What parrot should I get?

[robomanrob]

Lost between all parrots

Hi all,

I'm new here but I have to say this looks like a nice forum!
I've owned two blue parakeets before. Since the last one passed away I've known that I want a new bird, and one that's bigger. A real huggable/playable pet.

I'm working at a parrot shop and I've been looking around but there's so much nice parrots that I have no clue anymore which one suits me the most.

The parrots I've been thinking about are the following:
- Caique
- Senegal Parrot
- Meyer's Parrot
- Alexandrine Parakeet
- Quaker Parakeet
- Cinnamon Cockatiel

Caique's interested me the most because of their playfullness but I guess the biting makes it a no-go for me. My heart beats faster of macaws and cockatoos, but unfortunately I think they're too expensive and too loud for me. A Cinnamon Cockatiel looks nice, but I think this won't really give me the 'big pet'/ 'parrot feel'. Like I really do own a parrot.
Would the Senegal or the Quaker be something for me?


A couple of points of information.
- I've got no kids yet, but I'd like them within a decade.
- I've got no other pets yet, but I'll get a dog in the near future.
- I want a parrot that's kind towards me but also to new people
- I don't mind some noise but loud screeching wouldn't be nice
- I'd prefer one that is able to talk a little, but that definitely isn't a must

Thanks!
Rob

 

[GaleriaGila]

You are asking all kinds of good questions. Good for you for reaching out and researching!

Parrots' behavior varies so widely even within species, although some of the stereotypes are valid! I wonder if you might enjoy visiting and volunteering at a rescue-rehab facility. You might even find the love of your life is looking for a home.

Working in a parrot store should offer you a great opportunity to learn about the possibilities. How fortunate!

Meanwhile, i can't think of a better way to keep learning and sharing than to keep reading here. I will really look forward to following your journey.

I only really know much about one species, and even though I adore my little demon, I don't recommend his species at all! If you'd like to read more about him, I'll offer this... a lot of the content is pretty valid for parrots, maybe especially conures, in general.
http://www.parrotforums.com/conures/77615-patagonian-conure-tutorial.html

Good luck!

 

[Laurasea]

Welcome!
I'd love to take home one of each kind myself!
I love me some Quakers, but they are known to be loud, and mine are. They are super smart and must have lots of stuff to do and lots of attention, as they are prone to plucking, and Quaker mutilation syndrome, as they bite off their own toes, chew holes in themselves. Because they are so smart and social, if you meet those needs I think they are wonderful.
Some if the larger conure species like blue fronted conure, and peach fronted conure are nice, I love the pictures of golden conures or the queen of Bolivia conure, but I've never met one, if you have several thousand the hawk headed parrot seem like great birds, we have a member here with one.

 

[wrench13]

Welcome and be welcomed.

Big parrot means a few things.
Big cage $$
Big toy bill monthly $
Big vet bill $$ ( or even $$$)
Big noise
Big mess
Big bites

Budgie / cockatiel - not so much. Some your selections are not much bigger than a cockatiel, which BTW are just as much a parrot as a macaw or amazon.

Are you pepared for the life changes any responsible owner takes?
No teflon anything, and the list besides pots n pans will amaze you
No scented anything
No fabic softener
No perfume

Parrots are a BIG commitment, and we want you to know what is in store.
BUT.... they are without a doubt the most engaging, funny, endearing, creatures you will ever invite into your home.

Good Luck!

 

[charmedbyekkie]

I wouldn't call parrots huggable/playable pets. If that's your main goal, perhaps look at a mammalian pet instead? Birds don't show affection with hugging or similar gestures. In fact, petting anywhere other than the head is sexually propositioning them, which can frustrate them since you as a human cannot fulfil that.

As for a bird that's kind to you and new people, that's largely determined by the individual personality of the bird as well as how much time you put in training the bird. If you don't have time each day to set aside for socialization training, then your bird might not know how to handle socialising with strangers.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by a "real parrot" feel. Is it the look of the bird being not the typical cinematic interpretation of a parrot?

Perhaps you could share more of your current situation and wants/thoughts?