Looking for a Parrot

[RiverClark]

Hello,
I am new to the forum and not sure if I am posting correctly.
I am a 15 year old boy and long story short I am in Foster care and for those who don't know, there is allot of financial aide that comes along with the care given already. When I turn 18 they will be sending me checks every so often so I can take care of myself (As long as I am in school) and I already have financial arrangements to suffice my needs to live. So i plan to get a Parrot with the money provided. Now i understand so far that a Parrot can range anywhere from 500$ to 1,000$+ depending on which kind. I also want to know which would be right for me. I would be living with a spouse of the same age (When I get there)
and plan to possibly have a dog as well. Would a Parrot react well if they were introduced to the home at the same time? I have lived with Dogs my whole life so that is not my worry, i know how it will react but it is the Parrot that worries me. I plan to have space big enough to give it a cage, but let it fly around for maybe an hour each day. I was looking to get a Blue and Yellow Maca (Not sure if thats how its spelled) but i have seen that they require quite a large area to live. So basically i just want to know what i would need to get started. Thank you in advanced for all advice. This is what my dream bird looks like >>

 

[BillsBirds]

Hello, River...Welcome to our flock. You have come to the right place. Before you get any bird, research, research, research! Read all about parrots & their needs. Also, go out & meet some. In pet stores, wherever. The more you know, the better you can decide which is right for you. BTW, your little emoticon is a Hyacinth Macaw. One of the biggest & most expensive parrot! You have good taste. lol Remember, parrots live a long time, and require specific things, so, your choice will be with you for a very long time, hopefully. So, read up on birds, ask questions, and go out and find some birds to get to know. I have spent my life with birds, I'm 60, and have had a wonderful time with them. Like I say in my signature, If God made anything better, He kept it for Himself.

 

[cdog]

Macaws are not good first birds, I would recommend something more like a green cheek conure or cockatiel. Or if you want a medium sized bird but more layed back how about a Senegal parrot. Macaws tend to be body and are big birds so if you have never had one don't choose it based on its looks, which I assume is what you are doing with a blue and gold macaw. You need to start smaller. Macaws can easily bite your finger off.

 

[roxynoodle]

I'd also recommend not getting a macaw, cockatoo or amazon as your first parrot. A cockatiel is probably the best first bird you could have. A conure or small poicephalus will teach you all about parrot behavior without the expense and potential very bad bites you might get with something larger. Read as much about bird behavior as you can before deciding if a parrot is right for you.

 

[lizardsmells]

Macaws are neat, but very intimidating and demanding and loud and destructive, so think carefully about that one and do a lot of reading and talking to other bird people. I'm not sure where you are, but see if there are any parrot rescues or bird shops near you. If you could volunteer (or even get a job if you're old enough in your state) you could get a LOT of bird experience so when you're ready to get one yourself you'll know exactly what you want and you'll have gotten to be around lots of different types of parrots, know how they behave, what kind of care they require and how to earn their trust.

And congratulations for being so well written at 15. Most teens I know couldn't spell a word properly to save their lives.

 

[cdog]

I'm 15 too and have been in the spelling bee 4 times.

 

[ann]

hello and welcome! im also 15 and i love birds of all kinds, its good to see you like dogs and parrots, so many 15 yr old's only think about video games . the hyacinth macaw is my dream bird too! but like the others i agree, not a good first time bird...however you could definitely work your way up there, i started with finches but when i get older i plan to get (in this order) a poicephalus of some kind, a quaker, an aratinga conure, an eclectus, a BG or a GW macaw, and finally the icing on the birdie bread...the hyacinth macaw. i think you should work your way up from smallest to largest, easiest to most experienced and and ask yourself what you want in a bird, something small and feisty-parrotlet, a quiet medium sized genius- African grey, a cuddly showoff- cockatoo. not all of these are first time birds but just suggestions for when you work your way up. input equals output and every bird is an individual and may not behave like other birds of the same species. I'm sure you will be a fantastic parrot owner someday! good luck

 

[lizardsmells]

I'm 15 too and have been in the spelling bee 4 times.

You guys are giving me hope for humanity

 

[Remy]

cdog - I live near you! I'm in Ventura! I just saw your location, haha. If you haven't found it already, check out the Conejo Valley Animal Hospital in Thousand Oaks. They are open 24/7 and they have vets that treat/specialize in birds! I found them when Puck got sick on a Sunday. They are reasonably priced too.

 

[cdog]

Bahama, that's so cool, thanks I will check it out.