New member and New to birds

So this might be long.... I have been wanting a parrot for a long time and our boys have become interested also. So i have been doing a lot of research but seem to get so many different answers. My biggest concern is finding the right bird for our family. I realize this is a life long commitment.

A little about us. We are a family of 4 my wife and me plus our 2 boys 6 and 10. We also have our standard poodle Bella. We are a quite and clean family. My wife and I both work. However I work from home 2 days a week. I do get to come home during mid day to let my dog out also. We do like to travel and seem to take 1-2 trips a year usually lasting 3-5 days. I also have family that lives close that can help when we are away.

So far I have been looking at Timneh African Grey and Blue headed Pionus There are not alot of stores near me in central KY. I am open to other options and suggestions. We prefer a medium sized bird that has the ability to speak or mimic words. Not wanting a very loud all the time bird. Prefer a breed thats known to get along with the family and not single just one person out. I know alot of this is proper care and training which i will commit to. Just want to do all the research I can to find the best breed for our family.

Thanks
David

Hello David and welcome to the forum!

I don't have a Timneh, but have 2 Congo African Greys. I also have a Blue Headed Pionus.
My BHP, Talli, likes both my husband and I equally, while my greys chose me as their person and don't like my husband at all.

With that being said, birds can be different even within the same species.
Talli can talk, but works really hard to learn words & phrases, while my greys both catch on pretty easily. My greys don't really scream, while Talli does on a regular basis.

I would suggest that no matter what species you end up choosing that you keep your dog separated from them. I also have dogs and cats as well, and they have no access to my birds. Their saliva can be very dangerous to birds, and it is better safe than sorry.

I am so happy you joined us and are asking questions prior to adding a bird to your family to find the best fit

Hey--- welcome!!! Thank you for researching---and please continue to do so! There is SOOO much to learn.

500%, READ THIS THREAD 1ST- http://www.parrotforums.com/questions-answers/83663-potential-first-time-buyer.html <---ALL OF IT (NO JOKE)

this thread (pages 1-2)
http://www.parrotforums.com/new-members-welcome/83946-bird-less-albuquerque.html


Then this one (regardless of your age) http://www.parrotforums.com/new-members-welcome/83942-what-kind-bird-would-work-my-schedule.html

and this one: http://www.parrotforums.com/questions-answers/83882-great-apartment-parrots.html

NO DOG/BIRD MIXING---unless you are talking about an OLD dog who literally cannot walk, jump etc...preferably toothless who already was VERY relaxed and apathetic...even then, it is a risk with curious/bossy/unpredictable birds. I LOVVVVVE DOGS..but they aren't safe around birds, even if initially it seems that they are (same with cats).

Welcome and be welcomed.

Unlike dogs, parrots are differentiated by species, not breeds. So when you search , its by species.

Unlike dogs, who have been domesticated for thousands of years, parrots are still wild animals, at best 3 or 4 generations from being born in the wild. Dogs have been bred to have wanted features ( think pugs or Afgans) or temperment (think German shepards or daschunds) while parrots are no where like being bred to that extent - its too soon in the domestication process. So while some species have some general traits, like talking ability, there is in no way shape or form a guarantee that a African Grey parrot will be great talkers, or that a cockatiel will be a super whistler. Some Greys never utter a word and some cockatiels talk quite well. To sum that all up, each parrot is it's own individual. One can however make some generalized statements. All parrots can be LOUD at some point in their day; could be to greet the morning or evening, or when dinner is being prepared or when greeting a family member home. This can be controlled to a certain extent through vigorous, well thought out and universally applied training. Training, not relying on a species proclivity for some trait. Same thing with biting. At some point someody in the family will get bitten ( wild animal, remeber), but its how we react and train the parrot that determines if its a one time deal, or if he learns that biting gives them a given reaction. Parrots are unbelievably smart and are well able to train and manipulate US to get their desired result.

With loudness, obviously a small parrot like a budgie or a cockatiel will not be as loud as a macaw, but think on this. Would you rather have a smaller parrot that peeps and chatters 24/7 or a larger Amazon or macaw that is jet engine loud but for 10-15 minutes a day. We had a BeeBee parrot ,Max that was not loud, but would emit a beep every 5 minutes or so except when he was eating, whistling or sleeping. We got used to it after awhile. Max passed a numberof years ago, and we got a yellow shoulder Amazon, Salty, a smaller species of Amazon. He talks a bit, sings a bit and has a range of sounds that he makes. But almost like like clockwork, when my wife starts preparing dinner, Salty goes off the deep end and screams his head off for 10-20 minutes.

So you pays your money and you takes your chances. Best idea is to research, like your doing, ask a zillion questions, make your decision based on a lot more factors than talking ability, loudness, and willingness to accept more than 1 person in the family (which can be trained behaviour) ,find a breeder in your general area and let the parrot choose you - that is more likely to result in a good solid family companion.

Parrots are a real thinking persons pet or companion. Not by any means a easy care one. The input required is so much more than almost any other animal, but they really do reflect the amount of time and investment, reflect it back to us many times over.

Good luck to you and yours.

Welcome aboard, David and family! Excellent advice above, and you have a great attitude toward the awesome responsibility of living with a parrot.

Welcome to the parrot family

You're doing it RIGHT... reaching out and learning BEFORE you make the leap! Welcome!

Welcome to you! You should get in touch with these folks! There are many advantages to adopting an adult parrot!

"Our Story
WINGS OF LOVE PARROT RESCUE CENTER OF THE BLUEGRASS, INC.·SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019·
Wings of Love Parrot Rescue Center of the Bluegrass is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, no-kill rescue, based in Lexington, KY, with officers and foster homes all over the state. We offer many services to parrots and the people who love them, including surrender/adoption, boarding, and educational events. Our foster parents are all experienced bird caregivers, and all rescued or surrendered birds remain in a knowledgeable, parrot-experienced foster home until properly evaluated, rehabbed, and medically cleared by our avian veterinarian, then adopted."
If you would like to check them out first, contact Zaksee’s in Tampa!

Dont forget to consider whether you want a bird that produces feather dust.
I fell for a beautiful Darbyan, she was hand tamed and had a great character,but my hubby suffers with breathing problems so she wasnt for us. Its good that you are doing lots of research,Im learning new things everyday about my little Conure.......Little birds with big personalities!
Good luck with your choice,it sounds as if it will have a lovely home.