adopting a Pionus

[Kai]

Hi all,

I have a 5year old female Quaker parrot and am considering adopting a Maximillian Pionus. I was looking first at Senegals but I've decided although parrots are individuals, the Senegals may be to generally aggressive for me and my Quaker (who is sometimes already aggressive). I know very little about Pionus, doing a bit of research now, but they seems like very sweet independent birds. What I am looking for is an apartment friendly bird, I already have one screecher in the family...my quaker and a loving bird who is maybe not as dependent on my undivided attention at all times, like a Quaker I know Any thoughts? What are these birds like? I've heard they are not screechers is this true? And are they comparable in size to the Quaker parrot, mine is on the smaller side maybe 100 grams and 10 inches from head to tip of tail.

love to hear any thoughts ya'll have, in the mean time I will read through some of these lovely posts!

Thank you and
Happy Holidays
-kai

 

[Spiritbird]

Are you adding to your conure and quaker or going to give back the conure? sometimes the adoption agency can step in and help you with any issues you may be having involving the new bird. I so hope it works out for you whichever bird is the best for your lifestyle.

 

[Kai]

Hi SpiritBird,

no I am on a "fostering" basis with Una (the Nanday) on a bit of a trail. She is a bit nosy but otherwise super super sweet cuddly and just a pleasure. However I am afraid she may be too loud (considering the level of My quakers voice added and encouraging her voice) for my apartment I don't mind I like the sounds but my neighbors may feel otherwise...

 

[Beilana]

I believe pionus are slightly larger than quaker parrots. I have also read that they are great apartment birds and tend to be on the quieter and more independent side. They are very beautiful and it surprises me that they are not more common. Which kind are you thinking about adopting? I think there are 6 different types Dusky, maximillion, coral billed, bronze winged, white capped and blue headed. Personally I adore the blue headed they have such beautiful colours but tend to be a bit more expensive Here is a link if you want to check it out About Pionus Parrots, Pionus Parrot Care - Bird Information for All Types of Pionus Species

 

[Spiritbird]

Here is a nice quiet little bird you might think about:

Bourke's Parrots aka Bourke Parakeets, Bourke Grass Keets: Species information and Photos

 

[Kai]

Hi!
Thanks for responding and Happy Holidays

SB I looked in my area for a Bourke up for adoption and found none listed just yet

I've learned more about the Pionus that is up for adoption. He is a 20 year old Maximillian who up until very recently lived in a pet store. He was one half of a breeding pair and when was spotted by the resue agency had nearly pluvked his bonded mate bald The two were bought and permanently separated by the adoption agency a few months ago, they are now in separate rooms and he sometimes seems to call. to her I was told. He doesn't play with any toys, he is shy, reserved and very quiet. My heart does go out to him...he doesn't play with toys!!!

You can see him here at Petfinder.com Petfinder Adoptable Parrot | Pionus | Billerica, MA | Ike

I know the life span of a parrot can be similar to ours, but I read the link you gave me Beilana (thank you) and learned that the Pionus can live on average bet 22-40years. So is this little one like we would be at let's say 30 or do you think he is too old for me to adopt?

Thoughts?

All the best
-Kai

 

[greycloud]

Kai, I use to breed several species of Pionus. Maxies are great birds. Because he was a breeder for so many years it may take a while for him to warm up to you. Ask if anyone has tried to handle him. He is probably depressed over missing his mate. At 20 yrs old he may be set in his ways but I have heard of many birds developing a bond with new owners! One of my greys is in his late 20s and I have worked wonders with him. He is a retired breeder.
A word on noise with pionus. Though they are sometimes referred to as apartment birds they can still get pretty loud. One of mine was louder then my amazons. Each bird is an individual and should be accepted as such. If they have lots of foraging toys and chewing opportunities they tend to keep better occupied and quiet. Since he does not play with toys, which may be due to a breed never supplying their birds with them, it may take a bit to teach him to keep himself occupied. He is very pretty, by the way.

 

[Kai]

Thank you Greycloud,

I think he's pretty lovely as well Yes I agree with you that all parrots are individuals and pretty much all are louder than let's say a cat. My gage of loudness is my quaker who not only has a loud voice, but one that often includes a body numbing pitch and added to that she has an amazingly powerful very determined screech/call. I guess nature made certain they would be heard by their flock members in the Canopies of the rain forest very amazing bird The woman at the Rescue home said Ike (the pionus) seems to be too scared to even come out of his cage, and that he is mostly silent and quote "very very shy". I assume his silence could change after a while maybe as he comes out of his shell with some loving encouragement. I will ask if anyone has tried to handle him, good idea.

Do you think this is a good choice for someone new to this species? I'm not new to difficult birds, but I am new one that does seem to have maybe not been treated very well.
Thanks again
-Kai

 

[Spiritbird]

Kai Is it possible that you can spend some time with this bird at the shelter where he is? Try a few days with him and see what happens.

 

[greycloud]

Good idea SB! If you could visit and see his response to you after a few days it would help. Also, If you do adopt him, them he may be better in a quieter home setting. I do think it is going to take a lot of work and patience. It could take months or even over a year before he trusts you.
I know how loud quakers are, I breed them too! LOL! Quakers are a bit more consistent with their screeching and noise! Pionus are usually loud when playing with toys or flock calling. It is also a screeching type yell.
I think you should meet this guy and determine whether you want to adopt him.

 

[Birdzhaven]

Hi all,

I have a 5year old female Quaker parrot and am considering adopting a Maximillian Pionus. I was looking first at Senegals but I've decided although parrots are individuals, the Senegals may be to generally aggressive for me and my Quaker (who is sometimes already aggressive). I know very little about Pionus, doing a bit of research now, but they seems like very sweet independent birds. What I am looking for is an apartment friendly bird, I already have one screecher in the family...my quaker and a loving bird who is maybe not as dependent on my undivided attention at all times, like a Quaker I know Any thoughts? What are these birds like? I've heard they are not screechers is this true? And are they comparable in size to the Quaker parrot, mine is on the smaller side maybe 100 grams and 10 inches from head to tip of tail.

love to hear any thoughts ya'll have, in the mean time I will read through some of these lovely posts!

Thank you and
Happy Holidays
-kai

I don't own a Quaker as a point of comparison, but my wife and I have three Maximillian Pionus, and they are all sweet independant souls as you described. Although they are definitely parrots and given to brief little outbursts of noise, none of them are screamers. I wrote about "Uno" on our blog and it will provide some insights into his personality.

“Uno” – Our Maximillian Pionus | Life at Birdzhaven

Please provide an update if you decide to adopt the birds, I would love to hear how you like him/her.