A good starting parrot

[abokki]

Hello everyone,

So I was recently looking into getting a parrot of some kind. I have kept 2 budgies and a green cheek conure with good success. Currently the house doesn't have any birds and I am looking for a starting parrot. Now I know theres no such thing as a starting bird but I am looking for something a small step above a green cheek conure. Some things Im looking for are a quiet species. Birds cant be completely silent and Im ok with the occasional screaming but not something ear piercing or constant. Some noise level maybe below a loud conure perhaps? Also Im looking for a bird that is fairly cuddly or friendly. Just so I can train him to perch on my finger and occasionally scratch him, nothing too fancy. Lastly Im gone for a lot of the day but I do give my birds the attention they need. Im looking for a bird that can do ok with a little bit of alone time as long as i still get back to him everyday. Talking is not necessary. I was thinking maybe a senegal or pionus? What do owners hear think? Thanks everyone!

 

[Flboy]

Welcome to you!
What ended up happening to the other three?

 

[abokki]

gave the budgies to a friend who has a flock in a giant cage. I check on them every now and then. Gave the conure who was getting jealous of my family members to my sister. Kiwi the conure now lives with her and 2 other green cheeks. None of them are dead if thats what you were thinking. I check on all of them once a month and there all happy and healthy!

 

[Loko]

Nobody was thinking they were dead! Its just a question asked a lot of times to see if theres anything else to be aware of for the good of a bird and yourself. This does bring up the next question though, which is are you sure you are ready to get another bird, possibly one even more involved than the last if you have given them all away? Birds like senegals are intelligent birds that bond very strongly to their people, and often can be one person birds. They also live a long time, so its necessary to think very hard if you want to commit to a 30+ year relationship/responsibility. So many birds end up in rescues forgotten because people get tired of them and just give them away, and I have no idea your reasons nor am I drawing any conclusions as to why you gave them away, but it may help to elaborate as to get an idea of what would be good for you.

 

[wrench13]

Small amazon would be my recomendation. A yellow shoulder like Salty here, or a white fronted amazon. smart, but not as boisterous as the larger 'zons. Thet all get loud for a bit once or ywice a day, and some learn to talk ( Salty does). they can be family birds if socialized well and often. But dont you go an get a 'zon just to give him away in a few years, or we will hunt you down! ;zons are for life because that is what they will give you. You may also want to research white belly caiques, who do well with less attention and learn to play

 

[abokki]

I came to this forum because im looking for a permanent bird that will stay with us for a while. Im really committed for this one. I would've kept my green cheek if he hadn't gotten extremely jealous of me simply talking with others. It was a heartbreak to let him go but I did it for his happiness. I visit him every now and then and hes a lot happier. But I have the space, time and commitment for a new friend. I work from around 7:30-4:00. After this I would typically hang out with my birds after this, working at home with them and even eating with them. This worked with my green cheek unless I interacted with other people or even the phone. But the bird I want is a family bird that I will devote much of my time for. Is my work schedule would be too long for a parrot to be alone? Thanks again!

 

[Loko]

Your work schedule is normal and doesnt really rule out anything besides maybe cockatoos, but I wouldnt recommend them if you dont want a potentially jealous bird anyway. But remember, any bird, even a species with a rep. For being a family bird CAN be jealous. It depends in large part how well you socialize your bird, but I would rule out senegals as well as they can get very jealous. If you regularly introduce your bird to people and have him or her used to you being around other people, the chance for jealousy and one person issues is reduced, though still possible, and if you dont socialize your bird well the chance goes way up. Not sure if you knew this or not and tried it with the green cheek but now you have something to keep in mind. Search socializing your parrot in the search bar and on google and you will learn some good tips. I think like stated above some of the less hormonal amazons may be good, but remember they are often not the most hands on birds though extremely intelligent. Friendly yes, cuddly, not so much from what Ive seen.

 

[RavensGryf]

Of course there are no real "starter" birds . Lots of people have had birds for decades and still they only stick with budgies, lovebirds, and cockatiels. That's okay too. Larger and more demanding is not for everyone's lifestyle.

Of the species you mentioned, I have a Bronze Winged Pionus. He reminds me a lot of an Amazon in general characteristics. Raven and the largest Pionus species are near the size of a smaller Amazon like wrench13's 'Salty'. Some are smaller, but all Pi's are quite a bit bigger than a Senegal. Pionus are generally speaking 'not' too outgoing, extroverted, or hyper, and that is what makes them fairly easy. Very independent too. Raven is a male, and he is pretty temperamental, and I have to watch his body language at all times. He also has a sense of humor, talks in different voices, and is not too noisy or loud.

I also have 2 close relatives of Senegals (also Poicephalus parrots), and although the two are very different from each other, they both can have a nervous streak, and are not as calm as the Pionus. My Ruppell's is very active and energetic, outgoing, and always trying to cause trouble. With the Senegals (and any of the Poicephalus parrots) the personality can greatly vary. Some are hands on and cuddly, others are not. Generally they are a little quicker to bite hard than many other species. Even well trained, the tendency is more at the surface than with the Pionus. You see this tendency in both male and female, but you hear about it more in mature males. All my birds are very independent when they need to be.

It's really hard to describe species in more than general terms. Meeting individuals is always a good idea. Good luck!

 

[abokki]

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll look into a pionus or small amazon. I'll definitely meet them before buying.

 

[jenphilly]

Do you have a rescue near you? Go and visit with your family. Let the right family bird pick you. Any species of bird can be a family social bird... any species of bird can be a very single person oriented bird... parrots are so individual and intelligent that there is no right answer for your question because any individual bird of a species could be the right bird for you and your family.

Off the top of my head, I would say no Amazons, but then there are those rare and social friendly Amazons... you gave away a green cheek, yet our experience is that we have placed dozens of super social and friendly green cheeks into family situations where they live like social butterflies and enjoy interacting with everyone and anyone. Conures, cockatiels, IRNs, poi family, pionus, lovebirds, etc... all could be fantastic for your family, but then individual of any of those species could be terrible. Go and meet a bunch of birds if you can and let the right bird pick you, when the bird picks the family, its always the right match

Good luck in your search!!

 

[abokki]

So I went to the breeder today. I found a lovely blue headed pionus today who seemed to take a liking to me. I think Ill meet with him once or twice more to finalize my choice. And I must thank you for your input on the green cheek. I guess your right when every bird has a different personality. I would've loved to keep my green cheek to this day if he hadn't become so dangerously feisty with everyone but me. Thanks again!

 

[wrench13]

Well let's face it, we all want a parrot that starts on the first try. Some like parrots with a pull cord, because they are just reliable, but I like the convenience of an electric start. But a good starting parrot is a must.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.