New member here. I joined because I am beginning a long research process to choose a bird for my wife and me. We were recently married and have one year of undergrad left. After that, I will be attending medical school and she will begin working. At that time we will have a more permanent living situation, and we want a bird. We both grew up in the country with over a dozen animals each. Everything from dogs, cats, and horses to goats, chickens, rats, sheep, and parakeets. In other words, we are adjusted to the demands of animal care. I had a parakeet as a young teenager, but I have always wanted a larger bird.
As we will be living in a city, indoor pets have become our only option to fill the missing places of all those animals. I am fairly intelligent, and I liked to be challenged. I worked for a dog trainer for 5 years and love the challenges of training any animal. We also need a bird that will mesh well in a family setting because we do intend to have children though not for several more years. We are aware of the long term commitment of a parrot and are willing to work for the invaluable rewards a good pet can offer. As a young couple we have little to no obligations outside of school and work so we want something we can invest our time in now, and our children can enjoy later. Also, I have been told by many medical students how taking care of a pet can be a welcome study break.
I am not in a hurry to purchase a bird. We are going to consider it for the next year and then make a final decision. I would just like to narrow our options somewhat with some good advice from experienced people. Our general criteria are:
1) Intelligent and interactive
2) Forms connections with owners
3) Can be left alone while at work though after 4 years my wife is going to be a stay at home mom
4) I would prefer a medium to large bird, but my wife wants to avoid the extra large birds like the macaws
5)Talkative would be nice but a large vocabulary isn't necessary
6)Ease of care to what extent it can be (I know bigger birds are a lot of work, but some are easier than others)
7) Initial expense is not a major concerned but a lower week-to-week care expense would be nice
8) We will likely be living in a good sized apartment so room shouldn't be a problem, but noise might be if it is excessive. We do expect noise of course, just not enough to anger the neighbors hopefully.
So far we have been leaning towards an Eclectus, but their diet can be a bit intimidating and pricey. I haven't ruled out a TAG or CAG. I haven't done as much investigation into others. We looked at Lories, Caiques, and Conures, but the things I read didn't push me in their direction. I would just like some owners' opinions. I am open to all advice.
Thanks.
As we will be living in a city, indoor pets have become our only option to fill the missing places of all those animals. I am fairly intelligent, and I liked to be challenged. I worked for a dog trainer for 5 years and love the challenges of training any animal. We also need a bird that will mesh well in a family setting because we do intend to have children though not for several more years. We are aware of the long term commitment of a parrot and are willing to work for the invaluable rewards a good pet can offer. As a young couple we have little to no obligations outside of school and work so we want something we can invest our time in now, and our children can enjoy later. Also, I have been told by many medical students how taking care of a pet can be a welcome study break.
I am not in a hurry to purchase a bird. We are going to consider it for the next year and then make a final decision. I would just like to narrow our options somewhat with some good advice from experienced people. Our general criteria are:
1) Intelligent and interactive
2) Forms connections with owners
3) Can be left alone while at work though after 4 years my wife is going to be a stay at home mom
4) I would prefer a medium to large bird, but my wife wants to avoid the extra large birds like the macaws
5)Talkative would be nice but a large vocabulary isn't necessary
6)Ease of care to what extent it can be (I know bigger birds are a lot of work, but some are easier than others)
7) Initial expense is not a major concerned but a lower week-to-week care expense would be nice
8) We will likely be living in a good sized apartment so room shouldn't be a problem, but noise might be if it is excessive. We do expect noise of course, just not enough to anger the neighbors hopefully.
So far we have been leaning towards an Eclectus, but their diet can be a bit intimidating and pricey. I haven't ruled out a TAG or CAG. I haven't done as much investigation into others. We looked at Lories, Caiques, and Conures, but the things I read didn't push me in their direction. I would just like some owners' opinions. I am open to all advice.
Thanks.
I think a Grey would be a good choice.
