Hello from Kentucky!!

[Elsa]

Hello! My husband and I have decided to get a parrot. We're not entirely new to birds but not experienced either as most of our interaction has been through breeder grandparents and family cockatiels, my stepmom rescues parrots though so i have handled some and seen the day to day care they require. We were wondering if anyone could recommend any small to medium sized parrots that are at least moderately quiet if kept busy. We do live in an apt but they are soundproofed pretty well and the management is super bird friendly. We actually have enough wild birds outside (tons of trees) that I'm not sure anyone would even notice a screech here and there. We've already found a great avian vet that does 24hr emergency care and found a bird show in Indianapolis I'm planning on attending so I can hopefully meet a few new kinds of parrots. I'm home almost always so the time requirements don't phase me my husband is also home 3 days a week though he works 4 10-11hr days. We have no children or child visitors and no pets so that isn't an issue however when we need a birdie babysitter they will go to his parents that have a farm is there risk to parrots from farm poultry what would they need to know or are we better off having a friend live in while we are gone? What I'm hoping for is a short list of parrots whose needs we are most likely to be able to meet to focus my research on.

Some of our needs:
Small-Medium sized.
At least moderately quiet if kept busy.
More People Oriented

Wants:
A more interactive bird that can play games and enjoy training.
Talking ability. (Not necessary just a plus)
Nothing too small - GCC size and bit larger.
Can be okay as an only bird or can deal with another bird in the house though not necessarily sharing space.
Preferably requires no larger than 36"x48" cage (I don't think anything wider or longer would fit in our apartment.

 

[thekarens]

This is always my answer: poicephalus You do have to work a little harder socializing them.

 

[Agapornis]

I say GCC! but then I am biased

 

[Elsa]

Thanks! We did consider a GCC we found a pair of hand raised ones in a shop for a very reasonable price they were supposedly hand raised but they looked older and one was pretty hand shy the other one nailed hubby pretty good though I did tell him generally its a bad idea to stick your hands into strange parrots cages. Also I don't think I mentioned it my step mom had one that loved to torment me when I'd visit them as a child/teen so I do have a pretty bad association there and I'm worried I'd be fearful enough to inadvertently make it develop some bad behaviors.

As for the Poicephalus I'm pretty intrigued I found a local breeder and like the sound of his birds but I'm not sure we are ready for a bird that needs a whole lot more socialization work because we are new to this state and don't know many people maybe 3 we can count on for any regular interaction right now. I did ask to be included on his notification list for next breeding season it may be something to consider once we have settled in our own house and have a bit more experience and research time and have met more people in the area.

I think I'm psyching myself out some on the noise bit. Doesn't help that we found the most adorable super tamed Cockatiel babies in another store. Almost all stepped up as soon as you asked and were very interested in attention most were not to wanting scratches yet but they would whistle along with you and a few were pretty adamant on wanting to be on our shoulders and not too loud. Seems like it would be so easy with them and I know I can confidently interact with them and not be worried or afraid the will annoy neighbors.

 

[Chelle]

OF all my birds my Sun Conure is by far the sweetest! She wants to be held all the time and it doesn't matter who as long as she can snuggle and get her scritches! I know Suns are considered to be Loud but I don't find her to be much louder than my Yellow sided GCC or my Fiery shoulder. In fact the budgies make more noise than she does. We have reinforced "whispering" with her. from day one if she let out a loud screech we would say "whisper" in a whisper voice over and over until she barely making a noise. When she is being held she never screeches it's always purring and chitter chatter very soft kind of noises. The times my Conures make their noises are first thing in the morning and when the Sun is going down. In the morning it is their flock call and as soon as I call back they stop. In the evening I think they are letting me know it is time for bed and as soon as I begin their bed time routine they stop. Good Luck in making your decision!

 

[RavensGryf]

As for the Poicephalus I'm pretty intrigued I found a local breeder and like the sound of his birds but I'm not sure we are ready for a bird that needs a whole lot more socialization work because we are new to this state and don't know many people maybe 3 we can count on for any regular interaction right now. I did ask to be included on his notification list for next breeding season it may be something to consider once we have settled in our own house and have a bit more experience and research time and have met more people in the area.

Remember EVERY parrot species needs socialization work at first to become and stay a great pet!
It's just that Poi's are not naturally as extroverted and social as conures, they can tend to be a bit shy at first. Not saying that conures can't, but in a different way. Poicephalus don't have the strong drive to flock in groups and be as gregarious as the conures do. In the wild, Poi's are usually found grouped in families or pairs, conures on the other hand, gather and socialize in huge flocks. This different wild behavior can then translate into different pet behavior. Let a Poi slowly gain your trust, and he'll be your best lifelong friend! Many even become cuddly like my Robin. I personally am hooked on Poi's.

A couple things I LOVE about Poi's is that they are soft voiced, and extremely independent. If Robin wants me and chirps for me but I am busy at the time, he will NOT persist and scream for attention. He will instead give up and go play with his toys until I'm ready to go to him. Not saying all Poi's or Conures are alike, but generally speaking... a Poi will be more easy going about demanding attention than a conure would be inclined to. That said, ALL SPECIES can and should be taught independent play, though some species are naturally more independent or clingy than others.
...and don't underestimate conures thinking 'oh, they're so small'. Be ready for a PARROT. They are every bit a BIG parrot in a little body, and have the personality to potentially develop behavior and plucking problems as easily as any large bird. They have many good qualities, and are very popular as pets.

Whatever species you choose, do LOTS of research first. What one person can tolerate or think is the "perfect" species for them, might not be for you. The BEST research on general personalities of species is chatting with forum people who have certain species you're interested in and can ask first hand. Look under the search button to find past info under the species forums too. Best of luck!

 

[ParkersMom]

My vote is for a caique.

 

[MikeyTN]

Have you thought about lineolated parakeets?

 

[Elsa]

I probably should have explained that better I'm not worried about lengthy socialization but the way they worded it with having to "work harder" I just assumed she meant they were more difficult. Also the 3 people don't include the two of us or my in laws who the bird would see at least twice a week as we go out to help with their horses and yard work I wouldn't want to leave the bird in apartment alone for 8 hours. I'd also like it to be comfortable enough with them to sleep over if we need an emergency bird sitter.

I haven't even heard of Caciques before I googled it. I will add it to my list to research.

As far as lineolated parakeets I haven't been considering them at all along with Budgies and the two Bourke's Parakeets we saw or the even smaller finches and Canaries. I don't want something so small it can easily get to places it shouldn't be.