What Bird?

[sarahhof]

I hope this is the right place to post this! Sorry if it's in the wrong place

I am a 14 year old and I adore animals! I've loved all sizes and shaped of birds since I was a toddler, and have wanted a parrot since third grade. My parents finally said yes after years of asking, it took written pages of research and vet adresses as to convince them. I've done so much research on so many different kinds of birds, and now that I can finally purchase one I can't find any new sources to look at as I've already read all of them .

I want to make sure the breed is perfect before I even think about buying, so that he/she can have a happy life ! We definitely have enough money and space. My parents have offered to buy the bird, cage, toys, and first bit of food. I am paying for vet bills, more toys, and food as well. I've saved up for such a long time I have at least 700$ to spend on more supplies, and in the summer I earn 30$ per lawn mowed. I mow about twice every week.

I was wondering if you could give me suggestions or stories about your own birds to help me come up with a definite list of species to talk to my parents about, as they have to be okay with it.

Some of the species I have been considering are a cockatiel, a parrotlet, an eclectus, a green cheeked conure, and maybe an Indian ringneck.

Beaks don't bother me, but when we went to a preserve and saw some very nippy, to the point of taking off a finger (which one had done), screeching parrots who had lost their owners, my family was very cautious. I think this might have given them the impression all birds were like this, though I know all have the ability to be.

The species I wanted to buy has to be gentle, and fairly quiet (meaning barely screeches or can be easily trained not to screech). I know all birds are loud, and this doesn't bother me, but my parents really don't want the screeching .

Also the bird has to be fairly independent, meaning it can be left alone (with a ton of toys of course) for a few hours (6 or 7). When we are at home, the bird will be out of the cage every minute! I would prefer the bird to be active and curious when out, rather than sitting and observing like the pionus (though I think the pionus is a lovely bird <3)

I would rather the bird to be a medium size, as I would be less worried about it getting hurt because of its small size, it doesn't really matter.

Colors or the ability to talk also doesn't matter, though it would be great if the bird lived 15+ years, maybe even 20+! We plan on having it for a long time!

Thanks you so much!!

 

[Psittaciformes]

Well, judging on the whole noise issue, an ekkie might not be the way to go, they're normally quiet but they can really make your ears bleed. IRNs can be noisy too.

Define what you consider medium size.

 

[sarahhof]

I knew an eclectus was a bit out there . A medium sized bird to me is about a cockatiel size or a little larger.

 

[Psittaciformes]

Well, GCCs are a little smaller than 'tiels, but they certainly are amazing birds! I'd highly suggest looking into pyrrhura conures

 

[Parrot1]

ok so why not get a Cockatiel? they can live 15-20

but if you want something else..there's Senegal Parrots and Cape Parrots and the Conure's are good medium sized..

want something a bigger? African Grey's are good not too noisy and very intelligent " i have one "

 

[Psittaciformes]

Pyrrhura conures and poicephalus, caiques and cockatiels would be my suggestion as far as what to look into.

Parrot1, does your African grey make that really high pitched sound? I read it's really common.

 

[khaiqha]

I always recommend alexandrines. They are loving, gentle, not noisy (can be loud, but not constantly making noise), independent, and affectionate. Drawback is their beak means they need to chew and destroy things constantly.

 

[Parrot1]

Pyrrhura conures and poicephalus, caiques and cockatiels would be my suggestion as far as what to look into.

Parrot1, does your African grey make that really high pitched sound? I read it's really common.

yup..its like a squeaky sound...she makes it whenever she's calling me...its basically a call they make for their flock members.. its not that annoying, more like a game.. i call her from a different room and she makes that squeaking noise at me telling me "hey! im here!"

 

[OOwl]

I vote cockatiel. That was the bird I bought with the proceeds of my first job when I was about your age. I had him all through my teen years, through college, and into my adult years, including the birth of my children. Cockatiels are very parent-friendly parrots. I would put on "shows" with him for my parents and their friends showing off the tricks I taught him. My mother still talks about that bird. He was an awesome pet and taught me a lot about life with birds.

If you get a Grey, realize that not all birds are typical for their species info that's printed (over and over and over) in books, magazines, and posts online. I have one that is about as loud as an average sun conure. He's happy loud so there is nothing really to "fix" on that. He is just evolved from the sentry bird branch of that family. He could never live in an apartment, which you may do at some point in your life, transitioning from your childhood home to your own. Just some things to think about. Good luck on your choice.

 

[Psittaciformes]

I vote cockatiel. That was the bird I bought with the proceeds of my first job when I was about your age. I had him all through my teen years, through college, and into my adult years, including the birth of my children. Cockatiels are very parent-friendly parrots. I would put on "shows" with him for my parents and their friends showing off the tricks I taught him. My mother still talks about that bird. He was an awesome pet and taught me a lot about life with birds.

If you get a Grey, realize that not all birds are typical for their species info that's printed (over and over and over) in books, magazines, and posts online. I have one that is about as loud as an average sun conure. He's happy loud so there is nothing really to "fix" on that. He is just evolved from the sentry bird branch of that family. He could never live in an apartment, which you may do at some point in your life, transitioning from your childhood home to your own. Just some things to think about. Good luck on your choice.

That's a very good point you brought up, that didn't even occur to me. Probably because I already live in one, but still.

 

[SilverSage]

Cockatiels are AMAZING and meet all your criteria. Plus they are reasonably affordable, tend not to be one person only birds, can learn to talk, and come in a huge variety of colors. When well cared for through life they can live up to 30 years. They are parrots and have the needs of a parrot, but tend to be more forgiving of mistakes than some are, and less intimidating for the non bird loving me,bears of the family. Honestly, even though I do NOT believe in "starter birds" there is a good reason why so many people have a cockatiel as their first bird. They are amazing. They are also much more "user friendly" than other species of similar size in my experience. I breed them because I believe they are superb pets. Even the wildest of them can become a great pet, and an already tame one is a gem. I would suggest considering an adult as well, not just a young one. The long life span means there really is not a good reason to insist on a youngster esp. When they have relatively few behavioral problems as a species

They also have simpler (though still important) dietary needs than a lot of similar sized birds such as conures. I have had quite a few birds the size you are describing and I honestly can't recommend cockatiels enough, especially if you ever plan to expand your flock. Of all the birds I have had, tiles are one species that see,s to accept new flock members more readily than others.

 

[Grraarrgghh]

Quiet? Independent? Manageable size? Good in apartments? Nonplussed?

Sounds like a Red Belly to me.

 

[Mekaisto]

I vote cockatiel! A lot of people overlook them because they're common and not very colourful, but you'd be hard-pressed finding a sweeter bird (when trained and cared for correctly of course!)

 

[MosaicMadness]

A pionus would meet your list of wants. I would recommend a maximillian. Blue heads can have a loud call your parents may not like. Bronze wings are super awesome if you could find one. I don't have any personal experience with the others, but they could also work. Good luck on your decision.

 

[Regan]

I'm a new first owner of an alexandrine. I would recommend them for a first parrot! Mines quiet (currently), gentle and independent

 

[wrench13]

How daunting, in a good way. Pick any parrot, Mum n Da will pay for it, and you have to pay only vet bills and support. I can only address the birds I've had over the years.

Yellow Nape Amazon - too big, and can be very loud. SMART birds and can talk really well. Live for a LONG time.

Red Spectacle Amazon - cant get them anymore

Quaker Parrot - smaller parrot, not overly $$, but ours wound up hating everyone in the family ( which can happen with any parrot - this one was re-homed to a lady down the block and is a happy well adjusted parrot now) . Not overly smart or talkative.

Bee Bee parrot ( Brotogeris) - small parrot like a cockatiel. Very cute and smart, not much talking but whisltes quite well. Can be loud ( Why is it that the small ones often can be really loud).

Yellow Shoulder Amazon - smaller or smallest of the Amazons, mine is pretty quiet and the breed is known for that. But they can and do talk. Smart birds. learn tricks easily.
Live for a long time, as do most birds.

A 25 year old Cockatiel is not unusual, with the big birds able to live 60-75 years!