Help us choose our future parrot!

[Vincent_V80]

Not a lot of meyer's around, but I know some sennies. They chew a good amount for such a little bird(which makes it easy to occupy them, rather than struggling to find something they like. But it also means you have to watch them well in the house). They can do super cute whistles. I have heard that some talk in contexr but have no personally witnessed that. I have seen sennies and red bellied really get into swinging on swings, which is highly adorable. Some are more comfy with strangere, others more shy. A decent amount gets possesive to one person, some senegals also attack other birds in the house, different species usually. I think a lot can be mitagatef by letting them have a partial natural upbringing, so they dont imprint on humans too much. I visit a rescue with an aviary of about 30 senegals, a meyer, a cape and two jardines sometimes. These are all ex companions. It is one of my favorite aviaries, they are bold and cute. Sometimes I even scritch one through the wire. Only other type of bird that happens with, is all cockatoos basically. They have loads of amazons, greys, macaws, pyrrhura conures, mini macaws, lovies, budgies, quackers, caiques etc. Thr quackers, caiques and senegals always stand out as open to interaction. Apart from the cockatoos, which is a given with them and rather sad it is much more healthy with the other three species. Although, as is typical of caiques, they can get too excited and lash out at their flock mates. Sennies arent nice either when a more confident bird wants to move a less confident bird, but with them it is jist the way it is, and not excitement related.

Good to know what they like beforehand! I hear it makes sense for some species to chew more than others due to what they forage with their beaks and such, huge strength and all. Also something I hadn't thought of was how some diseases are easier for certain birds to develop from their diet & breeding (fatty liver etc) but that makes sense. Feels like every bird needs specialized care one way or another from diet to space & stimulation. It's exciting to figure out bit by bit after more research what would truly fit us. Still a month away or more until we get to meet some birds.

 

[RitzQuaker1]

I hope you find your heart bird. You shouldn't rule out 'Toos. Our Goffins was an absolute sweetheart, not real bright, but loved EVERYONE and absolutely no fear of anything. Could be loud, but just generally wasn't. Our Galah is the sweetest bird in creation. Again, not the sharpest tool in the shed. We joke that her parents were probably brother and sister. . She is extremely quiet, not very messy and oh so soft!
If you want to consider smaller birds, Green Cheek Conures are just plain AWESOME, as are Quakers.
Good luck in your search can't wait to hear what you get.

 

[Vincent_V80]

I hope you find your heart bird. You shouldn't rule out 'Toos. Our Goffins was an absolute sweetheart, not real bright, but loved EVERYONE and absolutely no fear of anything. Could be loud, but just generally wasn't. Our Galah is the sweetest bird in creation. Again, not the sharpest tool in the shed. We joke that her parents were probably brother and sister. . She is extremely quiet, not very messy and oh so soft!
If you want to consider smaller birds, Green Cheek Conures are just plain AWESOME, as are Quakers.
Good luck in your search can't wait to hear what you get.

I've looked at Galah's and they look more manageable then an umbrella, but still very wary on keeping one. You really need to know them before they go in the house type of bird I think. There won't be a bird for another year or more right now at least, everything is increasing in price around here so we're just saving up so far and enjoying our time with current companions. I still think it's going to be a Meyer's or Cockatiel/GCC if anything. I do like Quakers but they're rare here unfortunately..

 

[osklvste67]

Remember looking is 90% of the . Deciding, planning is a giant . Consider this fun and enjoy. It took me nearly 3 years of planning, reading and saving before I committed. I was overwhelmed by colors, beauty, temperaments and so much more. Movie presentation didn't help either. My eventual decision was filled with doubts and second guessing. Enjoy this. Bouncing around from species to species is normal.

 

[Vincent_V80]

Remember looking is 90% of the . Deciding, planning is a giant . Consider this fun and enjoy. It took me nearly 3 years of planning, reading and saving before I committed. I was overwhelmed by colors, beauty, temperaments and so much more. Movie presentation didn't help either. My eventual decision was filled with doubts and second guessing. Enjoy this. Bouncing around from species to species is normal.

I think I've made it past the "I need a bird NOW" phase and am able to think about this for longer with intention more than a sense of need. Making it past the beautiful "cool" looking ones and thinking more about personality and energy. Yes, Meyer's doesn't look as amazing as a female eclectus sure but their personalities can be -complete- opposites and then some. Now I feel I have that internal calm. My partner says he doesn't want a bird right now because of the cat + rising costs, so I will wait patiently!

 

[wrench13108]

Smart choice. Cats + bird usually does not end well, with the bird on the losing end.

 

[Vincent_V80]

Smart choice. Cats + bird usually does not end well, with the bird on the losing end.

We had plans to close the living room doors to let birds out 4 hours a day and have the cat be in his own playroom and alter between them, but it just sounds like a silly idea now with more steps to stress then needed. He just turned 8 as well, getting a bit older.

 

[HarleY 0657]

Perhaps now is the time to reflect on your animal husbandry. Dogs, cats, birds and invertebrates VERY RARELY MIX. Usely each type are treated separately, due to size, character and poor planning by ownners. Look into the forum history of posts and you will see what some owners experience due to the poor choices.
If your household still want to have a menagery of animals including bird/s; then I suggest you only look at the smaller parrots, or birds; and decide on a specie of bird that is known to get along with other types of animals.
Dont listen, when the time comes, to breeders or middlepersons, because time and time again it causes the bird all sorts of problems, and when the bird has a problem, believe me, it becomes the carers problem.
Successful integration of different animals usualy comes about by the age and history of each specie, - if they are all weaned together; kittens puppies and fledglings , they sooner, or later, accept the set up - defining, eating habits, territory AND the access to their carer.
A owner of a bird who believes "My way, or the Highway" is only an owner- not a carer.

 

[Vincent_V80]

Perhaps now is the time to reflect on your animal husbandry. Dogs, cats, birds and invertebrates VERY RARELY MIX. Usely each type are treated separately, due to size, character and poor planning by ownners. Look into the forum history of posts and you will see what some owners experience due to the poor choices.
If your household still want to have a menagery of animals including bird/s; then I suggest you only look at the smaller parrots, or birds; and decide on a specie of bird that is known to get along with other types of animals.
Dont listen, when the time comes, to breeders or middlepersons, because time and time again it causes the bird all sorts of problems, and when the bird has a problem, believe me, it becomes the carers problem.
Successful integration of different animals usualy comes about by the age and history of each specie, - if they are all weaned together; kittens puppies and fledglings , they sooner, or later, accept the set up - defining, eating habits, territory AND the access to their carer.
A owner of a bird who believes "My way, or the Highway" is only an owner- not a carer.

The cat is the main problem right now along with general costs. He will have a prey drive no matter what, so best course is to let him live his life along with the dogs and then see if we really feel like having an even more demanding long-lived companion. Diving into getting a bird is going to be a catastrophe of stress, especially a medium-sized parrot at this time.

 

[HarleY 0657]

I am told spaying, or neutering, of cats, in most cases does alter the "prey drive" - but that depends on the age of the cat. Dogs different by behaviour either way. . . and at the end of the exercise nothing has really changed exept the money in your wallet. Worth mentioning also cats and dogs, on occassion, become obese, which causes another problem, plus more $

 

[Vincent_V80]

I am told spaying, or neutering, of cats, in most cases does alter the "prey drive" - but that depends on the age of the cat. Dogs different by behaviour either way. . . and at the end of the exercise nothing has really changed exept the money in your wallet. Worth mentioning also cats and dogs, on occassion, become obese, which causes another problem, plus more $

He came to us neutered but still has a high drive for birds especially. Our chinese crested is very calm and doesn't react to other animals species, but they will still not interact close-up either way. The cat is a little on the fatter side now so he's on vet food for it!

 

[HarleY 0657]

segregation will be, possibly, the way to success.
What that means is that IF the bird you ultimately decide on; likes either of your shoulders constantly and the cat is around you will have all sorts of problems, and actions, with cat. The size of the bird will determine, in the cat, prey availability.
I know of owners who lockup one specie whilst the other is loose. However this is only successful when everyone in the family is on the same page . . . all the time!

 

[Vincent_V80]

segregation will be, possibly, the way to success.
What that means is that IF the bird you ultimately decide on; likes either of your shoulders constantly and the cat is around you will have all sorts of problems, and actions, with cat. The size of the bird will determine, in the cat, prey availability.
I know of owners who lockup one specie whilst the other is loose. However this is only successful when everyone in the family is on the same page . . . all the time!

Our plan was to never have the bird roaming or out of the cage when the cat rotates with us in the living room, but then we'd also have to watch that he doesn't climb the cage or stare at the bird. Either way a lot on our plate as of right now, but still considering something for the future. It's only me and my partner in this house, no kids or family roaming about so at least that would be easy to control hehe.

 

[HarleY 0657]

I could be corrected here, but I think never having the bird roaming attitude; might be a little short sighted.- both for the bird and YOU BOTH.
Most bird owners who have birds that interact with them will be quick to point out what YOU and your BIRD is missing out on. Ask anyone who has their bird on their hand, shoulder, or person.
A little reward, in a big way, for cleaning the poo, feeding and watering.
It gives meaning . . to having a treasured animal around. Any animal

 

[Vincent_V80]

I could be corrected here, but I think never having the bird roaming attitude; might be a little short sighted.- both for the bird and YOU BOTH.
Most bird owners who have birds that interact with them will be quick to point out what YOU and your BIRD is missing out on. Ask anyone who has their bird on their hand, shoulder, or person.
A little reward, in a big way, for cleaning the poo, feeding and watering.
It gives meaning . . to having a treasured animal around. Any animal

The bird along with the cat if we have both, will have minimum 4 hours outside, maybe more depending on routines. We have lots of computers and wires around here so free roaming larger chewers will have to be supervised at all times either way. We might get 2 smaller birds for this reason so they'll have company with each other when they're not outside, but we haven't decided on anything just yet.

 

[osklvste67]

Correct about boundaries being set. With work and imagination for situations it can be done. Observation is still necessary. I needed to set boundaries for my daughter's 3 grown neutered cats. Bird and cats had separated rooms. I have kinda sneaky personality. I wanted cats to stay away even from door. I got a long range water pistol. Let them out. I alternate where I stood or sat. Too far to be a threat to cats. Go near door. Aim near and fire. One was stubborn. Eventually they walked past room in cat fashion. Now years later cats still ignore door. I randomly shoot as they pass. Won't leave unsupervised. My CAG is biggest problem. But she doesn't hunt and pounce.

 

[Vincent_V80]

Correct about boundaries being set. With work and imagination for situations it can be done. Observation is still necessary. I needed to set boundaries for my daughter's 3 grown neutered cats. Bird and cats had separated rooms. I have kinda sneaky personality. I wanted cats to stay away even from door. I got a long range water pistol. Let them out. I alternate where I stood or sat. Too far to be a threat to cats. Go near door. Aim near and fire. One was stubborn. Eventually they walked past room in cat fashion. Now years later cats still ignore door. I randomly shoot as they pass. Won't leave unsupervised. My CAG is biggest problem. But she doesn't hunt and pounce.

Haha this sounds like a lot! I wouldn't trust my cat, he goes for the chihuahua as well and puts her in a headlock if he doesn't get his napping routines right. He's a weird one, but we know him well by now and what he can do when he's unsatisfied.. Then, we need to apply that to an even more demanding bird (possibly) that will be very sensitive to harm and stress. Lots to think about!