Help us choose our future parrot!

[Illigers]

Oh yea I have never seen a video of a Grey being loud at all unless it mimics a microwave for 1 second when I think about it, I read that's "typical" poi parrot behaviour which is why I also looked at Meyer's! If it helps to know our daily routine, I get up and tend to all the animals, then I eat and work 1.5-2 hours before my art break. I can then spend hours doing whatever I wish until dinner, then after I may work an hour or two more then free range time until 11:30 PM, so there's a LOT of dead space inbetween which I spend gaming and doodling, which I'll gladly cut to spend more time with the animals. The dogs are usually done with their day around dinnertime (2 seniors) And the cat joins my boyfriend for after dinner naps. We're very routine oriented and do things by the clock haha.
I looked up the bird show, I am unsure if I can afford a plane ticket right now to go there since it's in 30 days already. I might opt to join the breeder at his warehouse later next year instead, since he had mostly parrots and the bird show had all sorts of things I am not planning on getting (and things I never knew existed)

I am sure he has grey's, seen some videos and he usually deals with multiple cockatoos, eclectus, budgies and many more. I'll try look up more of his videos to get an idea of what to expect. At least a LOT of noise!

Also thank you again, I love giant paragraphs of information like this, exactly what I need haha!

Parrots adore routine, that will fit right in with them. Only problems with that(not saying its wrong or anything, but something that is useful to know so youbcan decide how much routine you want) is when they get TOO set in a routine. Then if one day you run a little late, or an incident happens and you are out of the house more for a week or something, they get really upset. I try to vary the routine a little bit, so they dont get too 'set', so to say. I sometimes put them in their aviaries for a lot more time than usual, as most days they can be out 8-12 hours, but I want them to be chill to with spending some time in their enclosures so we 'practice' that some days.
Watching yt of the species you like may help indeed, I often try to find videos of them just hanging out or something, playing etc, if I dont know a species well to get a better idea.

 

[Vincent_V52]

Parrots adore routine, that will fit right in with them. Only problems with that(not saying its wrong or anything, but something that is useful to know so youbcan decide how much routine you want) is when they get TOO set in a routine. Then if one day you run a little late, or an incident happens and you are out of the house more for a week or something, they get really upset. I try to vary the routine a little bit, so they dont get too 'set', so to say. I sometimes put them in their aviaries for a lot more time than usual, as most days they can be out 8-12 hours, but I want them to be chill to with spending some time in their enclosures so we 'practice' that some days.
Watching yt of the species you like may help indeed, I often try to find videos of them just hanging out or something, playing etc, if I dont know a species well to get a better idea.

I heard they like routine a lot, so that might work. The longest I am ever away a few times a year, is if I'm visiting my side of the family which takes 8-9 hours at most, and boyfriend stays at home cause he often gets too ill to travel (I wouldn't mind bringing the parrot either, just a car ride and a ferry!) I do not have to travel at all for my work, nor do I see a time where I need to be gone more than 3 days max in the next 5 years for a minor medical procedures (boyfriend will also stay at home for this) So we will be home most of the time for the forseeable future.

 

[osklvste87]

Never thought about a 'routine'. My only routine is light on/off, chop, TV or stream. I'm in out the house irregularly. Sometimes leave 0600, 1000 or noon. Back anytime. As long as she gets the love, attention, out of cage time she wants no problems. Been treating her that way since I got her as a young chick. She's the one that gets me out of bed by 0600. She's the one that makes sure I am in bed no later 1900 and 'asleep' 1930'. In her opinion its ok to stay awake a little longer and snack on extra pellets if she feels

 

[osklvste87]

While thinking look through photo gallery and photo of the month pasts. A variety of participants. The collection will amuse you. It may help single your species.

 

[Vincent_V52]

While thinking look through photo gallery and photo of the month pasts. A variety of participants. The collection will amuse you. It may help single your species.

Sounds like an idea! I still think I really like an Eclectus male, Meyer's & the sheer possibility of an older rehomed CAG..been warming up to them a bit after looking. (I actually dreamt I adopted a disabled one, brain totally bird fried lol)

 

[Illigers]

With eclectus male, you will depending on their upbringing(parent raised or hand raised) probably have a quite hormonal bird, that does not have to be a problem but can be for the bird, I would think deeply about that and try to meet as many as possible. And discuss their diet with avian vets. Nothing worse than doing the best with their diet and them still feather plucking and becoming ill. Parrot diets are really complicated, I love eclectus but I would not pick a baby one, an older one possibly but I dont want to go through the heartbreak I see with others qho try their best, and their bird is still toe tapping and plucking. I would strongly consider that point

 

[Vincent_V52]

With eclectus male, you will depending on their upbringing(parent raised or hand raised) probably have a quite hormonal bird, that does not have to be a problem but can be for the bird, I would think deeply about that and try to meet as many as possible. And discuss their diet with avian vets. Nothing worse than doing the best with their diet and them still feather plucking and becoming ill. Parrot diets are really complicated, I love eclectus but I would not pick a baby one, an older one possibly but I dont want to go through the heartbreak I see with others qho try their best, and their bird is still toe tapping and plucking. I would strongly consider that point

Yeah that's about the only thing about them that's a problem for me, the diet & possible hormones. They aren't my first choice because of this, though their personalities seem so nice, but again it depends on the individual as well. And considering avian vets are 2 hours away by car it's going to be a bit strenuous when we can opt for something much simpler that has easier care & dietary needs to minimize risk.

 

[Illigers]

Yeah that's about the only thing about them that's a problem for me, the diet & possible hormones. They aren't my first choice because of this, though their personalities seem so nice, but again it depends on the individual as well. And considering avian vets are 2 hours away by car it's going to be a bit strenuous when we can opt for something much simpler that has easier care & dietary needs to minimize risk.

Yeah it is something you have to be aware of. I personally like greys a bit more, but some eclectus males can be pretty animated(I love extravagant parrots most, hence the south american species I keep that tend to be more animated and excitable) that I have met and love. But some are so placid, that is not my vibe athough they have that calm intelligence about them that is very charming. That is just my personal opinion. It is so sad about the diets, hopefully in the next years we will learn more about them. I have seen ekkies on seed diets, mostly sunflower, that look perfect(says mothing about their insides),kept in small cages, and birds that get a lot of space and great diets and look awful.

 

[Vincent_V52]

Yeah it is something you have to be aware of. I personally like greys a bit more, but some eclectus males can be pretty animated(I love extravagant parrots most, hence the south american species I keep that tend to be more animated and excitable) that I have met and love. But some are so placid, that is not my vibe athough they have that calm intelligence about them that is very charming. That is just my personal opinion. It is so sad about the diets, hopefully in the next years we will learn more about them. I have seen ekkies on seed diets, mostly sunflower, that look perfect(says mothing about their insides),kept in small cages, and birds that get a lot of space and great diets and look awful.

Honestly everyone in this thread has said a CAG is great and to not give up on the idea of having one haha... I've started envisioning what I can do for a rehomed one (since we can no longer safely adopt a baby because of our lifespans) Also I think it's the same with fish, you see a goldfish in a small bowl and it's lived in that for 20 years, which shouldn't be a thing at all. At least I'm working on getting my baseline right and preparing as much as possible for our incoming bird.

 

[Vincent_V52]

I've been thinking, maybe getting a smaller & more common bird -first- before jumping straight into a medium sized/rehomed parrot might be a good idea. I've been enamoured by peach-faced lovebirds after all, and think I would really enjoy their boisterous personality. Then I'll know a bit more what we are able to handle with noise, mess and finances (making toys, perches etc) If we get worn out by a tiny one, we will know for sure something bigger, more expensive & needy will not be a good idea alongside the first companion to begin with, and just increases the risk of the larger more challenging one being rehomed if we go too deep too fast.

I'm just thinking out loud again haha, who knows what we'll do. We have plans to meet up with the Parrot Guy sometime next year either way, maybe he will have a different perspective & advice for us.
I think I just really like having a bird at all, no matter the size.

 

[Vampiric_Conure81]

Yvons does a toddler scream from time to time that rivals a smoke alarm. Like, WOW, is it loud. In comparison, his beeps and squeals from a fire alarm are tame. Thank the Gods he doesn't make those sounds often. He prefers talking and opera to anything else, LOL! If he does scream, I whisper, 'shhhhh, quiet'. That usually quiets him down.

 

[Vincent_V52]

Yvons does a toddler scream from time to time that rivals a smoke alarm. Like, WOW, is it loud. In comparison, his beeps and squeals from a fire alarm are tame. Thank the Gods he doesn't make those sounds often. He prefers talking and opera to anything else, LOL! If he does scream, I whisper, 'shhhhh, quiet'. That usually quiets him down.

Toddler scream oh my god hahah like actual mimicry of a child crying? That's so funny (and unfortunate to have them learn forever haaha)

 

[Illigers]

I've been thinking, maybe getting a smaller & more common bird -first- before jumping straight into a medium sized/rehomed parrot might be a good idea. I've been enamoured by peach-faced lovebirds after all, and think I would really enjoy their boisterous personality. Then I'll know a bit more what we are able to handle with noise, mess and finances (making toys, perches etc) If we get worn out by a tiny one, we will know for sure something bigger, more expensive & needy will not be a good idea alongside the first companion to begin with, and just increases the risk of the larger more challenging one being rehomed if we go too deep too fast.

I'm just thinking out loud again haha, who knows what we'll do. We have plans to meet up with the Parrot Guy sometime next year either way, maybe he will have a different perspective & advice for us.
I think I just really like having a bird at all, no matter the size.

I have had lovebirds for 15 years now. They are awesome little birds. But I would commit to the size of bird you bring home, mixing (just an example) a lovebird with even a meyers or a grey/ekkie sized bird would not be something I'd do. You would have to split time between them. I love both male and female lovebirds, girls have more spice and are quite different in the way they behave and act from the males. I think if I had to pick a bird most likely to be sweet, it would be a male lovebird. They are the best. Roseicollis are a bit more laid back and chill that eyering species.
Have you looked into green cheeks? If you are also considering smaller birds they are often sweet birds too.

 

[Vincent_V52]

I have had lovebirds for 15 years now. They are awesome little birds. But I would commit to the size of bird you bring home, mixing (just an example) a lovebird with even a meyers or a grey/ekkie sized bird would not be something I'd do. You would have to split time between them. I love both male and female lovebirds, girls have more spice and are quite different in the way they behave and act from the males. I think if I had to pick a bird most likely to be sweet, it would be a male lovebird. They are the best. Roseicollis are a bit more laid back and chill that eyering species.
Have you looked into green cheeks? If you are also considering smaller birds they are often sweet birds too.

I thought about the size thing, as I heard it's risky to mix. Splitting time between them is doable but then it depends if we have 2 lovebirds that spend more time together and a lone medium sized parrot, it's definitely something to think about. My boyfriend looked at GCC's in particular since he's fond of their personalities, and I like them as well. If we find a sibling pair we're most likely going for those, then we'll commit to those 2!

 

[osklvste87]

Keep checking out personality too. There's general and specific. Experts know how to go from A straight to desirable results in steps easily. Compare that to how absolute newbies, intermediate and advanced but non professional owners deal with problems. It doesn't matter the specific species. Training and care is similar for all. Keep that in mind. Currently I am trying to figure out what I did that my CAG is insisting on an apology. "Sorry you are" over and over. It started last night before lights out. Last time she was like this I had to tube feed her. I can't touch her like this. I have to correct the wrong. Or cheat and let her cool off. Personality at work.

 

[Illigers]

I thought about the size thing, as I heard it's risky to mix. Splitting time between them is doable but then it depends if we have 2 lovebirds that spend more time together and a lone medium sized parrot, it's definitely something to think about. My boyfriend looked at GCC's in particular since he's fond of their personalities, and I like them as well. If we find a sibling pair we're most likely going for those, then we'll commit to those 2!

Sibling pair of lovies of gcc? Both are awesome. I love lovebirds more than gcc but thats all personal. Lovebirds do chatter a lot. I would definitely if interested in lovies meet some females. They are awesome too but a bit more difficult than the males, great to hone your traininh skills

Yeah I agree bonded together it is more doable, especially if from a young age. But still, you can have a bery close relationship with them, that shifting to them spending more time on their own/less hands on time, is something to think about indeed. If you never invesg in developping THAT close of a bond would make it easier. I had a lovebird I was very close with. Then the flock grew, and he loved to be with his flock. I have an aviary for them. Still let them out and spend time with them of course. But for my first lovebird I kept being conflicted wether this was best for him. The other lovebirds I never bonded super closely with, on purpose and they are very happy with this arrangement. He preferred to be with them, and overall I think he was very happy but it was not perfect for him, sometimes you do the best you can. I tried keeping him and his mate seperate from the aviary but especially his mate did not like that either. My first one has since passed sadly. But it is something to think about.

 

[Vincent_V52]

Keep checking out personality too. There's general and specific. Experts know how to go from A straight to desirable results in steps easily. Compare that to how absolute newbies, intermediate and advanced but non professional owners deal with problems. It doesn't matter the specific species. Training and care is similar for all. Keep that in mind. Currently I am trying to figure out what I did that my CAG is insisting on an apology. "Sorry you are" over and over. It started last night before lights out. Last time she was like this I had to tube feed her. I can't touch her like this. I have to correct the wrong. Or cheat and let her cool off. Personality at work.

Oohh interesting,, I've seen videos of Grey's in particular being really upset about something the owner accidentally did ages ago and needed professional help to find the cause. We think like humans and often don't know how to think like a bird without humanizing them when they mimic our speech. Though, as I understand grey's are really smart and can use the phrases in context which yours seems to do which is so fascinating!

 

[Vincent_V52]

Sibling pair of lovies of gcc? Both are awesome. I love lovebirds more than gcc but thats all personal. Lovebirds do chatter a lot. I would definitely if interested in lovies meet some females. They are awesome too but a bit more difficult than the males, great to hone your traininh skills

Yeah I agree bonded together it is more doable, especially if from a young age. But still, you can have a bery close relationship with them, that shifting to them spending more time on their own/less hands on time, is something to think about indeed. If you never invesg in developping THAT close of a bond would make it easier. I had a lovebird I was very close with. Then the flock grew, and he loved to be with his flock. I have an aviary for them. Still let them out and spend time with them of course. But for my first lovebird I kept being conflicted wether this was best for him. The other lovebirds I never bonded super closely with, on purpose and they are very happy with this arrangement. He preferred to be with them, and overall I think he was very happy but it was not perfect for him, sometimes you do the best you can. I tried keeping him and his mate seperate from the aviary but especially his mate did not like that either. My first one has since passed sadly. But it is something to think about.

Sibling pair of GCC's! I like the lovebird personality and chatter a lot but I think their type of shrill squeaks will be a dealbreaker for my boyfriend since he likes to nap after dinner haha. I still would like the idea of one if they go well with GCC's, but then again we'd have to see if we get one GCC or two, if two, we don't get any other birds at the time. Also finding out the gender of the lovebird if they're not tested might be a gamble, but I think I'd like both. I hear the females -can- become a bit more nippy after they mature but I don't know if that's generalization or not. I think a GCC is known for being nippy as well.

Also I wouldn't want to separate any bird from their friends/siblings or pick up ones that are M/F bonded (we do not want eggs) just in case. I saw 2 lovebirds, but I know I wouldn't be able to take just the one and leave the other type of thing. We can give the birds minimum 4 hours out of cage time per day as well.

 

[wrench1380]

Single lovies do just fine.

 

[Illigers]

Sibling pair of GCC's! I like the lovebird personality and chatter a lot but I think their type of shrill squeaks will be a dealbreaker for my boyfriend since he likes to nap after dinner haha. I still would like the idea of one if they go well with GCC's, but then again we'd have to see if we get one GCC or two, if two, we don't get any other birds at the time. Also finding out the gender of the lovebird if they're not tested might be a gamble, but I think I'd like both. I hear the females -can- become a bit more nippy after they mature but I don't know if that's generalization or not. I think a GCC is known for being nippy as well.

Also I wouldn't want to separate any bird from their friends/siblings or pick up ones that are M/F bonded (we do not want eggs) just in case. I saw 2 lovebirds, but I know I wouldn't be able to take just the one and leave the other type of thing. We can give the birds minimum 4 hours out of cage time per day as well.

Id say its an understatement about nippy. All females(8) I know have drawn blood, of the males(13)...1, when very upset and having to be caught. The girls can really br a force to be reckoned with and they are not afraid to use their beaks. But you can often make a pretty accurate guess kn behaviour if uou observe for a while. And in case you wrongly guess male, it might be laid back female which is nice too.
egg binding is scary indeed, I prefer males because of that.
I think having siblings would be cool, I have never ecperienced that before as I have mostly rehomes, I think that would work well With most species