Hello. looking for advice.

[tbass2323]

Hello everyone! I came across this site while doing research and thought I'd join.I'm hoping some of you can help me make an informed decision about getting a bird.
My main goal is to gather as much information about it, before I do. I realize it's a big decision, and want to make sure it will be a good situation for a pet bird. I have a ton of questions but I'll keep this first post some what short.
First off why I want a bird. When I was a young boy in Illinois, I walked outside one X-mas eve and found a parakeet on our steps. I took it in and it lived around 10 years! we became very bonded with one another, and I have lots of great memories with that bird.One huge thing that I took away from the experience was that I'd always dream of having a talking bird. As you may imagine that is a huge trait I'm looking for in a bird.
I'm not at all looking at the large birds, I'm not that experience for one. things I'm looking for are.
1) talking ability
2) as with all bird I realize there will be noise, but looking for one on more of a mellower side.
3) one that will be interactive and affectionate. I want something that just isn't going to sit in cage.
4) a bird that has a rep of being kind of a clown.
I know there isn't a bird out there that is perfect, but these are some traits I'm looking for.
My life style is that I work weekend nights sat. thru Mon. leave home around 4pm and back around 6am. Then I'm off 4 days . I think this allows me a lot of time to spend with bird, but maybe I'm wrong. I go to bed relativity early and I'm up most days by 6ish. I live alone with the occasional visits from female friends, so It's a quiet household.
with all this said(sorry to be long winded) I've kind of narrowed it down to a few birds.
1) Alexandrine
2) derbyan
3) Ecelectus
4) white belly caicue. I relize not much of a talker but seems to be quiet the clown from what I've seen in vids.
I live in Florida and plan on visiting at least 5 breeders in my area in the next several months, so this is nothing I'm jumping into in the next few weeks.
Thanks for any help you guys may offer
TOM

 

[thekarens]

Welcome! If you want a bird that talks I recommend you get an adult that's already talking. Even with the birds that are known to be the best talkers in the world there's no guarantee they will talk.

 

[henpecked]

Hey Tom ,welcome to the forum. You'll find that even among species known to talk well ,there'll be many individuals who don't. BTW i think a parakeet holds the record for most words. Another thought,, the better talking birds tend to be noisier than nontalkers. I'm not familiar with any of the species you're looking at, so maybe others who are can offer an opinion. If your looking to get a baby,, visit many until you find one that exhibits the qualities your looking for. Many "talkers" start early and each baby has it's own personality. Becareful about judging a species based on a few individuals.

 

[Allee]

Hello Tom, so happy you joined us! I'm glad you're doing a lot of research before bringing home a new companion.

There is no guarantee that any bird will talk, but parrots are communications experts and masters at getting their points across. I think my birds learned to speak English so they could boss humans and argue with them better.

You might add cockatiels to your list, they are affectionate little clowns and aren't too loud. I'm guessing when you start visiting breeders you will narrow down your search when you meet the birds, or better yet, a bird will choose you. Good luck and please keep us posted.

 

[tbass2323]

I'm considering adoption also, but will an older bird have a hard time bonding with a new owner?

 

[tbass2323]

Allee. I visited a breeder yesterday, and Yes I was introduced to a very friendy 3 month old white belly caicue already!!

 

[tbass2323]

I understand that not every bird will talk. I'm just looking for one with a better chance to teaching it to talk. It's been something I've wanted to do ever since I was a kid. The breeds I listed id something I think would fit my life style, but not sure.

 

[henpecked]

Adopting an older bird is a good choice also. You'll have better insight into their personality and talking abilities. However the adage "let the bird pick you" applies even more with adult parrots. Visit lots of parrots and don't get into a rush. Yes, an older rehome can bond to a new owner , but let the parrot pick you.

 

[thekarens]

Just a heads up, I'm not sure I've ever heard of a caique that talks. They have other wonderful qualities though.

 

[Ducatimom]

Hi Tom! It may take a little while longer for an older bird to bond, but it also may not. Like henpecked said, "let the bird pick you". Ducati is an older bird (6 years old) and it took him about a week to really bond with me. Now he's a total velcro bird.

 

[tbass2323]

looking at adoption options, sound it can be very rewarding. anyone know of good places around gainesville/ocala area in FL. that I can visit or talk to someone on adopting?
sorry guys sooooooo many questions!! as I said I'm not going to jump into this. taking my time, looking at around start of next year to do it if I'm going to get a bird.