Newbie here - need your input in choosing the right parrot

[Kei774]

Hi,

I'm hoping to add a parrot to the family in the next six months as soon as my fiance and I get married and I'm hoping you guys can share your input to help me make a decision on which parrot to get. We'll be moving into his house that's being remodeled so there will be much more room and noise won't be an issue.

I've really been drawn to the Indian Ringnecks. I just love their personality and their amazing speaking ability. I also really like the Hahn's macaws as well as the eclectus. I love the African Greys but being a first-time bird owner I'm a little intimidated by them. I've been all over You Tube watching videos of all the different bird species and those are the three (IRN, Hahns & Eclectus) that I've narrowed it down to.

My fiance and I both work full-time but I often come home for lunch and will have plenty of time in the evening to spend with the bird. Also, we plan to have kids so we'll want a bird that gets along with the whole family rather than a one-person bird. We basically want a fun, intelligent, easy-going bird.

Oh, we also have a mastiff so a bird that's not afraid of dogs. He's a big love bug and is very gentle with other animals. Being a newbie I'm not sure how dogs and parrots interact.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Can't wait to find that special bird!

 

[Auggie's Dad]

Any one of those three sound like a good option to me.

Will the bird and dog get along? There's really no way to guess. There are many homes where birds and dogs get along great; and others where they do not. This depends more on the individual personalities of the dog and bird than anything else.

 

[jay50n]

6 dogs and these new rescue birds i have really dont seemed phased by them at all. i guess when they are brought up together then they will just all get used to each other. i guess i am lying a little.........mac the macaw wants to go fight all my dogs....he is just one tough cookie that i got to teach new habbits to

 

[antoinette]

Hi welcome to the forum, sure somewhere here, you might finds some helpful advice.
Tough decision to make I am sure.
I have always had an African Grey's, very loving and talkative birds.
Need a lot of attention. No other pets, so she gets 100% love and dedication.
I have two friends who own African Grey's. Both have dogs. One gets along with the bird, the other not.
As AD mentioned, it depends on the personalities of both bird and dog.
Good luck with your decision.
Take care

 

[norenekay]

My thoughts are start with the IRN, they are not as demanding as some of the bigger birds, and read everything you can get your hands on about care and feeding, discipline, etc. They are like having a perpetual 2-5 year old. Remember what ever you choose, they live a long time and will most likely outlive you so it is a lifelong commitment. You have to have a plan. They can't always be rehomed successfully; for the bird that is. Good luck try the rescues first.

 

[Kei774]

Thanks you guys! I'm leaning towards the IRN then maybe I'll graduate to one of the bigger birds once I have some experience under my belt.

 

[antoinette]

Good luck with the special bird
"Happy parenting"
Keep us posted
Take care

 

[dakisgirls]

go little first, i love my indian ringneck! auggie's right, be careful about your dog!

 

[Elena]

You are smart to seriously consider the right parrot for your lifestyle and personality. All parrots can be wonderful companions - some with accommodations. I have to say in all honesty, I have helped match parrots and people for some time now and even though you are a first time bird owner (did I get that right) you have selected very wonderful species. We are owned by two Solomon Island Eclectus (Rosie and Beaker) and a newer addition to the flock, Gizmo. Gizmo is a Hahns Macaw. We hand-raised him and had him for sale but fell in love with the species and his personality so I took him off the market. As far as greys go - we sell lots of Timneh and Congo Greys. If you are a little gun shy with the Congo, you may want to check out their counsin, the Timneh grey... a slightly smaller package, same great personality and intelligence. I sure hope this helps.

Also, as you are ramping up in the birdie world, you may want to check out our new online birdie store we just launched. Rosie's Avianoutfitters. During December we are offering a free foot toy to purchasers to introduce them to our site.

Elena