Animal Trainer interested in getting a Parrot

[AnimalTrainer]

Hi, my name is Sharon.

I went to a school to study animal training and later transferred to a different school to specialize in Service Dog training.

Other then dogs I have trained rats, rabbits, and horses. I have also taken care of sheep, chickens, llamas, cats, fish and a parakeet.

I am currently seriously considering getting a parrot and I am doing lots of research to see which type is right for me. If you have any suggestions I would love to hear them.

I am looking for a people friendly bird that loves attention. I'd like a bird that is intelligent and enjoys learning new things. I'd like to interact quite a bit with my new friend and teach them new things as often as possible. I see that some birds are described as cuddly which is definitely a quality I would like. I would love a bird that would like to carry things in his mouth.

I enjoy teaching tricks to a variety of animals so I would love a bird that enjoys training as well.

 

[henpecked]

welcome to the forum. In general terms, the larger,more intelligent parrots tend to mate for life.With this in mind, the larger birds tend not to do as well with new situations and new people.Early socialization and exposure to different situations is the key. As a new "parront" your learning curve effects the outcome of your birds ability to adapt.Flock oriented birds (like a cockatiel) tend to accept more people and don't tend to become as "possessive" as the birds that mate for life. perhaps a cockatiel would be a good bird to learn with.True , many of the larger birds(like a amazon) can be very good with people but it would take a experienced owner who knew how to train a young bird to get them to that point.In other words i'd suggest start with one of the smaller birds and learn the "ropes".Another suggestion is let the bird pick you. If you can "click" with the bird you can save yourself much time and trouble socializing. After all it's the earliest beginnings that shape the birds personality and "tameness". Just my .02 worth.

 

[SoCalWendy]

Hi, my name is Sharon.

I went to a school to study animal training and later transferred to a different school to specialize in Service Dog training.

Other then dogs I have trained rats, rabbits, and horses. I have also taken care of sheep, chickens, llamas, cats, fish and a parakeet.

I am currently seriously considering getting a parrot and I am doing lots of research to see which type is right for me. If you have any suggestions I would love to hear them.

I am looking for a people friendly bird that loves attention. I'd like a bird that is intelligent and enjoys learning new things. I'd like to interact quite a bit with my new friend and teach them new things as often as possible. I see that some birds are described as cuddly which is definitely a quality I would like. I would love a bird that would like to carry things in his mouth.

I enjoy teaching tricks to a variety of animals so I would love a bird that enjoys training as well.

Well your on the right track. It kinda depends on a few things, your circumstances, living arrangements, how much time per day you can spend, and how much you want spend and can afford for food, toy, cage, and vet bills.

It's not like owning a dog, where you become their pack leader, or a cat, owning a birds is a lifelong commitment. Should the bird outlive you, you need to make arrangements to have the bird looked after should you pass. Birds can be unpredictable, even the well trained ones. Some are more cuddly than other. My Senegal is not a cuddly bird, but my Parrotlet is, even demanding. Hope you find what you are looking for. Just make sure as you narrow it down, do lots of research, and ask lot of questions.