Would like advice and opinions

[KierneM]

As I stated in my introduction post, I had the joy of owning a cockatiel for three years. I'm almost ready to get another bird, but I'm unsure about a few things.
First of all, Sweetie passed away in September of 2000. A lot has changed since then, and I'm wondering if my best option would be to get a cockatiel or two and get back in be swing of caring for a bird again.
Second of all, I would love to own a CAG, a green wing macaw, or possibly even a Goffin's 2. But I'm concerned that I won't know enough or be experienced enough to handle the bigger guys.
What's your thoughts on this? If you were in my shoes, would you get a cockatiel for a while, or jump right in and get a CAG or a macaw?
Oh, to clarify: I love cockatiels and will get one or two anyway. My biggest concern is getting the other birds.

 

[Kiwibird]

Even if you are looking to buy a newly weaned baby, I strongly suggest you contact a local avian shelter and meet with some of their birds in the size range you're looking in. Just see those types of birds in real life, and if they have a friendly one who will let you hold him or her. It's a very different experience to hold a bird that size than to just see one and talk to it and give it treats. And who knows, you may find a very special someone unexpectedly Avian shelters have some very very sweet birds too, some even tamer than the newly weaned babies.

 

[getwozzy]

If I were in your shoes, I'd get the cockatiels (maybe find one or two to adopt?) and also start spending time at a local rescue getting to know the various species you're interested in. If you can volunteer and get some hands-on experience with them, that would be ideal....there is always the factor that the bird you least suspect will pick YOU lol.

Also, research, research and more research.... Each species you mentioned have their difficulties one could encounter...some people get frustrated when they run into behavior issues with larger parrots and tend to give up- would you be willing to give it all you've got even if it means possibly getting bit or listening to screaming? (I'm not saying that WILL happen, but you have to consider the "what ifs")

 

[KierneM]

I've definitely been reading everything I can get my hands on, I think I wore out the clerk at Barnes and Noble looking to see what books they could order for me!
As far as a rescue, hmm. I don't know of any within driving distance, but that doesn't mean they're not out there. Time to go check Google!

 

[Kiwibird]

I've definitely been reading everything I can get my hands on, I think I wore out the clerk at Barnes and Noble looking to see what books they could order for me!
As far as a rescue, hmm. I don't know of any within driving distance, but that doesn't mean they're not out there. Time to go check Google!

That's the spirit! There are a lot of avian rescues out there, but nobody knows (ok very few people know) they exist. They don't typically put themselves out there in the same way dog and cat shelters do. They almost always have the very large birds, but they also typically have a whole lot of smaller ones like teils up for adoption who need a great home too

I grew up around large parrots, and have loved birds all my life. I had NO clue avian shelters even existed, I assumed most people were like my parents and bought birds as babies and kept them forever. It wasn't until we were seriously looking into a breeder I thought I better contact the local humane society *just in case* they had a bird in need, and they gave me a whole list of avian specialized shelters. Who knew? Managed to find Mr. Kiwi through a shelter

 

[KierneM]

Well, this stinks. The closest rescues are two and three and a half hours away. I'm not going to be able to go to either place on a regular enough basis.
There are a couple of all-bird pet stores in driving distance. I'm sure they would welcome me coming in?

 

[getwozzy]

Aww bummer!

Do those stores have any birds you can visit? It's worth it to check!

 

[KierneM]

One of the stores is M & D Bird Farm, in Harbeson Delaware. It looks like the parrots get to hang out and interact with the customers. They're open Monday- I might have to take a drive up there.