I need a matchmaker!

[ellakizz]

Hey all! I need some help. I really want a parrot but I just can't narrow down my choices. My mom used to have a quaker parrot when I was much younger. Unfortunately, Tisha wasn't with us for very long due to unforeseen circunstances D: I was too young to understand what had happened though. However, Tisha was a lively girl, although a bit nippy. She would admire herself in the mirror and dance wildly whenever music played. Throughout her short lifespan all she did was bring us joy.

Now I am older and ready for a parrot of my own. Although I wish to be the primary caretaker, I have a mother and a little brother (he is 10). My mother was raised on a farm and she has exceptional skill and experience in raising and handling animals. Knowing I have her support and guidance along with my own research and preparation makes me confident that my little bird will be happy and healthy.

The only problem is that I simply can't choose one. I hear great things about so many species across the board, I need some kind of Bird Matchmaking Guru. Although I love larger birds (they are so so beautiful!) I have heard that they would be a problem in an apartment setting. So basically I'm hoping to find a little critter with personality and intelligence. Tisha never talked and we loved her anyway so thats not essential, but I have to admit I'd love being able to communicate. There is always somebody home, so the baby will rarely, if ever be left on its own. Thanks for reading!

 

[MikeyTN]

Parakeets, Cockatiels, and Green Cheek Conures would be all great choice. Quakers are wonderful too but they can be a tad bit noisy but not too bad.

 

[kq_fan]

I would totally go for a green cheek conure! They are not loud like their cosines the sun conure. They are sweeter then honey and are adorable. And mine thinks shes a big macaw! She tends to boss around the dogs! Oh boy! But they are awesome little tykes! In Lilos mind, she thinks she rules the world! LOL

 

[MamaFuzz]

MikeyTN is right those are great choices. Can you tell us a bit more about yourself and your situation?

 

[ellakizz]

I'm 19 and a college student. I go to school 4 days out of the week, and I have a lot of free on my hands. Erm, I dont really know what else to say. MikeyTN I love all of those! I would buy them all if I could, this is my problem. KQfan that is so precious! Lilo sounds like a diva princess haha.

 

[MikeyTN]

Lovebirds are great too as long as you can find a friendly one or be will to take the time to train. But I would highly recommend a cockatiel over all of them. I'm a big fan of them that's why but if anyone in the household that have bad allergies or asthma should not get them due to their powder dust. They're super dusty birds.

 

[MarciaLove]

I would say lovebird, green cheek conure, or blue crown conure. Lovebirds are such clowns they are so funny to watch and funt o play with but you have to make sure you get a handraised one cause if not they can be pretty nasty buggers! Green cheek conures are super quiet and lots of fun they love to snuggle and are a bit less playful than a lovebird but also bigger and less work. Blue crown conures in my experience can be loud but rarely are and are very sweet smart birds mine learns tricks super fast and is the sweetest most loyal bird ever!

 

[ellakizz]

I guess that kind of rules out Cockatiels. My little brother is asthmatic. I read they were messy, but not that they may be a danger to asthmatics, thank you for that bit of information. They're such sweet birds though.

I don't have a lot of information on Love bird's personalities, they do sound like a lot of fun. I think Green Cheeks are in the winning here haha.

 

[MikeyTN]

Just remember all birds have dander with a few that have less of an issue. So daily bathing is suggested with someone with asthma issues. Any bird can be messy as well, my worst ones are my ekkies and next to them is my Black Lory, both are less dander birds. Malachai the Lory is very loud though. The ekkies can sound off an alarm if there's a stranger in the house so they can be loud.

Go meet the left over choices and make your decision in person.

 

[ellakizz]

I shall! Thanks to everyone who contributed, especially mr. Mikey. I appreciate the help.

 

[MikeyTN]

Not a problem! Ask away anytime!

 

[hacatta]

Hi,i was always told that green cheeks do have oil glands and do not have the same dust as cockatiels
I have 4 en they really lighten up my day.

 

[MikeyTN]

Hi,i was always told that green cheeks do have oil glands and do not have the same dust as cockatiels
I have 4 en they really lighten up my day.

Cockatiels have oil glands as well! Scientists haven't figured out the purpose of the powder dust that Cockatiels, African Greys, and Cockatoos carry.

Conures have feather dust but just not the powder dust substance.

 

[thekarens]

You might also check out the poicephalus family (senegals, jardines, red bellys, etc.) They are known for being on the quieter side. I've also read pionus are quieter, but have no personal experience with them.

 

[hacatta]

Hi,i was always told that green cheeks do have oil glands and do not have the same dust as cockatiels
I have 4 en they really lighten up my day.

Cockatiels have oil glands as well! Scientists haven't figured out the purpose of the powder dust that Cockatiels, African Greys, and Cockatoos carry.

Conures have feather dust but just not the powder dust substance.

I did know they do have some dust just that it is not the same.
But i didn't know they had oil glands as well.
The dust is the reason i choose green cheeks,since i life with them in my bedroom.

 

[Leah00]

I vote for a green cheek! I had a yellow sided one years ago and he was a sweetheart. My husband and I went to the pet store today and there was a little normal gcc there and I literally had to pull my husband away! I really thought that he was going to ask for another bird for a second.

 

[Terry57]

I wanted to chime in and mention a crimson bellied conure...my little guy is amazing and I am quite partial to them He is a sweetheart, loves everyone and I don't think his call is very loud at all. Good luck with your decision and I can't wait to see whoever you decide on!

 

[goalerjones]

Try "Fiddler on the Roof"