I also have dogs and 1 cat . This is a group of people you can totally rely on ! 
Sorry-its a little long!
Hi! I'm new to this site (Well, obviously!) and also new to parrots. I enjoy drawing, wriring and bird watching. (Wild birds of course!)
I've had somewhat sparce experience with birds; my parents once had two budgies that I cared for, I've had finches, a duck and a canary, and I've babysitted a cockatiel and a green cheek conure. After reading Alex and Me and The Bird who Thought she was a Dog, I became interested in owning a congo or timneh grey. Fortunately, I did alot of research and found out that it is not the bird for me. (I think I qualify as a beginner. ) However, after 2 more years of just researching and obsessing over parrots, I think I have the knowledge I need to adopt a one.
I think my expectations are reasonable, but what do you think? I expect to have to pay a hefty price for a good size cage with appropriate bar spacing, and another hefty price for a healthy, hand fed baby. I expect to dedicate at least 2 to 3 hours of one on one time with my parrot each day. I'd like a friend, a bird that I can talk to and play with and teach. Cuddles are optional. I'll be cleaning newspapers, water and food cups, and cage bars, every day, even if I'm exhausted. I expect to get frusterated, and I expect to get over it. I know that there will be good days and bad days, bites and cuddles, terrifying and charming experiences. This is pretty much true for any kind of bird, isn't it?
I just have one problem. I don't know what species to get. I've easily come to accept the fact that I need a small to medium size bird, but I know I'm ready for something bigger than budgies! (No offense intended to budgies!) I'd like a bird that is relatively quiet, but I'm prepared for some screeching. So far I'm considering one of the Pyrhurra conures, a cockatiel, a pionus, or perhaps a senegal parrot. Can you share some of your experiences with these birds, please? I realize that they are each individuals but I'm thinking it would help me decide. Also, I think all of these parrots are beautiful, and in the end I honestly dont care what she looks like, but I am particularly fond of senegals, dusky pionus, and green cheeks, visually. Advice will be cherished as well! Thankyou!
Alright, thankyou! I appreciate your input!Sorry-its a little long!
Hi! I'm new to this site (Well, obviously!) and also new to parrots. I enjoy drawing, wriring and bird watching. (Wild birds of course!)
I've had somewhat sparce experience with birds; my parents once had two budgies that I cared for, I've had finches, a duck and a canary, and I've babysitted a cockatiel and a green cheek conure. After reading Alex and Me and The Bird who Thought she was a Dog, I became interested in owning a congo or timneh grey. Fortunately, I did alot of research and found out that it is not the bird for me. (I think I qualify as a beginner. ) However, after 2 more years of just researching and obsessing over parrots, I think I have the knowledge I need to adopt a one.
I think my expectations are reasonable, but what do you think? I expect to have to pay a hefty price for a good size cage with appropriate bar spacing, and another hefty price for a healthy, hand fed baby. I expect to dedicate at least 2 to 3 hours of one on one time with my parrot each day. I'd like a friend, a bird that I can talk to and play with and teach. Cuddles are optional. I'll be cleaning newspapers, water and food cups, and cage bars, every day, even if I'm exhausted. I expect to get frusterated, and I expect to get over it. I know that there will be good days and bad days, bites and cuddles, terrifying and charming experiences. This is pretty much true for any kind of bird, isn't it?
I just have one problem. I don't know what species to get. I've easily come to accept the fact that I need a small to medium size bird, but I know I'm ready for something bigger than budgies! (No offense intended to budgies!) I'd like a bird that is relatively quiet, but I'm prepared for some screeching. So far I'm considering one of the Pyrhurra conures, a cockatiel, a pionus, or perhaps a senegal parrot. Can you share some of your experiences with these birds, please? I realize that they are each individuals but I'm thinking it would help me decide. Also, I think all of these parrots are beautiful, and in the end I honestly dont care what she looks like, but I am particularly fond of senegals, dusky pionus, and green cheeks, visually. Advice will be cherished as well! Thankyou!
I honestly think the perfect bird for most people is a cockatiel. They are sociable, aren't as complex as other parrots personality wise, and are affordable. And it will be good for teaching you how to interact with a bird. They are usually pretty cuddly, too, and can ride around on your shoulder without getting bossy or tearing your face apart. They do love to interact with their human flock, and generally like most people. Do you have a family or plan to have one in the future? Because some species want to bond with one person and terrorize everyone else. You probably won't have that with a 'tiel.
The others you mentioned can be more complex and more difficult to train. So I would say it depends on your patience and willingness to learn a lot about them. And you can always start with a 'tiel, and add a second bird later. I have/had 2 conures. One was the easiest, sweetest little girl that could have been a good first bird for a lot of people. The other, who is still with me may as well have been an amazon in a little body! Actually I'd say my zon is easier going and nowhere near as bossy as she is, lol!
