Newbie - future parrot owner

[Transylvania]

Hey guys! My name's Meredith, and I basically just joined so I could hang out on these forums and learn as much as I can about parrots before I get one of my own. I've found that forums are usually the most informative places to get information about keeping pets, so I'm excited to get started on a new one!

I'm currently in my final semester as an undergraduate biology major - hopefully soon-to-be future grad student! (I have an interview in a couple weeks, eek.) I've already learned a ton about birds from taking ornithology and other bio classes, and I've been helping one of my professors with some house sparrow behavioral/hormonal research.

My main area of expertise is reptiles and arachnids. I've had two zoo internships and I keep 8 reptiles, 6 tarantulas, and a colony of feeder roaches in my house. But once I graduate I'm going to want a pet that's more interactive and charismatic, and is also appropriate for a lonely grad student - my ornithology professor recommended either an Amazon or a conure. I'll keep looking into it, though, and I'll certainly be lurking around here for a long time while I make my decision and plan everything out. I'm excited to get to know everyone here and to learn from you all!

-Meredith

 

[weco]

I assume the trans sig is in deferring to count Vlad.....

Both species are definitely interactive, but for someone still hitting the books, a green cheek conure might be one for your short list.....they can be active, funny, comforting & you may luck out and find a talkative one.

On the other hand, 'zons can be much more demanding and more vocal about it, especially when you don't need them to be.....

 

[Transylvania]

Haha, actually my college is called Transylvania University. Big fan of Vlad though.
Thanks for the tip! It would be nice to have a bird that wouldn't freak out every time I left for class. Sort of independent, but still intelligent - if I can find that combo, I'll be good!

 

[MrSquak]

Maybe you should look into Alexandrines, I've had mine (first and only bird) for about a year now and he is really just a great little friend. They love to be in the middle of things when there is activity in the house, but he seems to be ok being at home while my girlfriend and I are at work. (She's a teacher so she's home maybe 4 days a week to spend with the bird but I work in finance so it's always long days for me!)

Tango can talk, loves to fly around the apartment (we're on 22nd floor so ALWAYS windows closed when he's out) and is really just a good friend.

the only drawback? he chews constantly. You can't leave him out for a second or he'll ruin your laptop keyboard.

I think of him as my Deficit Hawk, I can't have nice things because he'll chew them up so I save more money!

 

[aliray]

Hello and welcome to the forum

 

[SandyBee]

Welcome!!

Congrats on deciding you want a parrot, they truly are precious.
Amazons do have those traits and don't necessarily freak out when you leave.
All parrots have their traits in their species ans well as individual personalities. Do your research and meet a few till you find the right fit for you.
Parrots in general are outgoing, playful social creatures.