Long lived parrots for not overly experienced owners?

[future]

I wanted to start off saying that before I get a parrot, I'm going to make sure I have everything I need to be a proper owner, and wait until I'm in a time in my life where I can own one(probably not for a few years). I also will do plenty of research about whichever parrot I plan to own. I may volunteer to get to know different species better, or maybe own a shorter lived parrot before getting a more advanced one.

The main traits I'm interested in is having a parrot that will live a long time(preferably with an average of around 40 years+). I understand that medical conditions can happen that may shorten their lives though. I've heard bad stories about inexperienced owners taking in cockatoos and macaws, and them not giving them the best care, and I don't want to become one of those owners. I will have a job and there will be times where I'm out of the house for a few hours a day. Is there any parrot species out there that would be ok with this, but also known to be long lived? I don't care about noise, price, talking, or colors. A friendly species would be a huge bonus.

 

[chris-md]

Hello and welcome! Thank you for doing such advanced probing research, it qwill make your life and your potential companions that much better.

In your scenario above,Most people get into trouble tend to be with cockatoos, as those can be very difficult animals to take care of due to their unique suite of behaviors. Macaws are generally much easier than cockatoos and shouldn’t be lumped into the same conversation in this particular topic.

The truth is most parrots would be OK for people working a regular 9-to-5 job. So the time away from the home is not a concern. As far as lifespan, it generally goes that the bigger the bird is, the longer live and it will be. There is something of a correlation there.

If you’re looking for something that lives at least a minimum of 30 years, you’re looking at a medium sized parrot at least. Eclectus are wonderful medium sized parrots. The males are particularly easy going and generally mellow.

Amazons are wondeful characters, and outside of the “hot three” - three of the most popular, which are also the three most dreaded for hormones - there are a bunch of great species to consider.

Alexandrine and Grest Billed parrots (not alwyas easy to find but they are out there) might also fit your needs.

There are also smaller macaws to consider: yellow collared macaws, severe macaws (not always recommended due to their overbondinf/one person tendency), red fronted macaws, to name a few.

Essentially, you aren’t very limited once you’ve settled down, with exception of space, which will dictate just how large a bird you can get.

 

[texsize]

All well thought out suggestions above.
Even the "hot three" amazon's can be great companions. it's mostly a matter of becoming an expert at reading the body language and not pushing yourself on the bird when the bird is saying NO.

 

[future]

From the few that I've researched eclectus, red fronted macaws, and certain amazon parrots(not in the hot three) are among my top choices. But are these ok for a beginner? I really want to be a good parront, are all of these guys ok to be left alone for around 6-8 hours a day? This of course will be years in the future and I don't know my future work schedule, but if this was the case, would it be ok?

 

[saxguy64]

This sounds like a great time to start volunteering at or visiting rescues. It's a wonderful way to spend time and learn first hand about lots of different species, and also gain valuable experience. I'm a big proponent of them. Honestly, where you have a lot of time to learn, you might just find that an adult bird in need of a good forever home is a great fit, and will still have the kind of lifespan you want. Also, you have a much better idea of what you're getting personality wise, since you get to bypass all the puberty stuff.

Also, I'd be less concerned with a specific species as they're all individuals. For example, Baxter, my latest addition to the family, is a 17 year old YNA. Yes, supposedly way up on the hot three list. She spent a year in a refuge since she was so particular about who she liked or who could handle her at all. She called to me from across the room while I was visiting Tucker, my ekkie. She quickly became attached to me, and is the most wonderful, loving, snuggly Amazon I've ever met. Bear in mind, I had no intention of having two fids at the time.

All that said, again, I'm not pushing towards any particular species, quite the opposite. Take the time to meet individual birds and you may be surprised by a connection with one you hadn't even thought of. Everyone here will tell you, there's nothing better than being chosen. I'm so thankful to have been blessed with that three times now. The first time for me was how my first eclectus found me, and I had never even heard of them before that.

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[chris-md]

Some wonderful advice form texsize and saxguy above!

From the few that I've researched eclectus, red fronted macaws, and certain amazon parrots(not in the hot three) are among my top choices. But are these ok for a beginner? I really want to be a good parront, are all of these guys ok to be left alone for around 6-8 hours a day? This of course will be years in the future and I don't know my future work schedule, but if this was the case, would it be ok?

Yes to all the above. I work a desk job and am out of the house for about 10 hours a day. It’s fine so long as they join the family in the living room when you all get home.

But with ekkies, there’s a bit more work, and it’s the only way I would perhaps suggest tweaking Saxguys advice to “not worry about species”. While 1000000% correct in regard to behaviors (except for cockatoos!! They are nuts and not right for most homes. I personally lament they were ever brought into the pet trade, especially the umbrellas and mollucans), you must bear species needs in mind, which can also dictate their suitability for your home.

And example Would the eclectus diet, Which needs to be - non-negotiably - a fresh vegetable/fruit/grain diet. Cannot feed them pellets. Many people would find it laborious and tedious to not simply throw pellets in a bowl and be done with it.

 

[wrench13]

Hi and welcome. Good on you for doing your homework.

Amazons - look outside the hot 3 and you will find parrots that have much of the personality of Amazons ( crazy clowns that can bond with multiple people) but don't suffer from the yearly serious homonal season of hte hot 3. All parrots get this, to varying degress, the hot 3 are called that for a reason.

Lillac fronted, Orange winged, Red specatacled (mexican ) Amazons are some. In particular Panama and yellow shouldered Amazons are the most desired parrot pets in thier native ranges, becasue they are so mild and friendly in temperment. We own a yellor shouldered amazon and he is a wonderful companion parrot, who sings and talks plently, is clown and is bonded to several of our family. BUT and this is true form almost any parrot - they can take a disliking to people almost instantly, and it takes a lot of work (giving treats, sitting and reading to the bird etc) for those peolpe to become close to the parrot. And sometimes that person is you, which can be highly disapointing to the actual purchaser but it does happen.
If you wnat to see what yellow shoulder amaons are like, please click the youtube linkbelow and you can see what thay are capable of. Both Panama and yeallow shoulder amazins are hard to find, but with searching can be found.

Good luck and I hope you find the parrot of your dreams and that you have a long and happy relationship with them. Having a parrot companion is like having a 3 year old human child that stays that way for their entire lives.

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

For nearly thirty years I have been "owned" by one of the "hot three" Amazons.
Amy is a Blue Fronted Amazon. He picked me to go home with when he was four months old. To have a bird "pick" you is an amazing thing! You are then miles head in the bonding/training scene!
Amy is MY fid..loves me to pieces! Wants to be with me,around me. Socialization is a BIG factor..getting your bird accustomed to other people,be it family or friend,even strangers. The more this is done,the less a parrot will be frightened of strangers and different surroundings,and makes for a well-rounded,socially excepted bird. Amy goes almost everywhere (weather permitting) with me. Stores,doctors office,town hall and LOVES talking to and meeting new faces,he gets very chatty and animated
BUT when he is "in THAT mood" i.e. hormone season,even I have to beware!
My ex-girl friend had her finger fractured because she didn't read/listen to the body language.

It sounds to me you are still a young person. You have YEARS to search. As mentioned,a rescue could workman older parrot. Like cats and doggo's,there are soooooo many birds out there just waiting for their forever person to come along and bring them home. Good for you on thinking/searching/asking questions before making a decision. Being owned by a parrot IS a life-long commitment.

Jim

 

[Kiwibird]

Another vote for amazons! They make overwhelmingly good lifelong companion parrots for someone who is willing to make that commitment. Yes, they need a healthy diet but they aren’t as diet sensitive as an eclectus. Yes, they are loud but tend not to be the worst kind of screamers. Yes, they can pluck and mutilate, but are usually pretty happy so long as they aren’t neglected and feel included in your family life. They tend to be more independent and typically will easily learn independent play/self entertainment skills for when you aren’t at home. Most amazons enjoy toys. They also love to be around you when you are home, but don’t necessarily need to be glued to your shoulder. Most are well suited to going out and about with you. They’re big, but not too big. Puberty and hormones CAN be managed in ALL amazon species. Males and females make equally good pets. Females tend not to have issues with laying infertile eggs. They live 60+ years.

I mean, really, if you like parrots and can accept the negatives that come with owning any parrots, amazons are a great choice. There are many colorful species to choose from, though I’m partial to the hot 3 myself. They have a somewhat unfair reputation. Id consider adoption again myself. I adopted my male blue front amazon almost 11 years ago. He’s just about the best bird anyone could ask for.

 

[ParrotGenie]

Cockatoo are not for everyone and usually don't recommend them to most people. They to me are one of the few species of birds that bond very closely to their owners and have the temperament of a human being and highly intelligent, as they figure out how to do stuff without having to even be train to. The issue is a Cockatoo is more of a companion, then as a pet as most other birds are as well, but Cockatoo demand attention and to be part of the family at pretty much all times more so then other parrots do.

If you have the experience and time they are well worth it, as had different parrots over the years and trained them pretty much all my life since young. My first Cockatoo named Baby pick me, as was originally was set on getting a African grey before I meet her. Then did a project at a store and meet her, she would not allow anyone else before at the store she was at to touch her as she was super aggressive and would bite hard anyone that came close and they tried leaving her out to get out of cage, treats, taking it slow movements and etc. Me on first day put my arm out taking the risk knowing fully likely would get bit and to my surprise she didn't and step up without hesitation and let me pet her. After that she would look for me every day when I was there as she had free roam at times on her stand and climb down to find me and look up and demanded I pick her up, if I didn't say hello to her in the morning she would scream till I did. At that point I decide to buy her from them. Now that bird goes everywhere with me on my shoulder as well as now her partner in crime my rescue male U2 Cooper and honestly best thing that could have happen. Yes they do get into trouble at times, it is part of their nature.

Yes Macaws are more laid back type of bird when compared to cockatoos. They do scare some people even vets as their size but are gentle giants. A cockatoo can bite harder then a Maccaw and quicker, they are more temperamental. A Maccaw will warn you at least and more forgiving. Your best bet is to go to a rescue, or a place where parrots are at and check out some birds for a few days here and their, then you can see behavior and overall loudness, you might go decide to go with a completely different bird, or a bird may pick you?

 

[saxguy64]

Thanks for the clarification Chris. I was perhaps a little oversimplified with that. Mostly the intention was just to help keep an open mind to to different species that might be a good fit that may not have been on the radar because of preconceived notions based on generalities. I did say, "less concerned" not unconcerned, just in hopes of not limiting the options. My girl Baxter IMO, would not at all be considered typical for a YNA. It's just how she reacted to me. It's about the individual's personality.

I agree with you absolutely. The specifics of each species needs is an important consideration, like Ekkie diet being lot to get your brain around. I admit, I was more than a little overwhelmed when I first met Patches, but I opted to learn as much as I could before I felt ready to bring him home. He was just perfect to me in all his featherless glory, and worth every bit of the research and preparation. That's when this forum became such an invaluable resource for me. (Yourself included, Chris!)

So, Future is starting research super early, which allows lots of time to learn about the specifics and idiosyncrasies of the potential parrot to be. Bravo for that! Also, hopefully time to gain some valuable experience caring for parrots in general, which can only help in the decision process.

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[Aspie_Aviphile]

Galah cockatoos have reputation for independence, they don't need you home all day.

 

[Aspie_Aviphile]

Also African Ringnecks meet your requirements come to think of it, and they have much easier temperaments for inexperienced people to deal with than my previous suggestion of galahs.

 

[GaleriaGila]

I commend you for your open-mindedness and constructive curiosity. You're getting such great advice.
I've never heard someone express a search quite like yours, and it was a real pleasure. You don't care about many of the things that prospective parrot owners want... you just want a bird to live a long time. I love that.
I'm glad you're here!