What kind of bird should I get?

[izziedays]

I've been wanting a bird for a few years now and have never owned one previously. Most of my family is okay with getting a bird especially my sister who said she will help me care for them. I'm a sophomore in high school with a A/B average so I'm responsible. I've been wanting a Green Cheeked Conure because they can learn how to talk more than parakeets, however I've read that they are not good first time birds. I'm wondering what bird owners would think would be a good fit. Thank you ♥

 

[chris-md]

Hello and welcome!

I'm going to give you a hard dose of reality here, and you may not like it. now is not the time for you. It's not what you want to hear but the truth is parrots are better for people in stable homes. In two years you will move away to college and live something of a wayward wondered lifestyle where a bird does not thrive. Always moving, way too busy with homework and social activities.

The big clue here? "My sister will help me". When looking at a bird especially, if you think you need consistent help, a bird isn't for you. It betrays a lack of commitment. If you can't stand up and say "this is for me, I'm all in!" Without qualifying it with "if I have help with everyday care" then a bird is not for you

Forum friends - before I create any undue drama please note my statement above is not intended to include people with disabilities - it is more intended for those who still have much to learn about responsibility. I know we have numerous disabled individuals here who take marvelous care of their birdies with assistance from assorted loved ones.

 

[Flboy]

I am sorry, I agree with Chris! Especially with a little GCC, they are a little love buttons that you can just crush their feelings so easily

 

[MosaicMadness]

I'll give you a slightly different opinion: I got my first parrots at 16 years old (bought and paid for completely by myself) BUT I also knew that I was planning to live at home and go to a local college, so moving out wasn't something I needed to worry about. So just think about what your future plans are, if your family would be willing to keep the bird if you do move out or if you will have housing that would allow for a bird (off campus, apartment, etc.) If you do move away, your bird may or may not still think of you as their favorite person after that time apart.

 

[GaleriaGila]

I don't really have advice or suggestions... just my story...

I got the Rickeybird in 1984. I was in college and then grad school, so I spent LOTS of time with him. Then it was time to go to work!
There were were years (about 25 of them) when 5-6 days a week, I was gone at 7:30-ish and back at 6-ish.
Some did and will consider me wrong and think I should have re-homed him. My husband at that time detested the bird. My current ol' man tolerates him with good humor. No, the bird was not the reason for the divorce. Well, partly!
Anyway, here is what I think made it work.
I moved and got new jobs maybe 5 times or so. BUT...
Every morning, he had at least ten minutes, and every evening, he had 20 or so. I have always kept him on a natural light schedule, in a separate room, so sometimes those times together were in the dark. During the day, he had a big window looking out on something interesting, a television on one of his favorite channels (Music channels, CNN - he loves talking heads), a biggg cage, lots of fun foods, and a few toys that I changed out regularly).
He KNEW he could count on those two crummy sessions a day. Somehow we both made it.
I'm now retired and times are good again.
Good luck to you in making a decision. And welcome to the Forum... you'll get lots of empathy and advice here.