Help choosing a species

[pqsmooth]

I had a green quaker parrot named Bonnie. She was my first bird (I had dogs my whole life, never did I imagine I'd love birds so much). She was great! My family loved her. She was affectionate, well behaved and smart. But she had a problem with screaming. I had done some research before getting her, so I was prepared for some noise. But nothing could have prepared me for how loud and constant the noise was. 6-8 hours per day of screeching that could be heard from down the street.

Her cage was always open, I spent a lot with her, she had a LOT of attention, her cage had plenty of toys, I was training her to do tricks even. She was rarely in a room alone and never in a closed cage. But after all of our attempts, we failed to get her to scream any less. My wife and I work from home and we couldn't cope with it. After 6 months, we finally had to rehome her.

That was over the summer. I want to try again, with a new species of bird. Can you please help me figure out what type of bird is right for me? I don't mind loud birds, but it can't be as loud and as constant as Bonnie was. I need a bird that likes to be handled and cuddled, that's important. I liked the size of Bonnie, but slightly larger would be OK, too. Intelligence is good (but I think most birds are pretty smart). I really love the look of Indian Ring-neck Parrots. But maybe I would have the same problem with them? Would African Grey be an option? Or should I try another Quaker and hope it's personality is different?

 

[Vampiric_Conure]

Quakers are by far some of the loudest birds frequency-wise. **Hugs** You might get along with a Conure. Blue heads, Duskies, and the smaller pyrhurra (sp?) conures (Green cheeks, firey-shouldered, etc) are higher pitched and loudish but are less likely to drive everyone bonkers with how frequently they make noise. Avoid Burrowing parrots (Patagonian Conures)... their noise level is impressive (or so I've been told!). African Greys are said to be not very.. um... what's the word I'm looking for.... they're not as *cuddly* as other parrots. They like their heads being scratched, but are more independent and like to hang out with you. But they're not super snuggly. Pionus parrots are the same way, but even more so. The Grey and the Pionus' noise level is less likely to drive the family bonkers. .

Hope that gives ya some ideas! Good luck in your search!

 

[DonnaBudgie]

That's sad. It's hard to answer this post without having witnessed the described screaming but I'll assume it was louder and more constant than typical for a quaker. That said, not all parrots of any specices scream that much and that loud and some species are reputed to be quieter than your typical parrot.

The problem I see is that epic, world class screamers are not unusual, and there's a real possibility that your next parrot would also be too loud. What would you do it it happened again? Rehoming should be a last resort. I suggest getting a cockati. They're great

 

[wrench13]

Honestly any parrot can be a screamer ( well not budgies). Or can develop the habit.

 

[texsize]

You might consider a pair of parrots.
Two together can keep each other company and reduce their need to contact call all day.

My rescue amazon Luna was a bad screamer.
I bought her a partner (something I intended to do anyway) and it did reduce her screaming to the more normal morning and evening screaming.

Yah African grey is a good choice for a quieter bird but you might miss out on the cuddles.
And the price for one is through the roof right now.