I've gone and confused myself again!

[Freespin]

Well after plenty of looking around meeting all sorts of birds the only one I really fell for was max the yellow napped Amazon. I have been thinking hard about it but I really can't afford him at the moment. I finally feel I am really really ready for another bird so decided on a king parrot, something I had looked at getting before I had lost my boys. Did some searching and couldn't find any. There goes that idea. .. I did however find some Quakers. .. Now they are not common over here and something I fell for when I first decided I wanted a bird though I couldn't afford one at the time. Now I can so I was all set to go buy one. Started looking for a cage, contacted the breeder. Meanwhile some hand raised Kings popped up for sale... They are cheaper but I have to wait until June/July. Now I have no idea what to do again!! I was so ready now I'm just lost again. Any advice? I can go and meet the Quakers but the kings are too far away. I have decided on a cage for each of them depending on what I get. I could list pros and cons on both birds!

 

[RavensGryf]

Quakers when socialized will be more hands on, potentially cuddly like a "parrot".

Kings will be more hands off as far as petting goes, more like a typical "parakeet". I would think there would be more Kings and Aussie species in NZ?

Really depends on what general characteristics you're looking for in a bird. Good luck Sophia!

 

[jenphilly]

Okay, I like your logic of pros and cons... so list away and we'll see who wants to throw out an educated vote

I am really happy to hear you are looking and ready tho!!! I know the whole thing has been a nightmare between losing one baby then Barry taking off. But, I agree with you, its time if you're ready!!! Guessing there isn't a C option for getting both???

Really happy to see you post about a new baby!!!

 

[MikeyTN]

Are you able to visit the Quakers? The meeting can change your mind!

 

[Anansi]

Judging from Julie's characterization of both birds, my bet is that the quaker would probably be a better fit for you. As I recall, you do enjoy a more hands on bird, no?

 

[Freespin]

Well I initially thought a King because they are quite similar in personalities to a Barraband but in a larger size, I couldnt face getting another Barraband just yet but Barry was awesome, always chatting away but never too loud and just happy to cruise around and hang out. I thought it would be a good way to ease back into things again. I looked at getting a Quaker as a first bird but like i said i wasnt able to afford it really at the time. I liked what i read about them but have never known any personally...
Now i loved Barry and he was great to have around but i ended up getting Nelson because i wanted something slightly more interactive and "hands on" with a bonus he was super cuddly. I was so blessed with both of those birds im worried i wont be so lucky with my next bird being so easy!

 

[RavensGryf]

It's always such a toss up when getting a new bird... what personality the bird is going to have. Even within the same clutch there can be pretty marked personality differences.
That's the benefit when you can meet a bird first. The birds I've had shipped to me from breeders across the country, well, you never know until you get the bird. For example Raven was one I had shipped... Although I love him, I have to say he's not as "naturally nice" of a guy as another Pionus I had (who died).

I do like birds who are hands on, but it seems like the ones who are, are in general higher maintenance in terms of neediness. The exception to that is the Poicephalus parrots (Senegal, Meyers, Red Bellied, Jardine's etc) who can be cuddled and touched all over if socialized to do so, yet are independent and don't demand attention. They are about the only birds I can think of who can be both really cuddly and really independent. I don't know how easy to find they are in NZ though.

From what I hear of Quakers, it sounds like you might like one. They are illegal in the state I live in, but I still have seen them here from time to time. It's fun giving species suggestions, but I don't know available species and what's easy vs hard to get in New Zealand.
Any Pionus over there? Did you find it fairly easy to take care of an Eclectus? Would you consider another, or would it remind you of Nelson too much?

 

[jenphilly]

You might walk into a place with a bunch of different birds and have a macaw follow you home.... don't laugh, how do you think max got here????

When you go meet them I truly believe you'll know and if you don't know, the birds will decide for you!!!

 

[Freespin]

It's always such a toss up when getting a new bird... what personality the bird is going to have. Even within the same clutch there can be pretty marked personality differences.
That's the benefit when you can meet a bird first. The birds I've had shipped to me from breeders across the country, well, you never know until you get the bird. For example Raven was one I had shipped... Although I love him, I have to say he's not as "naturally nice" of a guy as another Pionus I had (who died).

I do like birds who are hands on, but it seems like the ones who are, are in general higher maintenance in terms of neediness. The exception to that is the Poicephalus parrots (Senegal, Meyers, Red Bellied, Jardine's etc) who can be cuddled and touched all over if socialized to do so, yet are independent and don't demand attention. They are about the only birds I can think of who can be both really cuddly and really independent. I don't know how easy to find they are in NZ though.

From what I hear of Quakers, it sounds like you might like one. They are illegal in the state I live in, but I still have seen them here from time to time. It's fun giving species suggestions, but I don't know available species and what's easy vs hard to get in New Zealand.
Any Pionus over there? Did you find it fairly easy to take care of an Eclectus? Would you consider another, or would it remind you of Nelson too much?

There are Senegal babies for sale at the moment but the only ones i have seen here EVER and the price reflects that a bit... But no Pionus that i have come across.

Eckies are my "dream bird" species and i would love to get another one again some time but not for a while. I would also love another Barraband some day but again, too soon. Nelson was easy to have around, he never really got to the stage where he got into trouble and i loved doing the whole food prep thing.