Suggestion on breed

[Drumphan]

Hi all.
I hate to post a redundant thread, but I've yet to find answers to my specific circumstance...

I'm looking to get a new friend and I'm deciding on a breed and would like some input from some more knowledgeable people.

I live alone in a small house which I rent. I work full time, but plan on spending every moment possible with my bird. I work 8 hours, but I'll have a couple of hours before work, and a few after work and my weekends will be pretty much free for as much time as I can spend.

Talking ability is nice, but I know that really depends more on the individual, so I'm not placing any great importance on it. My main desire is one that is friendly and cuddly and likes interacting and learning some tricks. Again, I know that these birds have their own personality, but I'm looking for a breed that is known for it.

I'm looking to stay with the smaller species, so I've narrowed it down to something from the poicephalus group, pionus group or a GCC.

Anyone have some advice or suggestions? I realize the commitment involved and I willing to do my due diligence, but I also want to make sure my situation is OK for one of these bigger, more demanding birds.

Thank you,
Bob

 

[Jtbirds]

Well just a quick little helper, parrots aren't classified by breeds but species... So I can't suggest a parrot breed sorry... Kidding, but to the realy point.

Obviously it sounds like you know there is no guarantee on talking, tricks, cuddling and so on.

I believe you are in the right path with a poicephaulus for most of those traits, pionus are usually not great talkers, but very affecionate and can learn tricks to(not saying they can't talk), Gcc are also pretty good at all of what you want. I could also suggest a caique if you would like something a little more headstrong.

All of what you want is really a matter of your determination and effort, the time and respect you put into your animals is what you will get back.

 

[aliray]

I would suggest an african red bellied parrot.

 

[suebee]

are you thinking of getting an older bird or from a chick??

 

[brianlinkles]

I was also going to say a red bellied parrot or a green cheek conure. The gcc's are amazing little birds, they are affectionate, playful, headstrong and pretty quiet. They do go through a nippy stage right after weaning, and quite frankly my daughters little gcc is going through that right now. However they do have the ability to speak a bit in fact all of the gcc's that I have been around seem to have the "desire" to speak meaning they look me right in the eye and kind of make little noises like they are trying as I speak to them. (just my observation) The red bellied parrot (which is quite a bit more expensive than a gcc) is a great little bird. They are known to be quite prolific talkers, like people, like to play etc. I haven't been around alot of these however everyone that owns them seems to be crazy about them. In fact my friend is thinking of getting one and I am going with him this Tuesday to take a look at some babies!

 

[Drumphan]

Thank you all for the replies -- and I meant species, I don't know why I chose "breed."

I was hoping to find a young bird, either a hatchling or one recently weaned, not that I have anything against older birds.

My main concern was the time he will have to spend alone. I know that some can handle more time alone than others, especially with toys, etc., but I want to make sure I stay away from species that could suffer severely from not enough attention.

In terms of price, I was looking to stay in the under $500 range. And the GCCs are the lowest, which makes them a front-runner, but I really don't want to feel like I "settled" because of the price. I used to have a Senegal, and I adored him, and even though I wouldn't mind another, I was looking to maybe try a different species. I prefer bigger birds to smaller ones as well.

With so much information available on the 'net, and so many people with their own experiences, it's hard to process all of it and make it make sense, so it's nice to have a place like this to come and get info from people that care. Unfortunately I'm a very indecisive person, and no matter what I choose, I'll initially regret it for a while, but then I 'll get over it, so it makes making decisions hard. I sometimes tend to contradict myself in choices, which can be frustrating, so please just keep the advice coming.

So lets see if I can list this in order of importance, and again, I know all of this is dependent on the individual, but at least maybe this will outline a species' general characteristics:
1. Friendly/companion (cuddly, able to be handled)
2. Trainable (likes to learn and play)
3. Price (pref. under $500, but I'm not opposed to a little more)
4. Noise level (I don't mind, but need something on the quiet side if I ever move)
5. Size (bigger is better)
6. Talking ability

Bob

 

[aliray]

I know what you mean about making choices. I have the same trouble. Both my gcc and my redbellied. are sweet I really think the gcc needs more time but both birds can entertain themselves with plenty of toy to play with. I think Tiki is more laidback than my quaker or my gcc. She is extremely affectionate, clownlike and playful. Loves to give kisses, and is very easy to listen to. She makes a lot of different clicks and whistles. The only time I have heard her yell was twice since last July and that was because my Quaker tried to grab her by the tailfeathers and she was not happy

 

[Drumphan]

So I recently discovered Alexandrines -- add another choice to my list. :31:

Anyone want to chime in on the pros/cons? I was all set to say, "Senegal it is!" until I saw one of these gorgeous creatures and now she's all I can think about.

Additionally, I haven't found too many breeders/sellers in my area. Is shipping a good idea, or should I try my darndest to buy locally?

-Bob

 

[Jtbirds]

Alex's are great and very playful and there are many owners on these very forums, but they can be more vocal then a senegal so that is something to look at. I will let the owners of them respond to this more to give you there pros and cons i dont own a alex, but do have a ringneck

 

[chadwick]

just a suggestion maybe a hahns macaw would be another to add to your list

 

[sodakat]

In the vein of, "life makes more sense viewed backwards" I'd like to offer a suggestion for your consideration, based on what I've learned as a parrot owner. Buy two birds of the same species so they have a companion when you are away from home.

Unlike dogs and cats, IMO parrots are not able to sleep all day while you are away at work. If they have a companion in the cage next to theirs they are stimulated and lead a more rewarding life. And depending on their personalities they may eventually become friends who can share one large cage.

If you buy a youngster and work with it for a few months, then buy another you can devote time to the second one without the first being neglected, I've found. The first bird will know the routine and will help the second settle in.

 

[Drumphan]

just a suggestion maybe a hahns macaw would be another to add to your list

I'm supposed to be whittling down my choices, not adding to them! :09:

But seriously, thanks for the suggestion.

-Bob