Choosing my first parrot

[Mcgold76]

I have never owned any type of parrot before but have been researching getting one for awhile. Right now my biggest issue is that I live in an apartment and I can't have a bird that will bother my neighbors. Would love a bigger parrot but they all just seem to be too loud.
So what are some good options for me. Been mostly researching budgies, cockatiels and parrotlets. They all have things about each one that I like and don't like. Any other options that will work in an apartment?

 

[EAI]

I think the ones you have chosen can all be great options, I have never seen a Parrotlet IRL, and I've never owned a Cockatiel so I am kind of biased towards budgies
Sometimes they can be loud, not nearly as loud as other parrots but vocal enough to be heard from around the house, and a bit outside (then again, Its quiet and reserved around here)

If your'e looking for a larger parrot, may I suggest a Poicephalus or Pionus parrot? They're medium sized and are quite quiet for their size --- I don't have any of those but there are members here who have years of information on them that I'd think would be more than willing to share some tips . The thing you'd have to watch for is their hormonal period, and their potential to become a one-person bird and being aggressive to other birds and people.

Do you have any other specific qualities you'd like in your future companion for us to help you out?

 

[Kyoto]

My green cheek conure is very quiet but does make noise (but not loudly) and talks and sings. If you can accept that they're a tad nippy by nature they have great personalities and are super cuddly.

 

[Birdman666]

My green cheek conure is very quiet but does make noise (but not loudly) and talks and sings. If you can accept that they're a tad nippy by nature they have great personalities and are super cuddly.

Yeah, that's another good option for an apartment bird.

I had seven or eight birds in an apartment setting, with zero noise complaints, but none of them were toos, and all of them were well trained before I moved in...

 

[itchyfeet]

A green cheek or maroon bellied conure could work out for you really well.
I'm trying to limit myself to being a two bird home but I find it hard not having a conure around!
What's your work life situation like? Are you home during the mornings and evenings?

 

[RavensGryf]

Over the years I have had birds in apartments including large birds, and never had complaints. I've also known of and read about many other people in apartments who have large birds without issue. That being said, I wouldn't get a full size macaw!
I can tell you, when I was in one apartment, I was driven crazy by a neighbor's male cockatiel constantly vocalizing, and large dog always barking!

Keep in mind, even budgies or lovebirds are loud enough that the sound will carry through the windows. My personal experience is, that unless you have an extremely particular neighbor, bird noise during acceptable daytime hours is fine. Unless they're screaming excessively and constantly, which in that case is not normal and an issue needs to be addressed as to why they're constantly screaming. Under normal circumstances, people in apartment communities generally understand that living in close proximity to others, there will be 'some' noises from neighbors, whether it be human voices, tv, music, or birds. Usually noise complaints are from things such as loud parties or tv or stereo too loud after hours.

Poicephalus parrots and Pionus are generally quiet as far as parrots go, but remember ALL parrots if in an apartment setting including budgies would be able to be heard by neighbors. As far as my Pois and Pi, the boys do have their hormonal periods or times of attitude, so educating yourself on parrot behavior and handling would be imperative (and this even goes for the smaller species).

 

[LeaKP]

I am partial to green cheek conures and parrotlets for apartment dwelling. I have a GCC and a grey but they are not loud at all (unless I'm vacuuming then all is lost). Parrotlets are true parrots without the size and volume.

 

[MyFlock]

I have a red bellied parrot that's quiet, just whistles and talks. For a smaller bird, lovebirds are my favorite.

 

[Mcgold76]

Thanks for all the replies. So many choices. Starting to fall in love with the Pionus also. So many great choices. I just want to do it right and not rush into anything. WAnt a companion for a long time. Something I truly am happy with no regrets. The room I want to put the parrot in iS next to my neighbors bedroom. Like to be a good neighbor

 

[witchbaby]

My African grey is extremely quiet and suitable for an apartment. He whistles and makes a few sound effects, but no loud outbursts or screaming. He's quieter than my green cheek conure.

 

[RavensGryf]

If you are really concerned about volume, keep in mind that not all Pionus are quiet. Raven isn't a screamer, but if he wants to be, he is easily my loudest parrot. Still it's not loud as in Cockatoo or Macaw loud, and some are definitely louder or noisier than others.

 

[EAI]

I'd also run it past your landlord just to make sure you're allowed to bring in pets and then ask your neighbors (same level/around) to see if they're okay with some possible noises.
Its better to be safe then to have your future companion rehomed because of noise complaints.

 

[SoCalWendy]

Parrotlets are fun... Not loud compared to say a gcc or love bird. Kiwi has her moments, usually when I make her mad and she goes into a protest. Mine is very tame and lovable.

 

[jiannotto9492]

Having lived with birds all of my life I believe that a female tiel is what you're looking for. A female will be more quiet than a male. Also cockatiels are probably one of the easiest birds to maintain and take care of. They have a tendency to be dusty birds but that's why you spray them.

 

[MyFlock]

My African grey is extremely quiet and suitable for an apartment. He whistles and makes a few sound effects, but no loud outbursts or screaming. He's quieter than my green cheek conure.

My red bellied parrot is quieter than my GCC as well. In fact as far as quiet goes I reckon that he is quietest one in the house! But that's not to say he is mute lol he does like to make his cat noises, whistling and odd sounds especially in morning but he does go for long periods of time just sitting and looking at the outdoor scenery without a sound. The noises he does make are non irritating.

 

[kq_fan]

It also depends on the bird. Many people told me Senegals are quiet. Well I rescued one and he is the opposite of quiet! We are working on it and he is doing very well now! I am so proud of him! But some Segals are quieter. Some birds are just more vocal than others. Some are just so happy to be alive! So they need the world to know! But others may be just fine with sitting there. I believe there really isn't a quiet bird. My Lilo is over all a quiet bird. Sometimes she has an opinion she just needs to say! But like right now she is just sitting on my head preening quietly. Good luck and I really hope you find the bird you are looking for I do recommend Green Cheek Conures! They are great birds, big bird in a small body!

 

[jiannotto9492]

It also depends on the bird. Many people told me Senegals are quiet. Well I rescued one and he is the opposite of quiet! We are working on it and he is doing very well now! I am so proud of him! But some Segals are quieter. Some birds are just more vocal than others. Some are just so happy to be alive! So they need the world to know! But others may be just fine with sitting there. I believe there really isn't a quiet bird. My Lilo is over all a quiet bird. Sometimes she has an opinion she just needs to say! But like right now she is just sitting on my head preening quietly. Good luck and I really hope you find the bird you are looking for I do recommend Green Cheek Conures! They are great birds, big bird in a small body!

The previous owners probably gave him attention when he was loud. Best way to keep a bird quiet is to ignore it when it is vocal and to let it out of the cage when it is being quiet.

 

[SoCalWendy]

Having lived with birds all of my life I believe that a female tiel is what you're looking for. A female will be more quiet than a male. Also cockatiels are probably one of the easiest birds to maintain and take care of. They have a tendency to be dusty birds but that's why you spray them.

Haha it just goes to show you how this is all relative. It really depends on the bird and the person taking care of the bird. I love cockatiels, except for there voices. It makes my ears bleed. The sound of a cockatiel drives me nuts.

The last time I was at the bird store there was this one cockatiel that was sounding off. I was there only for about 20-30 minutes and it's was relentless. No offense to those who own them, but no way could I ever. Same goes with lovebirds and conures.

 

[Taw5106]

Eclectus have a good reputation for being quiet. They are medium sized and mine may "beep" 2 - 3 times a day. I use to have a cockatiel and lived in an apartment, never received complaints. She would call out when I would come home or leave, she would whistle and chatter with me, never extremely loud but she could get loud. I think each bird is different, my GCA is nonstop noise, lol. He'd get me kicked out of an apartment.

 

[jiannotto9492]

Having lived with birds all of my life I believe that a female tiel is what you're looking for. A female will be more quiet than a male. Also cockatiels are probably one of the easiest birds to maintain and take care of. They have a tendency to be dusty birds but that's why you spray them.

Haha it just goes to show you how this is all relative. It really depends on the bird and the person taking care of the bird. I love cockatiels, except for there voices. It makes my ears bleed. The sound of a cockatiel drives me nuts.

The last time I was at the bird store there was this one cockatiel that was sounding off. I was there only for about 20-30 minutes and it's was relentless. No offense to those who own them, but no way could I ever. Same goes with lovebirds and conures.

I have a jenday now. My cockatiel ended up having cancer and had to be put down back in March. He was actually pretty quiet. But once again it is a matter that I ignored him when he was younger during his vocal fits. I'm doing the same thing with my Jenday now and it seems to be working.