Brown headed a foot fit?

[Overthecoocoosnest]

Brown headed a good fit?

Hi, this forum has been a wealth of knowledge. I've been reading the threads and recommended websites about brown headed parrots. I'm thinking Of adopting one for my family. I am somewhat experienced. Hand raised an African Grey growing up (who bonded with my dad and is still his best friend to this day). And had a conure and cockatiel growing up.

I am now married and have three kids 8, 6, and 2 yrs old. The bird is really going to be my responsibility, but will be introduced as the family pet. I really want a caique but The parrot store people are saying that a baby brown head would be a better fit, but the bhs seem so boring.

I greatly appreciate any thoughts or advice you all can offer.

 

[SoCalWendy]

Hi, and welcome! if you really want a caique and settle on a poi, you will regret it. Keep in mind though caiques are very busy playful birds, and can get into a lot of trouble if not properly supervised at "all" times, hence you will have a 4th child. While Poi's enjoy interaction and need to be socialized with everyone, they are pretty independent and enjoy playing and can be content being by themselves. If not properly socialized they can form a bond with one person, and tolerate the rest of the family at best. Where as Caiques seem to be more social and on the needy side, and want you to play with them. Who will care for it while you are at work? Hopefully the ciaque people will chime in soon. Good luck!

 

[Overthecoocoosnest]

I work from home mostly but my wife stays home all the time. She will care for it when I'm gone and my dad can take care of it when we're away (he owns a grey)

 

[SoCalWendy]

How prepared is your wife for a 4th child especially during the summer when the children are out of school? why did the bird store think the brown head poi would make a better fit than a caique?

 

[Overthecoocoosnest]

Hi Wendy, the bird store people just say that they're "easier to manage"

 

[SoCalWendy]

Hi Wendy, the bird store people just say that they're "easier to manage"

That's what I thought, and they are an easier and quieter bird. However, while hearty all Poi's tend to be more nervous birds, and my not do well around 3 (I'm sure well behaved) well meaning children. They need a calmer touch, and children, while well meaning, tend to be too active for their liking. Personally I think brown heads do better in a more calmer environment. Poi's if scared by someone tend to hold a grudge for a long time.

Caiques, love the hustle and bussle of life! And don't seem to be put off by rough handling. They enjoy the rough play, in fact Before your children handle a caique, the bird should be played with and be allowed to blow off the excess energy tire him out. :09:

 

[Overthecoocoosnest]

Thanks everyone!

 

[thekarens]

Re: Brown headed a good fit?

Personally, I don't think either are a good choice for children. Mature caiques can be pretty aggressive and pois are more nervous around noise and motion.

I haven't found my Pois to be unforgiving, but they do bite hard and occasionally for no reason that I can fathom.

 

[Birdman666]

Re: Brown headed a good fit?

hi, this forum has been a wealth of knowledge. I've been reading the threads and recommended websites about brown headed parrots. I'm thinking of adopting one for my family. I am somewhat experienced. Hand raised an african grey growing up (who bonded with my dad and is still his best friend to this day). And had a conure and cockatiel growing up.

I am now married and have three kids 8, 6, and 2 yrs old. The bird is really going to be my responsibility, but will be introduced as the family pet. I really want a caique but the parrot store people are saying that a baby brown head would be a better fit, but the bhs seem so boring.

I greatly appreciate any thoughts or advice you all can offer.

I'd say get the bird you really want... Not the one someone else talked you into getting.

 

[Birdman666]

Re: Brown headed a good fit?

I haven't found my Pois to be unforgiving, but they do bite hard and occasionally for no reason that I can fathom.

You mean besides preserving their 'Tude...

Because a Poi without 'Tude is just a sorry excuse for a bird! (From their perspective, apparently.) Near as I can figure it anyway...

 

[Birdman666]

Hi Wendy, the bird store people just say that they're "easier to manage"

That basically depends on how you define "easier to manage" and, of course, who is the person defining it.

My "easiest bird to manage" is my Greenwing... Most folks don't think Greenwing and the first thing that pops into their head is "easy bird to manage."

So, that's one of those playground argument responses to me, "Says who?!"

Interact with a bunch of birds.

Find the one that clicks with you.

Go get the kids. See how the kids do with it.

Then socialize it to the Nth degree around kids.

You're going to have this bird for a very long time. Don't be pressured into taking on something you really don't want. You'll have "buyers remorse" and the bird won't be as happy in that situation either.