Best parrot for someone who has never owned a bird before.

[kabahaly]

what is the best parrot for someone who has never owned a bird before?

 

[Mariahh0721]

IMO a hand-fed budgie, or a green cheek. Most people say budgies are "starter birds" or "throw away birds" but they like any other bird are companions. The hand tamed budgies will be easier to handle, but pet store ones can be trained and be just as sweet. They aren't very noisy at all. Green cheeks are sweet birds too, I have one. They can be more noisy then a budgie. But they are more quiet then other conures. But you have to keep in mind all birds are different. Don't let this change your opinion because it is not true with most green cheeks, but mine is louder then my sun conure.
Neither of the birds is known to be a talking bird. But they are still just as love able. To me talking doesn't make a difference.
But those would be my top birds for a first time owner. Just be sure you read about any bird you choose to make sure you know everything about it

 

[WeimerHeimer]

I'm sure you'll get lots of various responses to this questions. I've heard this question posed before and I've seen recommendations range from small birds all the way up to macaws.

Anyways, IMHO, ...... if a person has never had a bird (parrot) and has not been around them a whole lot I would have to say maybe a Cockatiel. Why? ...... Well, with a 'Tiel they are geneally a nice bird. They don't have intimidating hook bills like a 'Too or a Mac. "Tiels also are NOT oboxiously loud like Amazons, "Too's, and Macaws. 'Tiels are not as messy as Amazons, "Too's, and Macaws. These are all things non-bird people seem to have issues with or need getting use to as first time bird owners.

Can a new "Bird-Nerd" get a large parrot off the bat? Yes he/she can, but the goal here, IMHO, is; 1) For the bird to have a "forever" home. 2) Help foster/mentor a new person into the bird keeping hobby with a better chance of "success" in the long haul.

Good luck!

 

[DallyTsuka]

i would like to suggest cockatiels, because they are such great birds, but i am partial to them.


however, it depends on YOU. what are you expecting from a bird? birds are individuals so their personalities will vary, however there are different factors that are involved that might best point you to the best option for you.


what is your tolerance for noise? what is your home like (apartment, house?)? how much space are you willing to put aside for the bird and all of his or her accessories?

 

[Billy29]

My first bird was a cockatiel, he was great. I had a sun conure too and I don't think one had anything over the other except the cockatiel was easier to handle. Both were loaded with personality.

 

[MikeyTN]

I would also suggest a Cockatiel, it was my very first bird too. They're really good companion animals once they bond with you. The care of them is not complicated. They generally will go to just about anyone but sometimes they do have their favorite person to go to, but they would go to pretty much anyone if they were trained properly to begin with. Plus I find them not very noisy at all compared to some others but depends on what you think is noisy. But to choose a bird is your choice to make, why don't you visit numerous birds to see what interests you?

 

[Echo]

I would say Budgie or Lineolated Parakeet. I'm not fond of Cockatiels but that's personal.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

I recommend hand raised cockatiels and Budgies. If you are interesting in a larger bird find some place with large parrots that you can volunteer at. A large parrot can be a very scary thing if you aren't used to them

 

[WeimerHeimer]

A large parrot can be a very scary thing if you aren't used to them

I about passed out the first time I handled a Hyacinth Macaw. Those beaks are intimidating!

 

[chippy]

My vote is Green-cheeked Conure... they have fabulous personalities and are not difficult at all to care for!

 

[JoeR]

Even though budgies and cockatiels are considered to be starter birds by some, they sure can make great pets. I have owned some GREAT little budgies, that I wouldn't have traded for anything. I currently own a couple of cockatiels that are fantastic little birds. Because bird personalities vary SO widely, even within individual species, I strongly recommend you spend as much time as you can looking for the right bird. If there is a local parrot rescue place, maybe go there and volunteer a little bit. If not, visit a few breeders or stores. Whatever you do, spend some time looking before you decide.

My 2 cents (more than actual street value)

Joe

 

[Syd]

I recommend a blue Crown Conure. This was my first bird and by far the best bird in my book next to African Gray and Toos. They aren't as loud as other conures (at least mine was not) He makes a little noise in the morning and at night. I really swear by them!