First parrot

[Umbrella33]

Which parrot would be a beginner any suggestions thanks

 

[Owlet]

There's lots of debate on if there is a such thing as "beginner" parrots. All parrots have many needs so I personally don't really think there are set beginner parrots. I definitely would advise not starting with larger birds like macaws as they'd probably be overwhelming for someone who doesn't have the experience with parrots. I suggest looking into all the different species and seeing what you like and what is in your price range. I found this video early on when looking into parrots. I don't know own accurate some of the information is as I'm not too familiar with a lot of the species, but I feel it gave me a good overview. [ame="https://youtu.be/Yxh5nE5hgBM"]Parrot Types; Which one is best for You? - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Timmah]

Search the internet, youtube, and this site. Without anyone knowing your level of comfort with looking after birds, or familiarity with breeds, age or level of knowledge, we can't (and being responsible, WOULDN'T) tell you that. I spent SIX MONTHS reading up on parrots, and more specifically Quakers. And I still wasn't fully aware of how things are. So research research research. If you're willing to put in the time to look up the details, then chances are you'll be a good parrot owner. If you're not willing to learn beforehand then.........

 

[wrench13]

Honestly, we are all crazy for wanting to keep parrots. Out of all animals that are kept as pets, parrots are the #1 hardest to keep and keep happy. Likely the most $$ too. When I tell my friends and family what I do for Salty, they are like "What?? You didn't even do that for your kids!". But if you have the need for a parrot, well your in good comapany. What makes the best 'beginner bird? The one you like best. The big parrots are more challenging, just becasue of size, space and $$, but dont get a comure thinking you will work your way up. it dont work like that. Because then you will have a conure AND the bird you wanted int he first place. If a african grey floats your boat, grab the oars. If a Amazon gets you gooey, get some kleenex. Your gonna have to learn "bird" anyway, might as well learn the one you want. Thats my opinion, anyway. But then again, I am owned by an Amazon.

 

[sonja]

I don't know if your screen name, Umbrella, is a reference to an interest in Umbrella cockatoos (U2s), but I wanted to throw out there that U2s are just about the worst parrot for a beginner.

 

[LeaKP]

I agree that larger birds can be very intimidating. If you are even considering a larger parrot, I suggest you spend considerable time around as many large parrots as you can before making a decision. Perhaps you can volunteer at a rescue or visit as many breeders/shops as possible.

That being said, some people just jump in and get a large bird and have great results.

I have always had African Greys but absolutely love the Green Cheek Conures and would have another given the chance. They are smaller but 100% parrot.

 

[EllenD]

I think many of us already told you that it's not an issue of what's good for a beginner, but what is your available time to spend with the bird, how much money do you have available for vet care and food each month, do you live alone or with other people, do you have a house, or apartment, etc. You keep asking this question in multiple posts because you're not getting the answer you want, at least that's my take. Also, you stated that the bird was for your dad and he had plenty of bird experience, but wouldn't state what kind of birds or answer any other questions about his situation, and now you're asking about a beginner bird. You also started off asking about adopting any Cockatoo, African Gray, or Macaw for your dad, but stated he works too much to spend time looking at ads so you were doing it for him, and we told you if he has no time to even get on the internet and do research then he certainly should not have a Cockatoo, African Gray, macaw, Senegal, or really any bird...

I wish you would be straight with everyone and answer our questions because we really have been trying to help you...

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[Owlet]

Ellen, may I ask where you got that they were saying it's for their dad? I looked through all their 7 posts for further information on the situation and didn't find any mention of a dad. (Or really any bird except a cockatoo and a conure). I'm just curious as to if threads / posts were deleted or you've got Umbrella mixed up with another user..?

 

[Puck]

Ellen, may I ask where you got that they were saying it's for their dad? I looked through all their 7 posts for further information on the situation and didn't find any mention of a dad. (Or really any bird except a cockatoo and a conure). I'm just curious as to if threads / posts were deleted or you've got Umbrella mixed up with another user..?

I didn't see the posts about their dad so that may be a mix up unless it was deleted, but the OP did post about getting either a cockatoo or an African Grey in another thread and was given other suggestions on this in another thread.

To the OP: no birds are actually beginner birds. They are all difficult pets. We can't give precise recommendations at all without more details about how the bird will be kept. Budgies are a good choice both in size and noise level for pretty much anyone (they are good apartment birds), so that is about all I can recommend unless I know more about your living situation.

 

[EllenD]

Oh my, I have to apologize greatly, similar usernames but not the same person. Like very, very close. I was thinking it was another person who has constantly asked exactly the same question and is always asking for free birds for he and his father.

I would delete my post if I could but I don't think I can...I'm quite embarrassed, if you were the correct person I wouldn't be because he has no shame about just trying to nab a free parrot, but I really cannot believe I mixed you two up...I am so, so sorry. Your usernames are very close, oye.

I'm not sure how to rectify this except to say I'm very, very sorry for confusing you two.

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[JBassset]

So everyone here has given you some great advice and you should listen to all of them. And also give us some more information.

I stumbled into my first bird on accident so I didn't have the wisdom of asking questions first and doing research. I wound up learning under fire. (At times I felt like I was actually IN a combat situation with the little jerk)

A few months in I've gotten a handle on the first bird who was, by any account, super easy to adapt to and then I stumbled onto a Macaw... so I did a lot of what people here said not to do: 1. Get a little bird and then get the bird I wanted 2. Get a Macaw fairly early on in my bird career.

My life has changed dramatically for these decisions. I spend 30 minutes every morning just cleaning food dishes, refilling them and getting the kids their breakfast. On top of having to wake them up, entertain them and say "good morning."

Every night I come home and spend at least 20 minutes solo with each bird and then the rest of the night with both birds together. We play, watch TV, I talk to them, we do some training work and generally I don't get a ton of relaxation.

Did I mention how much time I spend on poop? I'm potty training the little guy but I still spend a LOT of time cleaning poop off of the couch, the floors, the rugs... not to mention the time spent cleaning cages!

I don't regret either bird. But it's been a huge change in my life and it's required a bunch of sacrifices. Are you ready for that? Are you ready to get crapped on by something that just bit you and drew blood? Can you still be nice to it after that moment?

Because you will have to deal with that. And it's worth it when later that bird tucks it's head into your chest and "purrs" while you scratch it's neck. I love em and wouldn't ever change my decisions... but it's a BUCKET of work.