Greetings

[hlrey4]

Hello all. I am new to this forum. I was researching bird breeds when I found this site. It seems like a great tool for getting info on breeds. You can only learn so much on the information sites, I am looking forward to the personal stories.

I currently have a cockatiel (Cooper) and am looking to add a 2nd bird. While I love my Tiel, I am looking for different traits in bird two. I am looking for someone more animated, playful, and cuddly. I have 2 kids & 2 labs, so a busy house. While each bird has it's own personality, I am trying to stick with breeds that are known to accept multiple people.

I am not ready for the size of the large Macaws or Cockatoos. I love the Greys, but am shying away due to the dander. My daughter's asthma has gotten worse and I wonder how much Cooper's dander has contributed. Figure it is best not to add another large dander maker. Right now I am looking into GCC, Caiques, Hahns Macaws.

Has anyone owned a GCC and a Caique and could compare them for me?

Thank you!

 

[Blackfang320]

i would go for GCC they are everything you described and low to no dander

 

[Parrot Parent]

I would say go for a sun conure. But I'm a bit biased when it comes to that lol

 

[Rio Mom]

My vote (although biased too lol) goes to the GCC. Mine is such a sweetie! Very friendly, loves people attention, playful and inteligent.

 

[MikeyTN]

All birds have dander, but Cockatiels, Cockatoos, and African Greys have what you called Powder Dust. That's the main reason how I got my Cockatiels from people that were allergic to them. Bathing on a daily basis could help with that. A filtraton system which a lot of people have suggested "Rabbit Air" and placing the bird in a separate room could help your daughter with her asthma problem.

Im not a huge fan of Conures but a lot of members are in here. Caiques are fun little birds! There's plenty to choose from. If you could, go to a breeder that have a variety to choose from cause its up to you and your family to choose that special bird.

Welcome to the forum and hope you the best!

 

[mtdoramike]

Well Asthma is nothing to play around with. People have died from it. If there is the slightest question of whether your current bird has caused it to get worse is enough for me to re-home the bird. I wouldn't want my passion to cause harm or missery to other members of my family. So I would keep that in mind when considering another bird or animal. But that's just my opinion.

 

[Spiritbird]

I could not agree more with you mtdoramike. If you want an animal that is cuddly try a 4 legged one. FYI birds types are called species, not breeds. Hope it works out for you and family.

 

[HRH Di]

I agree with the health concerns. After you've tackled that are still in the market for a loving, playful, cuddly bird that is accepting of the whole family, may I suggest a red-front macaw (surprise, surprise). They are smaller macaws although not minis - about 500 grams. They can be hard to find, but worth the effort.

You're going to get as many species/breed references as there are members - we all have our favorites.

 

[MikeyTN]

Hey guys, it is possible to have a bird in the house even with someone in the house being allergic to them. My ex is highly allergic to poultry, dander on birds, anything birds....me and my smaller flock cut from 150 to 25 birds lived happily under the same roof for 3 years... my birds had their own room with filtration system, own vacuum, etc. I have taken my ex into ER before from eating food that contained poultry so it is no joke to play with.

 

[hlrey4]

Thanks for the input on the bird "species" (sorry for the faux pas - that's what I get typing late

I did check out some of the posts on specific birds and that helped.

I would never put my child in jeopardy, asthma existed before the bird. I work close with an asthma specialty pediatrian and don't want to risk adding a Grey. They have the potential to cause reactions even in people who don't react to smaller birds. I would love to get another furry dog, but my husband has nixed that, lol! He seems to think our two labs are enough (one paralyzed and one with anxiety issue)- he is no fun I tell ya, ha. There is a lot more to the asthma, just didn't want to bore everyone. The pets are part of the family and don't cause anyone misery.

Red-Front Macaws, I'll have to check them out- thanks! MickeyTN, sounds like you have had good experience with Caiques?