Meyers or Bronze Wing Pi?

[Cary]

I’ve waited years for the time to be right to add a bigger bird to my flock and I think I’m there. I have a parakeet, a Bichon, and 2 kids,19 and 13. I’d like a bird that will bond with all of us, not just me. I currently own my own house, but I may want to move to a condo in the future so noise is a consideration. Finally I have allergies and asthma so I’d like a bird with low dust. From my research I think both the Meyers and the BWP would be good fits. Any thoughts or other suggestions? Thank you so much!!!

 

[MooshieBird]

Hello and welcome! Bird bonding is a funny thing, you never know just how it will turn out no matter what kind of parrot you get. And it isn't always set in stone either. If you socialize your new family member with everyone they usually do well eventually though. Meyers and Pionus both have a good reputation as solid birds for families, the bronze wing may be hard to find though. I have a friend with a white capped pi and it is one of the friendliest birds I have ever met. The little guy sauntered right up to me the first time we met and sat in my lap for a conversation. I don't have any personal experience with meyers though other than internet videos and research.

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, thanks for the introduction!

I am not familiar with either of the species, but you'll need to research to identify birds with lower dust potential. The presence of a high-quality air cleaner will also help. Guessing you can tolerate the minimal dust from your parakeet? It may be difficult to determine at what threshold your allergies and asthma are triggered.

 

[Tami2]

I have no idea.

I just wanted to say Welcome to the Forum.

 

[smbrds]

Welcome to the forums. A good HEPA air purifier will work wonders for allergies/asthma. Pis are also prone to respiratory sensitivities to dust. Both birds actually are not dusty compared to other birds and both would be ideal.

 

[Cary]

Thank you all! I’m so torn! I’d like a larger bird but there’s a Meyers breeder near me so I could bond with the baby right away. That makes the Meyers more attractive. Tough desicions!

 

[MooshieBird]

Just curious, why do you specifically want a larger bird? I have had sizes from a small conure to a CAG, and the only difference is I can play a bit rougher with my CAG than I could with the smaller birds, my CAG can bite harder, and my CAG needs more room. You aren't wrong either way, I am just curious.

 

[Cary]

Just curious, why do you specifically want a larger bird? I have had sizes from a small conure to a CAG, and the only difference is I can play a bit rougher with my CAG than I could with the smaller birds, my CAG can bite harder, and my CAG needs more room. You aren't wrong either way, I am just curious.

That’s a fair question, and one I keep asking myself. I guess I don’t really have a reason other than I’ve been picturing myself with a “big” bird for 40 years. I wouldn’t want to go as far as Macaw size but I just like the idea of a bird with some presence. Strange, I know!

 

[smbrds]

Have you looked into green cheek conures?

 

[Cary]

Have you looked into green cheek conures?

No. I haven’t really looked at conures. Are they good family birds?

 

[smbrds]

They can be. They're great little birds that have big packages.

As a coincidence, refer to this thread http://www.parrotforums.com/new-members-welcome/73514-hello.html

 

[MooshieBird]

That’s a fair question, and one I keep asking myself. I guess I don’t really have a reason other than I’ve been picturing myself with a “big” bird for 40 years. I wouldn’t want to go as far as Macaw size but I just like the idea of a bird with some presence. Strange, I know!

Fair enough