I am lost on what bird to get. Please help

[NiR]

First i wanted a congo grey because of his intelligence but then realized he has huge feather plucking problems and needs HUGE amounts of attention of 5+ hours a day and if he doesnt get that he might become crazy and unhappy.

Then i thought get a timneh grey since they are a bit smaller which i like and doesnt have a lot of the problems of the african grey but i am still not sure since they will probably also need as much attention.

Then i thought about getting a Senegal because i heard they were very loyal companions but then i heard about how they are very agressive towards other pets and family members when they mature since most of the time he becomes a 1 person bird (and sadly since i basically live with roomates, chance of socializing him will be only minimal to whenever i take him to my family house which is like once every other week. But i do like it that senegal parrots are very loyal companions who actually like spending time with people.

then i thought about a caique but they seem way too loud and i live in an apt.

So now i am lost to what i want. The ideal bird for me would be a bird that makes a great companion , Likes to be cuddled and touched and likes to spend time with people. I have had many budgies before and all were tame enough to scratch their head to an extent and their bellies and would step up. But all of them never really wanted to socialize with humans much. They were far more happy left alone. Sure they would go to another friends hand but they would fly back to their comfort zone any chance they get so i think budgies are WAY to independent for me. I rather have a bird who wants to interact and even seek me out to interact with me but in the other hand is fine if i leave him alone and let him be independent. I am well aware of all the problems that can arise with birds who wants too much interaction since if they dont get it they will scream and all that but i want some sort of a middle ground. I can spend many hours a day with him but most of the time i might just keep him next to me in a perch while i work and occasionally would talk to him and scratch him. Also i would want the bird to be quiet enough for an apt and also be kind of acrobatic and energetic but not to the extent where they rather be with themselves. I want the bird to like my company and want to spend time. Also lastly the least important thing would be that he has a decent chance of talking. this is not important at all but would be nice if the potential was there. So please guys help me choose a bird.

ps: Also i am well aware that every birds personality is different but i just want to increases the chances by getting the breed thats the closest. As in if i wanted a less aggressive dog, then a pitbull (even though i am sure they might not be aggressive if raised right) would never be a top option.

I dont even know if there is a bird that fits this description but if there is please let me know of what comes the closest.

ps: looking for a parrot similarly sized as a Senegal. (little bigger or smaller is fine)

 

[Ginkai]

While I think your generalizeing to much I think maybe a conure? Would suit. They like to cuddle and touch and can be very social I don't know how loud they are though I've never owned one. It's all in the upbringing. I have a cockatoo who is independent because I taught her to be and they are some of the most famous for plucking.

 

[ConureCrazy]

According to your description, it sounds like a green cheek conure would be a nice bird for you. They are very playful, but love attention, too. They are very cuddly and have a good chance at talking. (mine say I love you, good girl and give kisses). They are not very loud, and not too independent. I say a green cheek conure is a right fit. =)

 

[MaraWentz]

You can always look into older birds (but babies are raised by you which I know adds more appeal) but every bird is different. So even if there was a bird like that just like you desire there is a chance it could be the exception. Adult birds offer a set personality. There's no mystery of how they be when they're older. Previous owners wil tell you their personality (very friendly, loud, jealous, great with pets, sexist, cuddly, independent, aggressive, etc). You get what you see.

 

[Parrotmamma]

I think a green cheek conure would be a good choice . Mine is such a clown, she is very playful and loves to be with us. They can be a little nippy at times but with some training and learning to read their body language you can work through that , plus they are relatively quiet which is good if you live in an apartment.

 

[Seaweed]

I must say Im quite partial to the Eclectus being that I have one LoL
But I must admit my Seaweed is VERY attached to me,hes like a velcro parrot LoL.Hes 4ever looking to be by my side-love that -Eckies are pretty quiet prefering to chatter over screaming,but like I said they are well,attention needy lol.Have u looked into getting maybe a Cockateil,they are pretty friendly & quiet.A Maximilian Pinous are also very friendly,quiet & can be independant enough to be left alone 4 a few hrs of the day.A Indian Ringneck is another 1 that comes to mind,there quite nice,little chatter boxes too LoL.Ahh so many choices LoL.BEst of luck on whatever species u choose my friend

 

[lene1949]

Eclectus parrots do not like to be cuddled and touched... they do have excellent pet qualities, though... They have a pretty good and stable temperament, they love being with you/close to you.. They're easy to train...

I'm personally not a fan of cuddling birds... I prefer my birds to be independent, able to play by themselves and accepting of people, that might be visiting...

The only bird I have that is constantly asking for head scratches is my cockatiel.

I do have the perfect bird for my liking, and that's my Alexandrine, Max... He'll go to anyone - even a complete stranger, he loves children... We do have a trade off, though... If he can chew my buttons, I can scratch his head... He's fine with that.

I think my Eclectus is going to be like that as well... Probably because I train them that way....

If I wanted an animal that loves touching, cuddling etc... I'd get a cat...

 

[pjoel]

I have an alexandrine and I think hes the best. He loves to be petted and loves being on my shoulder. Look into them.

 

[luccasmom]

I don't want to sound "mean" but it seems like you want a "showcase" bird and that is a problem.While I think it is great that you seem to appreciate the beauty of birds ,I don't really think you understand them too much(again not being mean just want to explain)All birds are different,just like people. The description you give of your"wants" and "needs" seems to conjure up an image of a larger breed of bird. ALL birds can pluck. They need alot of time and care and yes... money.While a moluccan cockatoo is considered a cuddley bird it too comes w/ a price.I have a CAG a BFA and a moluccan. All of my birds(thank goodness) are on a strict schedual so noise is not a problem most of the time. Sometimes they talk,most of the time they scream,sqwauck etc.Birds may or may not learn tricks or talking,you never can tell.getting an older bird that talks does not guarentee the bird will bond to u immediatly. That can be heartbreaking. Getting a baby does not guarentee talking but helps w/ the bonding. But then they hit the terrible twos and test you.Please think hard about getting a bird just because you want it to be cuddley pretty and you want it to talk and do tricks .... you may be very dissappointed

 

[Pookamama]

I don't want to sound "mean" but it seems like you want a "showcase" bird and that is a problem.While I think it is great that you seem to appreciate the beauty of birds ,I don't really think you understand them too much(again not being mean just want to explain)All birds are different,just like people. The description you give of your"wants" and "needs" seems to conjure up an image of a larger breed of bird. ALL birds can pluck. They need alot of time and care and yes... money.While a moluccan cockatoo is considered a cuddley bird it too comes w/ a price.I have a CAG a BFA and a moluccan. All of my birds(thank goodness) are on a strict schedual so noise is not a problem most of the time. Sometimes they talk,most of the time they scream,sqwauck etc.Birds may or may not learn tricks or talking,you never can tell.getting an older bird that talks does not guarentee the bird will bond to u immediatly. That can be heartbreaking. Getting a baby does not guarentee talking but helps w/ the bonding. But then they hit the terrible twos and test you.Please think hard about getting a bird just because you want it to be cuddley pretty and you want it to talk and do tricks .... you may be very dissappointed

You are sounding mean. It really bugs me when people make judgements like this from one post asking for breeds that have certain aspects. He is researching and asking which birds have certain tendencies to do things, he knows and stated in his post that all birds have individual traits. This happened to me when I was looking for a bird and I posted asking several questions, including if a certain breed had a tendency to talk more and somebody indicated I was shallow and scolded me saying, "Not every bird talks!" and was looking down their nose at me for asking. I had never anywhere stated that was the most important aspect, and neither has the OP here. He is doing the right thing and asking questions. Don't shut off people by sounding judgy and assuming you know their motives and they are wrong motives. He has had many posts asking questions, he is being very thorough and chances are he will be an excellent bird owner that takes his bird care seriously. If he wants certain tendencies, there's nothing wrong with seeing which birds are more likely to have them. If you can't help him with his question about bird personalities without assuming his motives, then please move along without making people feel bad for asking questions!

 

[NiR]

I am used to people being overly sensitive about topics. I have been researching about birds for the past 6-7 months or so non stop throughout every parrot site in existence. I never even stated that talking is important. Talking is actually not even a trait i care about. Cuddly however is. Money is also something thats not a problem. And as i stated, i am well aware that every bird within a breed still has individual traits and a cuddly bird might not be cuddly and congo greys might not talk so thats not even a problem. But as i stated, i just want to find the breed thats right for me. This is just research. Also a i dont care about tricks either. Only reason i will teach it tricks is for all the benefits it brings to the bird.

 

[DebsFlock]

I would actually not advise a conure because they also tend to need a lot of attention (or at least to want it) and the larger ones are loud, which roomates might not appreciate. Of the birds that I have direct experience with, a 'tiel might be one place to start. They aren't super-bright, but they are relatively quiet and extremely social and cuddly.

A Cape might also suit you, they seem more easy-going than Greys, they are bright birds, and they aren't as inclined to be one-person birds as some other species. They aren't super loud for a bird that size. But they are a bit hard to come by, and that beak is formidable compared to a budgie!

Those of you who hate nit-picky pedanticalness stop reading here... the term "breed" usually refers to animals of the same species which have been selectively bred for specific characteristics, but which are still genetically essentially identical and can interbreed and produce viable offspring. With parrots, the birds are really quite diverse genetically. They are almost always distinct species, much more different from one another than a Chihuahua is from a Great Dane.

 

[NiR]

Those of you who hate nit-picky pedanticalness stop reading here... the term "breed" usually refers to animals of the same species which have been selectively bred for specific characteristics, but which are still genetically essentially identical and can interbreed and produce viable offspring. With parrots, the birds are really quite diverse genetically. They are almost always distinct species, much more different from one another than a Chihuahua is from a Great Dane.

but why bring that point up if someone already said they are aware of it. So would you recommend a cockatoo to someone who wants a quiet bird? Since obviously there are quieter cockatoos around and its all about the individual and nothing about the breed itself right? Or what about someone who wants birds that doesnt bite as much. Would you recommend them a bigger bird or a parakeet? Lets not get off topic and think that there are not general differences between breeds. Thats why people do research to find out which breed will most likely fit their household.

also on topic, i was thinking about a cape. but there arent many places drivable near me that has capes. I havent found any actually that were not more then 2.5k and thats a bit too much. How much do they normally go for?

 

[DebsFlock]

I was just pointing out that the correct term is "species" not "breed" -- I did say it was pedantic! Just the usage of the language, nothing more...

Actually, in my experience smaller birds tend to bite MORE, mostly because the consequences are so much less that less care is taken to ensure the habit doesn't get started.

 

[Mudkips]

I agree with ConureCrazy, Ginkai and Parrotmamma.
+1 to a GCC fitting your description.

 

[NiR]

I was just pointing out that the correct term is "species" not "breed" -- I did say it was pedantic! Just the usage of the language, nothing more...

Actually, in my experience smaller birds tend to bite MORE, mostly because the consequences are so much less that less care is taken to ensure the habit doesn't get started.

possibly but the bites from a bigger bird will hurt a whole lot more. When i get bit by my budgies, it makes me laugh more then hurt (even though budgies might just be a special case lol).

i am going to go make a drive to a bird store and check out some conures to get an idea of how they are.

 

[DebsFlock]

True. A GCC bite can remove a fair amount of skin, but only a very extreme one would need stitches. A Hyacinth macaw can get through a chain link fence! But our tiel threatens the most of all three, although he has never drawn blood. Scooters bites have needed significant bandaging for several days. Scotty has never truly bitten me. YMMV.

 

[luccasmom]

I am sry if my post was misunderstood. I was not trying to turn anyone away from owning a bird. The thing that made me even write a post was seeing the word "cuddlely". That is a term synonymous with moluccan cockatoos.Which are said to be the most affectionate of birds.And if cuddlely is what you are looking for ,they are. Problem is they are also large,loud and demanding(as many/most birds are)I was merely trying to get the point across that if someone(not specifically NiR,many people do this) should not get a bird based solely on their terms. Unfortunately it does not work that way.parrots,toos,conures can live an exceptionally long time it usually is a lifelong commitment. Just like a child ,you cannot judge how cuddlely,intelligent,loudetc. it will be when it reaches maturity.That depends alot on the persons ability and patience. Based at face value your post seems to point at the personality traits of a moluccan,yet that is not a bird for an apartment or your time restraints.And you are right greys are very smart...they require alot of interaction and at times can be loud also.Please understand I am not telling you don't get a feathered friend.I merely am stating facts because it is heartbreaking when you bond w/ one of these beautiful creatures and seemingly from out of nowhere it's personality changes overnight or starts plucking overnight.It happens believe me. That being said i wish you the best of luck on your search for a friend

 

[DebsFlock]

If personality is a key factor, one thing to consider is adopting a mature bird. You may get more baggage, and you don't get to influence them as much, but you kinda know what you are getting in terms of basic traits.

 

[lokiNotis]

I have a Green Cheek Conure and he is a hoot! He is quite the acrobat and can talk some. He is not a bit loud. He does cuddle with my husband but not me. I have a Quaker and he cuddles with me and bites my husband. He is a closet talker. He can talk very well but doesn't do it in front of my husband or strangers. He can also be very loud. We just recently got a Yellow Nape Amazon he is talking some already though he is still very young. He doesn't really care to cuddle but likes to be out on his tree and near us. So far he is not a bit loud. These are what I have and how they act. Of course you know not all birds are the same. I'm glad you are doing your reesarch and asking questions. I wanted to get a bird with some better talking ability than my first two and I kind of got scolded for asking about talking also. I enjoy my birds company and wanted to get another and thought that ability was a plus. Nothing wrong with that. Good luck in your search!