Parrot for College?

[Cornell]

Hi all, I will be starting college next year at Cornell, and was wondering if anyone could help me find the right species for my lifestyle. I live out of state, so I will have to take plane trips to and from college a few times a year, and would like to bring my bird along. The dorm I'll be staying in allows pets that can be housed in a cage (birds included) and I'll have my own room the size of a small apartment. Are there any birds that could be my companion through my college years? I've lived with birds all my life, but I doubt my military macaw would be very happy moving into an apartment Thanks for your help!

 

[Regan]

Moustach parrot? Reasonably quiet, small to suit small unit. Not sure how much they have in the way of playfulness(character) though

 

[chris-md]

Small is key here. Congratulations on college, you're in for the time of your life!

You're entering into a major transitional period in your life that will last the better part of a decade. You'll be wise to keep the bird responsibilities light. You don't want something too imposing. A small conure like a crimson bellied conure or maybe a cockatiel would probably be the best choice for you.

Good luck to you!

 

[gracebowen]

I second the suggestion of conure or cockatiel.

 

[gracebowen]

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Cotton-Infant-Noise-Reduction/dp/B007V5W8BG#]Amazon.com: Organic Cotton Infant Noise Reduction Hat: Clothing[/ame]

Got the link to paste

 

[Piasa]

I had my green cheek conure with me in my college dorm and he did fine. I had to get special permission for him - that is super cool they let you have a caged pet! I've never had him on a plane, but he's been everywhere in the car with me and travels well.

My pionus is quiet too, but her contact call is high pitched and piercing. Still, I think pionus are an option as well as some of the other "apartment birds" like senegals, meyers, and parrotlets.

Sorry Sargent can't come with you. I'm sure when you are done with school, he'll happily start tagging along with you again

 

[gracebowen]

Sorry wrong thread with the link

 

[Cornell]

Thank you everyone for the great suggestions! Conures (green cheek or red bellied) sound like the perfect birds for my dorm, I'm so glad I'll be able to have an avian companion with me in college!

 

[Scott]

Congratulations on beginning the next phase of your life! Having a bird will help you relax and will make a nice companion while studying.

Permitting a small parrot in the dorm is very progressive! Manageable size, minimal noise, and the ability to fit in a carrier small enough to fit below an airliner seat are good starting points. There are many species that fit your needs, though noise may be a characteristic of a specific bird.

 

[sonja]

My suggestion would be to wait until you actually start college and get into the routine of things and see if you still want a parrot, and can provide a good home for one. You may find that your activities are not what you expect and that it may not be the time for a parrot.

 

[Birdman666]

My suggestion would be to wait until you actually start college and get into the routine of things and see if you still want a parrot, and can provide a good home for one. You may find that your activities are not what you expect and that it may not be the time for a parrot.

A wise suggestion, I think.

JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN HAVE A PET IN THE DORM, DOESN'T NECESSARILY MAKE IT A GOOD IDEA... And perhaps in a year or so, when you're living in a roommate situation instead of a dorm... you can bring you mac home.

(What happens to the conure then?)

Who is going to take care of your Military mac while you are gone?

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Hi,wait till you can give your Bird your all Your life might change alot after school is done. I was given a very messed up Caique that came from a College situation.They don't do well left alone AT ALL

 

[Cornell]

Hi all, thanks for the advice! I was not planning on getting a bird right off the bat, not until winter break at least, so I'll have time to settle and make sure im ready for the commitment. I just like having everything planned out in advance so I know just what to do and how to prepare My military macaw will be staying at home in the care of my younger brothers, who I have been teaching how to properly take care of him ever since we got him.

 

[GracelynNBirds]

Sorry wrong thread with the link

LOL that was funny.