but always thought about Galahs as well..!
Iā€™ve always told myself no, no to a big cockatoo type bird, but why!?
Now I havenā€™t got any proper experience in owning a cockatoo, But Sunny certainly taught me a lot. On one hand he was easier than having a ā€˜petā€™ Cocky as he lived outside in his own world for half the time I looked after him. But in the early days, the first month or so he lived indoors where I had my first experience in caring for a cocky! And I couldnā€™t have done a bad job considering I helped teach him everything he should know and regained his strength and happiness.

So am I being to hard on myself by saying Iā€™m not ready to get a Galah? Or am I just scared of the long term commitment? ( now Iā€™m in no way saying Iā€™d get 5 years down the line and not want the bird anymore!! Quite the opposite!! More long term as in finding pet sitters while on holidays etc, and when I eventually have full time work, will the parrot adapt okay?) but thatā€™s just silly, isnā€™t it? Considering I have horses who will live for up to 40 years..and Iā€™m even flying my first pony I got 9 years ago from the U.K. here to Aus as I couldnā€™t ever bare to sell her and sheā€™s my responsibility forever! Iā€™m fully committed to her forever.
I take time off work if I need to take my guinea pigs to the vet, Iā€™ll do anything for my animals.

Iā€™m now kind of talking to myself, am I convincing myself?
No wonder I have a migraine today!! Haha!

Oh also, Iā€™d aircon okay for parrots? I have to have mine on all day in the summer.
 

SailBoat

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Jul 10, 2015
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DYH Amazon
Two steps back and slow deep breaths...

The reality is, you are one of those individuals that when life stares you in the face, You Stare directly back and over-come whatever comes your way...

The goal should be, let the Parrot choose YOU! Whether Huge or Tiny or anywhere between you will survive and quickly rise to the needs of whatever chooses you.

FYI: Our super spoil Amazon likely adjusts the heating or cooling to his liking when we are out and about. It is not a concern with the very tiny exception of not placing them directly next to the vent... Also, filter change /clean regularly and everyone will be happy...
 
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HannahandSunny

HannahandSunny

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Forever in my heart. Sunny the Corella
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Two steps back and slow deep breaths... :p:54::p:p

The reality is, you are one of those individuals that when life stares you in the face, You Stare directly back and over-come whatever comes your way...

The goal should be, let the Parrot choose YOU! Whether Huge or Tiny or anywhere between you will survive and quickly rise to the needs of whatever chooses you.

FYI: Our super spoil Amazon likely adjusts the heating or cooling to his liking when we are out and about. It is not a concern with the very tiny exception of not placing them directly next to the vent... Also, filter change /clean regularly and everyone will be happy...

I quite agree with you! I do need to take deep breaths :p

I feel like I come across rather eccentric and erratic on the forum. I promise you In real life Iā€™m quite a quiet and reserved person believe it or not lol. Iā€™m not usually this talkative or stressy. I guess Iā€™m just excited at the possibility of having a bird in my life again. And I want it to be the right choice, for the birds sake and for me and my Partner.

Iā€™m struggling on where to get a bird from, I find myself looking on gumtree for the odd older (2+ years) tame parrot needing a new home. But none so far have massively jumped out at me. Except a Galah which has now been sold. The rest of the ads are from breeders, more likely to be backyard breeders. Iā€™m not keen on that. I also saw an ad today for wild caught baby galahs!! From a licensed catcher! How is that even allowed :(
Iā€™ve also looked on a couple of Melbourne based parrot rescue centres but nothing seems suitable for me.

Thanks for reading.
 

Betrisher

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Jun 3, 2013
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Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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Dominic: Galah(RIP: 1981-2018); The Lovies: Four Blue Masked Lovebirds; Barney and Madge (The Beaks): Alexandrines; Miss Rosetta Stone: Little Corella
I think you've already proven to yourself and all of us that you'd make an excellent companion for any parrot. A person who can pick up a corella as you did and help him work toward his best life is always going to be the best kind of person to deal with birds.

I think you should get both a galah and a cockatiel. I think you have the resources in space, time and personality to deal well with both. If you fancy a cockatiel, you should get one. I've never kept cockatiels (at least, not my own), so I can't say much about what they're like. I have kept galahs, however, and I have to say they make a wonderful companion bird! Not as feisty or as needy as corellas, they much quieter and less OTT than the other cockies. All the galahs I've known have had a gentle nature with a bit of larrikin buried underneath. I think the galah personality would suit you to a HUGE T, Hannah. I'll leave it to someone else to explain why a cockatiel would suit you as well.

The only thing you'd need to worry about if you get both is whether or not they'd do well together in the same cage. If not, then you'd be faced with cleaning two cages, obvs. Before anyone yells at me, I know many, many people who keep galahs and quarrions together quite happily. I think it depends on how young they are on arrival.

So yeah. Stop second-guessing yourself! Your work with Sunny showed you have the commitment needed to be a proper parrot owner and your attitude to birds in every single post you make proves it. The fact that you always ask first and do your research before acting shows that you're more than level-headed and responsible enough to care well for any bird. So don't worry. I look forward to hearing what you decide and helping you decorate a new cage! :)
 

Scott

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Hard to improve on Trish's treatise above!

Hannah, you have proven yourself as superb parront by temperament and judgment. I perceive you as extremely stable, capable, and extraordinarily passionate. Perhaps the latter is where you second guess yourself? Please don't ever squelch your exuberance, it is refreshing and will serve you (and your birds) very well! :)
 
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HannahandSunny

HannahandSunny

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Forever in my heart. Sunny the Corella
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Oh Bertrisher and Scott what wonderful forum friends you both are! I value both your opinions, thank you!

Wooaah there Bertrisher not sure if Iā€™m quite ready for 2 new bird species haha! But definitely something Iā€™ll consider in the future, when we have a bigger house. Iā€™d definitely be up for getting a second bird, Iā€™d house them in separate cages though if not together from babies.
Okay I 100% think Iā€™m swaying towards a Galah! Iā€™m so excited now! Now I just need to find the right one!

Oh, one more question. There are a lot of Galahs flying about the farm. Is this likely to upset a domestic one? Hearing them, wishing they was with them cause stress?
 

Betrisher

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Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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Dominic: Galah(RIP: 1981-2018); The Lovies: Four Blue Masked Lovebirds; Barney and Madge (The Beaks): Alexandrines; Miss Rosetta Stone: Little Corella
In all the years we owned him, Dominic only once responded to the wild galahs flying overhead. It was the first time he ever used his voice in my hearing and he let out a piercing galah shriek, fluffed up his face and his hat and then settled back to sleep. I never saw him do it again.

Rosetta calls out to the wild corellas every morning and evening as they fly from and to their roosts. I can't tell whether there's any real communication going on because the wild ones are constantly in conversation with one another. Who knows if they're answering 'Setta or just yahooing about? The thing is, 'Setta doesn't appear to want to go with the wild birds. Two seconds after they've passed over, 100% of her attention is mine again. I don't think the wild birds'presence really penetrates into the brains of our captive birds. Perhaps they'd notice if they were also wild and needed that communication to find food or avoid danger. But no, I don't think they bother. Perhaps someone else might have a different slant to add? :)
 

noodles123

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Jul 11, 2018
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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
Yup---as long as you have the space and time, I think you would be just fine.
The only thing I would mention (for your sake) is that since your future bird won't be flying around outside, you may see some less-desirable behaviors due to all of that pent-up energy and need for stimulation. I haven't owned a Galah specifically.

I wouldn't say "go with your gut" to 99% of the people asking the same question, so that's saying something :) because I am saying it to you. I believe that you will do what it takes.
 
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ParrotGenie

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Jan 10, 2019
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2 umbrella Cockatoos One male named Cooper and female named Baby 1 Little Corella male named Frankie and have 5 Cockatiels three named Male named Pepper, Fiesco for the female and female named Wylie.
Hope youā€™re not all getting sick of my questions :eek::p
I recently put up a post in the ā€˜cockatielā€™ section, asking a few questions of my home is suitable.. I recon we came to the conclusion itā€™s is as long as I make some changes and take precautions when cooking.
Okay so now I canā€™t decide... Iā€™ve been keen on getting a cockatiel, but always thought about Galahs as well..!
Iā€™ve always told myself no, no to a big cockatoo type bird, but why!?
Now I havenā€™t got any proper experience in owning a cockatoo, But Sunny certainly taught me a lot. On one hand he was easier than having a ā€˜petā€™ Cocky as he lived outside in his own world for half the time I looked after him. But in the early days, the first month or so he lived indoors where I had my first experience in caring for a cocky! And I couldnā€™t have done a bad job considering I helped teach him everything he should know and regained his strength and happiness.

So am I being to hard on myself by saying Iā€™m not ready to get a Galah? Or am I just scared of the long term commitment? ( now Iā€™m in no way saying Iā€™d get 5 years down the line and not want the bird anymore!! Quite the opposite!! More long term as in finding pet sitters while on holidays etc, and when I eventually have full time work, will the parrot adapt okay?) but thatā€™s just silly, isnā€™t it? Considering I have horses who will live for up to 40 years..and Iā€™m even flying my first pony I got 9 years ago from the U.K. here to Aus as I couldnā€™t ever bare to sell her and sheā€™s my responsibility forever! Iā€™m fully committed to her forever.
I take time off work if I need to take my guinea pigs to the vet, Iā€™ll do anything for my animals.

Iā€™m now kind of talking to myself, am I convincing myself?
No wonder I have a migraine today!! Haha!

Oh also, Iā€™d aircon okay for parrots? I have to have mine on all day in the summer.

It ok to ask as many questions as you want, it is part of gaining knowledge. Don't panic you will be fine adopting as you know how to overcome obstacles. Sunny was a good example of that. A air conditioner is fine, just don't put cage to close to draft
 
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Inger

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Bumble - Pacific (or Celestial) Parrotlet hatched 02/19/17
Everyone else has already said what I think, and far more eloquently. And Galahs are sooooooooooooooo pretty! If I was going to line birds up in order of most beautiful, well plain little Bumble would be first lol but then female ekkies and galahs would tie for second.


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T00tsyd

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May 8, 2017
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Green cheek conure - Sydney (Syd) Hatched 2/2017
I don't know you like the others but have been interested in your story and have really enjoyed the Sunny photos. I don't think there is any doubt of your skills but the most important thing from above that struck me was to let the bird choose you. I think that's what Sunny did. So I would visit some birds and see how you feel and more important how they feel to you and someone will steal your heart. Job done! Good luck.
 
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HannahandSunny

HannahandSunny

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Forever in my heart. Sunny the Corella
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Yup---as long as you have the space and time, I think you would be just fine.
The only thing I would mention (for your sake) is that since your future bird won't be flying around outside, you may see some less-desirable behaviors due to all of that pent-up energy and need for stimulation. I haven't owned a Galah specifically.

I wouldn't say "go with your gut" to 99% of the people asking the same question, so that's saying something :) because I am saying it to you. I believe that you will do what it takes.

Thank you noodles! Yes I do wonder how I will cope with having a bird that cannot be free outside. Iā€™ll adapt, Itā€™s a domestic bred bird so I will have to accept thatā€™s the way things are.
I was hoping for it to be an option for the bird to sometimes spend the daytime outside in the aviary? Is that do-able?
Iā€™d also be keen in harness training, I have read that it can be very difficult and doesnā€™t work for many birds. Have you got an opinion on harness flying?

Everyone else has already said what I think, and far more eloquently. And Galahs are sooooooooooooooo pretty! If I was going to line birds up in order of most beautiful, well plain little Bumble would be first lol but then female ekkies and galahs would tie for second.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hehe, yes they are SO beautiful and they make such a lovely noise!.. though Iā€™m sure there is a cockatoo scream in them too :p

I don't know you like the others but have been interested in your story and have really enjoyed the Sunny photos. I don't think there is any doubt of your skills but the most important thing from above that struck me was to let the bird choose you. I think that's what Sunny did. So I would visit some birds and see how you feel and more important how they feel to you and someone will steal your heart. Job done! Good luck.

Thank you so much for the support!
Iā€™d LOVE for the bird to choose me, However I wonder how I can do that.. The thing is Iā€™m not keen on going to a breeder unless Iā€™m 100% sure they are decent lovely human beings. I canā€™t find much in rescues in the area so will probably go for a Gumtree rescue, where Iā€™d be choosing the one bird that needs a new home. But the more I think about this, it concerns me. Iā€™d love to see a few and have the option..
Hmm tricky.
 

T00tsyd

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May 8, 2017
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Green cheek conure - Sydney (Syd) Hatched 2/2017
Yup---as long as you have the space and time, I think you would be just fine.
The only thing I would mention (for your sake) is that since your future bird won't be flying around outside, you may see some less-desirable behaviors due to all of that pent-up energy and need for stimulation. I haven't owned a Galah specifically.

I wouldn't say "go with your gut" to 99% of the people asking the same question, so that's saying something :) because I am saying it to you. I believe that you will do what it takes.

Thank you noodles! Yes I do wonder how I will cope with having a bird that cannot be free outside. Iā€™ll adapt, Itā€™s a domestic bred bird so I will have to accept thatā€™s the way things are.
I was hoping for it to be an option for the bird to sometimes spend the daytime outside in the aviary? Is that do-able?
Iā€™d also be keen in harness training, I have read that it can be very difficult and doesnā€™t work for many birds. Have you got an opinion on harness flying?

Everyone else has already said what I think, and far more eloquently. And Galahs are sooooooooooooooo pretty! If I was going to line birds up in order of most beautiful, well plain little Bumble would be first lol but then female ekkies and galahs would tie for second.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hehe, yes they are SO beautiful and they make such a lovely noise!.. though Iā€™m sure there is a cockatoo scream in them too :p

I don't know you like the others but have been interested in your story and have really enjoyed the Sunny photos. I don't think there is any doubt of your skills but the most important thing from above that struck me was to let the bird choose you. I think that's what Sunny did. So I would visit some birds and see how you feel and more important how they feel to you and someone will steal your heart. Job done! Good luck.

Thank you so much for the support!
Iā€™d LOVE for the bird to choose me, However I wonder how I can do that.. The thing is Iā€™m not keen on going to a breeder unless Iā€™m 100% sure they are decent lovely human beings. I canā€™t find much in rescues in the area so will probably go for a Gumtree rescue, where Iā€™d be choosing the one bird that needs a new home. But the more I think about this, it concerns me. Iā€™d love to see a few and have the option..
Hmm tricky.

I found Syd through adverts I didn't know any better. I saw a couple at a pet store but Syd, in a private house, flew straight to me and although I didn't make my mind up straight away I went and met another one who showed no interest at all I knew I had fallen in love. I guess if it is to be it will be. If you are ready you need to get out there somehow. Your bird is waiting for you to find him. Rather like Sunny.
 
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HannahandSunny

HannahandSunny

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Forever in my heart. Sunny the Corella
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I found Syd through adverts I didn't know any better. I saw a couple at a pet store but Syd, in a private house, flew straight to me and although I didn't make my mind up straight away I went and met another one who showed no interest at all I knew I had fallen in love. I guess if it is to be it will be. If you are ready you need to get out there somehow. Your bird is waiting for you to find him. Rather like Sunny.


This almost made me cry..
Thank you, Iā€™ll get on the bird quest!!
 

Betrisher

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Jun 3, 2013
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Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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Dominic: Galah(RIP: 1981-2018); The Lovies: Four Blue Masked Lovebirds; Barney and Madge (The Beaks): Alexandrines; Miss Rosetta Stone: Little Corella
LOL! Rosetta found me through gumtree. 'Quiet and affectionate family pet' it said. Hah! Bird's a maniac! Still we've rubbed along pretty well, she and I, and she's part of the family now, so won't be going anywhere else in this lifetime.

I just looked out for ads that said 'Need gone ASAP' because I knew those birds were the neediest for whatever reason. In 'Setta's case, I reckon she'd hit her puberty and her personality changed and the people had neither the knowledge nor the patience to see it through. I do, so 'Setta and I were able to work things out between us. I LOVE her every bit as much as I love my Beaks.

Just by the bye, have you seen Tab's videos on YouTube? Tab is a long-time member of ours who has a B&G macaw called Fargo. They have an incredible bond and Tab has done so much with Fargo, teaching him all sorts of tricks and even flying him from horseback on a harness. She did all this while still a teenager and is one of the best bird-trainers I know of. Check out her vids to get an idea of what you might achieve with a loved birdie. (Search 'Fargo the Macaw'). ;)

Always remember that most of the people who own birds know little about them. You have lots of advantages, having had the experience of living with Sunny and learning to meet his needs. Best of all, you have the intention of doing as well as you can by a bird. You WANT to give it the best life possible. That's the biggest hurdle and you've overcome it already.

PS. My Dad came by his four galahs when dogs wrecked their nest (it was made in the top of an old fencepost). The farm owner took the chicks, thinking the parents wouldn't come for them (they probably would have :( ) and gave them to Dad to raise. That lovely duty fell to me and I had the raising of Dominic, Aloysius, Ignatius and Xavier. Years later, a dog got into the aviary and killed Ignatius and Xavier. Years after that, Aloysius just passed away one night with no warning. :( Years after that, I inherited Dominic when Dad died. It can be strange how we come by our companions and stranger yet what happens in our lives and theirs. It's the love that matters, however. Love will always direct you to do your best. :)
 
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noodles123

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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
Harness training is great if it works for your bird--I'm pretty sure that with the proper persistence and technique, it could eventually work for any bird, but it is stressful when your bird hates it (like mine) so it's easy to give up. That having been said, I am certain mine COULD accept it...It just might take a year of daily work.

Flight in the aviary is great as long as it is totally clean---a wild bird has different immunity than a bird that has been raised in captivity and there are lots of diseases etc out there. You will also want to be careful about any drastic temperature shift (10 degrees difference + from inside setting is a bit much).

You will want a travel cage to get him there--unless it is attached to the house, because even a clipped bird can fly outdoors when frightened or startled (especially if there is wind).
 
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HannahandSunny

HannahandSunny

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Cockatiels. Percy & Gizmo

Forever in my heart. Sunny the Corella
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I went to Ballarat Bird world today so I could look at the different breeds and enjoy some time around Australian native Parrots!
It was sort of a sanctuary, When speaking to the 92(!!!) year old owner it seemed like he had taken on lots of the birds from people not wanting them anymore. He was extremely passionate about birds and has cared for them his whole life and built the Ballarat Bird world in 1972. We spoke to him for a long time, He was a lovely man who had a wonderful relationship with all his birds.
I feel the parrots could have perhaps done with some more stimulation in their aviaries but he clearly loved each one.
Of course it was super noisy! The main culprit being a Galah!! Gosh he was fierce ! And next door to him was a sweet gentle Major Mitchell who spoke so softly and so well.. but his neighbour made quite the racket! Paul (the old guy) said that Galahs can be like that, sometimes they switch at a certain age and become a bit aggressive and unfriendly.
I took a liking to all the Major Mitchellā€™s that were there. But looking online there super expensive.
In the end cage were lots of cockatiels, I instantly loved them.. I feel my heart is pulling to them more.
I did ask the Paul if he knew of a good places to buy a bird. He didnā€™t really know any, and then he carried on talking for another 30 minutes about other bird topics so I didnā€™t ask again haha!
We then went in the large free flight aviary where I got some photos..

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WN3ypSH.jpg


And lastly, Here is one of his Super friendly black Cockatoos, what a beautiful Bird!
(Excuse my ugly mug haha!).. and yes I did go to a bird world wearing a bird t-shirt and bird earrings ..
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qo1at45.jpg
 

T00tsyd

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Green cheek conure - Sydney (Syd) Hatched 2/2017
Fab photos once again. You have a career talent there.
 

noodles123

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Jul 11, 2018
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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
92! Wow...I would love to help at a place like that (as long as it didn't bring any diseases home to Noodles) lol. I hope the owner has someone who will take it over in the event that health prevents him/her from continuing.

That black cockatoo is ADORABLE. I worry about those guys because they are so cute that I could see people trying to take them for pets. :(

Your comment on noise reminded me.....
After many hour-long scream fests with Noodles early on, I THOUGHT I had heard her at her loudest (I mean, with the windows open, you could hear her 2-3 blocks away)....so pretty loud, right? SUPER LOUD during her scream-fests.
Then one day, she made a sound so loud that I stopped in my tracks---I couldn't comprehend what had just happened lol. It was like the equivalent of an m-80 firework going off in my house right next to me--bird-style..That was nearly 2 years into our relationship and she's only ever done it that one time.

I haven't heard it since, but Lord help me if she ever decides to start doing it more often...because the potential is there---I seriously don't know that I have heard a bird make a sound SO loud before (not even a macaw). It's amazing how loud they can be when they want to.
 

18WheelsOfSteel

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2 Budgies
"Southern Belle" a blue female
"Beau Dandy" a green male
Those black cockatoos are gorgeous, and how can anybody not like looking at a bunch of tiels, as to whether a big or small bird is right given your list of concerns, I'm not sure it would make much difference finding a sitter for a tiel or for a too, neither is going to be terrifically easy in all likelihood, and while tiels don't have the same lifespan, I wouldn't call 20+ years a short period of time, that's long enough to earn an Army retirement, so many of the challenges will be the same in that respect.
 

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