Brown head or Senegal?

[Silvergracefe]

I am having a hard time deciding which to get (if I even find them). Background about my lifestyle, I'm a sahm, have a house, have a 2 and 4 year old (the parrot is for me but I need it to bond with the kids as well mainly the 4 year old as he is super gentle incase the parrot outlive me lol ) so I know the senegal might be a one person parrot but if you own one, is it true? Can it possibly be a family parrot? Which is cuddlier? I can't find too much information about the brown head. I do want something I can "cuddle" and that will be on my shoulder when i need to do what i need to do but also a bit independent. ( I looked into green cheeked conures I'm dying to have one but I don't think it's right for the family at the moment with small kids and 8 months old doberman)

 

[DonnaBudgie]

Have you ever had a bird? If so, what kind?

 

[Silvergracefe]

Have you ever had a bird? If so, what kind?cocktail

Have you ever had a bird? If so, what kind?

I've had a cocktail.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

I've had a cocktail.

That must be why you want a bird!

Sorry, I just couldn't resist!

Welcome! You will find lots of great information and support from caring experienced individuals here!

One problem with parrots and small children is that parrots (and little kids) are unpredictable. Kids can move quickly and let out sounds that startle parrots, even a budgie can inflict a bite that would upset or hurt little fingers.

Another problem, mostly with parrots larger than a cockatiel, is many of them have distinct preferences a certain person in a household. Some species more than others but none are always accepting of everyone.

The desire for a "cuddly" parrot is understandable, especially if you watch YouTube videos of perfect parrots cuddling and asking for head scratches. Most are babies, and most baby parrots are cuddly. Most adult parrots are not. Parrots generally don't like to be petted anywhere but on their heads, necks and faces, only when they feel like it, and only a "certain way", depending on the individual bird. Babyhood lasts as short as two months in budgies to as long as a year or two in the largest parrots. When puberty strikes, all hell can break lose as they're flooded with hormones that can make them irritable, unpredictable, and sometimes dangerous.

I haven't said a word about Senegals or related birds because I've never had one or known one. Read up as much as you can in these forums and elsewhere for species specific characteristics. What I've read about Senegals is that if you acquire a young hand raised one they CAN BE sweet affectionate fun little parrots that like some "cuddling", like snuggling up to your neck while riding on your shoulder and accepting head scratches. That's the extent of cuddling you can expect. As for being one person birds, I read that some are and more aren't, but that's very unpredictable, and the person they like most may change when they hit puberty. Older birds at rescues aren't necessarily "problem birds". Their owners may have died or become unable to take care of them.

I had a hand rsised cockatiel years ago that would have been the perfect bird for your household. I'd consider one if I were you, especially while your children are so young.

You should take your time and consider your expectations carefully before adopting any parrot.

 

[foxgloveparrot]

I agree with everything said above, but here's my experience with owning a Senegal:

She is a one-person parrot. She's pretty outgoing compared to a stereotypical Senegal, but she still demonstrates a strong preference for me and does not love other people. If she's somewhat familiar with them, she'll tolerate it, but she gets nervous when strangers are interacting with her.

My Senegal is definitely cuddly. She is content to stay in my lap or against my neck for a decent amount of time. I think this is unique for her species, though, since many Senegal owners say that their birds are only affectionate for a small period of time before they get restless or nippy.

She bites hard. Very rarely, but hard. I haven't been bitten in years, but she has bitten other people and it hurts them.

She's extremely smart and knows a whole ton of tricks. This is pretty common in Senegals, to my knowledge.

She is more than willing to sit on my shoulder as I do stuff, and can be independent when I need her to. All birds demand attention, though.

I would do more research before jumping into anything If you have a bird rescue near you, I highly recommend volunteering there or at least visiting and meeting some birds. Best of luck + welcome to the forums

 

[DonnaBudgie]

The most cuddly bird is a cockatoo. I mean SERIOUSLY, like a puppy! My goffin's cockatoo loved full body massage including her wings. I could do anything to her, and it didn't end at puberty. If anything it got worse because she was ONLY truly happy when being cuddled and would get angry and bite when I tried to stop and put her back in her cage (she refused to sit on a perch stand).

A lot of her behavioral problems were my fault as a novice cockatoo owner. I created this love sponge monster by not training her.

Unless you are really prepared to train a cockatoo properly, don't be tempted to get one. Goffins are particularly tempting because they are pretty small for a 'too (about 275 grams- about the size of a small Amazon) with sweet faces, and hand fed babies are almost irresistible.