Hi there! And welcome. Lol. I’m a military brat as well, just grown a little. I grew up with Budgies, then graduated into a cockatiel, then lovebirds after I got married, and rescued a macaw. My exhusband got stationed to the east coast and lodging absolutely would not allow birds, so I gave them to friends that I knew would take care of them and actually had taken a liking to them before so they were all matched rather well.
With that being said, larger birds are MUCH harder to move around. What are your plans if your parents get stationed elsewhere?
As for the type of bird. My first budgie I have from 5 years to 14, was so sweet and went on walks with me around base everyday. He was great and I loved him so much. So I think a budgie is always great! BUT it sounds as if you’re looking for more personality or responsibility. Lovebirds are also great, keep only one and spend A LOT of time with him/her. They definitely have bird bird attitudes in little bodies. They’re fun to watch and interact with.
Cockatiels are fun, mine got loose one day. I saw where he went and went to retrieve him but the people refused to give him back and said he was theirs... I don’t know a lot of people with bright bands on their birds. But he was great too! He talked and whistled songs and had a wonderful personality. A cockatiel would be great for an experience into the learning abilities of parrots. Their personalities are so incredibly sweet... if socialized correctly. I’ve also came in contact with very very aggressive tiels that we’re supposed to be handfed/raised. So be sure you spend time with them before you choose.
NOW. For macaws. I had a great big blue and gold taken out of a bad situation. I wasn’t going to bring him home as my ex didn’t want one. BUT he was in a cage he could even turn around in, in the cold and his beak was so overgrown he couldn’t close it without hurting himself. I did pay a ridiculous amount for him. I couldn’t just leave him there. But he was hilarious! He was rarely ever in his cage, we bought him a HUGE king cage. He wore a flight suit around as a diaper but he never flew. He much preferred chasing my dog around the house. Lol. He was ALL personality. They CAN get loud. He rarely ever was unless he needed something but still, that should be a factor since you’re still in school and won’t be able to provide as much attention as I was able to give. He was funny but picked up a lot of bad words from video games and my ex. At night he’d be put into his cage (safety reasons) and he’d sit there, quietly at first and whisper “hello?” Then get a little louder and louder until he’s singing “heeelllllooooooo?!” Hahaha. He was so funny. My ex didn’t appreciate that as it was kind of scary in the pitch black of night.
Those are my stories. I’d suggest getting a small conure, IRN, or tiel. Easier to maneuver and gives you the perfect amount of responsibilities.
Good luck!!!
