Please help me decide what parrot species is best for me! :)

[Steph]

It's not a proven Theroy. But it's strongly followed. And sun are belives to be an inbred mistake that resulted in a whole new species. Gold caps interbred eventually finding a Jenday in the flock. Once more and more bred which had to be interbred (in the wild not captivity) They had no choise.. resulted in a smaller more defaulted species of conure. There smaller and have a tiny bit higher pitch scream. Just like lutino cockatiels it's a result from the species being limited to space and interbred. Resulting a smaller weaker mutation.
But that's the past though. There's been so many successful breeding generations since then. There fine (health wise). But certainly explains there smaller size and more prone to illness than others. Pretty interesting fact. Thought id share it in a conure thread . Sorry if it's boring lol

Noo I find it very fascinating!! That's really cool! You learn something new every day .

 

[Steph]

Just found a gold cap in MN for only $200. Too bad I don't live there lol! Maybe someone can snatch him up

Gold Cap Conure in Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

[HRH Di]

How big are RFMs? I saw a couple on Hoobly kiiind of near where I am.....

RFMs aren't minis but they are smaller than many other macaw species...about 600 gr. We got ours through a breeder here in Texas and I highly recommend her. Her website has a lot of information on the species and she's always answered our questions. According to her Availability page she has 4 RFM pais on eggs, so she's going to have lots of babies available.

Her RFMs can be a little pricy, especially when you add in the cage and toys and things to get started, but they are very well bred, weaned and socialized. She may have recommendations for breeders in your area.

 

[Steph]

How big are RFMs? I saw a couple on Hoobly kiiind of near where I am.....

RFMs aren't minis but they are smaller than many other macaw species...about 600 gr. We got ours through a breeder here in Texas and I highly recommend her. Her website has a lot of information on the species and she's always answered our questions. According to her Availability page she has 4 RFM pais on eggs, so she's going to have lots of babies available.

Her RFMs can be a little pricy, especially when you add in the cage and toys and things to get started, but they are very well bred, weaned and socialized. She may have recommendations for breeders in your area.

Hmm.. I already have a cage large enough for a sun conure and I spent $120 (it was on sale more than 50% off)! I think macaws might be a little too expensive for me. They can destroy cages too right? I know Hyacinth macaws can destroy cage bars, but they're huge hahah.

 

[HRH Di]

All parrot beaks are pretty strong. Our birdies are never aggressive toward their cages, so I don't know if it's a common problem.

I understand about the cost. They can be pretty pricy, not just at the beginning but all thier lives - food, toys, etc. The cage you have would probably be big enough for an Alexnadrine or Indian Ringneck. They are lovely birds. Our Alex seems to be a bit of an abberration when compared to others I've heard of - he doesn't talk and doesn't cuddle. But pretty much every other Alex here on the forum does both. Our Maxi-Max is just a grouch, I guess.

 

[Steph]

All parrot beaks are pretty strong. Our birdies are never aggressive toward their cages, so I don't know if it's a common problem.

I understand about the cost. They can be pretty pricy, not just at the beginning but all thier lives - food, toys, etc. The cage you have would probably be big enough for an Alexnadrine or Indian Ringneck. They are lovely birds. Our Alex seems to be a bit of an abberration when compared to others I've heard of - he doesn't talk and doesn't cuddle. But pretty much every other Alex here on the forum does both. Our Maxi-Max is just a grouch, I guess.

Lol! That's so cute!! I'm not sure about Alexandrines, but I know that IRNs are illegal in NJ. It sucks. My mom really likes them too.

 

[brineshrimp]

To be completely honest:
Larger birds are a risk. They are SO loud, they require LOTS of constant attention or they are prone to self mutilation, depression, illness and many other factors. Also, consider where these large birds are coming from(smaller parrots and birds not excluded). a pet trade or breeding mill, perhaps consider adopting from a rescue instead, this way you know what you're getting into and the people at the rescue centers can tell how serious you are, as well as you being able to assess how serious you are about it. It will also allow you to see what happens to most large birds purchased as pets. NOT MANY PEOPLE KEEP LARGE BIRDS! Why? because they find they are harder to take care of, LOUD, and they ALWAYS bite the hand that feeds them. They might be pretty and a great addition to your home, but they are living creatures that have emotions. sometimes they're crabby, sometimes they're loud. Also, you want one that has the ability to talk: all hook bills have the capability to talk, some to a greater extent than others.
it might be incrediably beneficial for you to volunteer at a rescue or sanctuary to learn more. Foster Parrots Ltd

 

[Steph]

To be completely honest:
Larger birds are a risk. They are SO loud, they require LOTS of constant attention or they are prone to self mutilation, depression, illness and many other factors. Also, consider where these large birds are coming from(smaller parrots and birds not excluded). a pet trade or breeding mill, perhaps consider adopting from a rescue instead, this way you know what you're getting into and the people at the rescue centers can tell how serious you are, as well as you being able to assess how serious you are about it. It will also allow you to see what happens to most large birds purchased as pets. NOT MANY PEOPLE KEEP LARGE BIRDS! Why? because they find they are harder to take care of, LOUD, and they ALWAYS bite the hand that feeds them. They might be pretty and a great addition to your home, but they are living creatures that have emotions. sometimes they're crabby, sometimes they're loud. Also, you want one that has the ability to talk: all hook bills have the capability to talk, some to a greater extent than others.
it might be incrediably beneficial for you to volunteer at a rescue or sanctuary to learn more. Foster Parrots Ltd

Well, I decided on a sun conure but what you said is completely true! I got mine from a man who bred her, he showed me his breeding pair and her leg band has his initials on it. I'm 100% satisfied with her, she does scream but it's not excessive or without-reason. She's only a couple weeks old but when she grows older and matures more, I think she'll pick up the training more and get used to me walking away every so often. I'm not new to birds, I know of all the responsibility and care they need.