Newbie here looking for info and buddies!

[Kisota]

Hi, everyone! (Fair warning, I tend to write walls of text; I'll try to be as brief as possible). EDIT: Holy crap not brief. Sorry everyone. TL;DR at bottom and I've underlined the most crucial stuff if you just want to skim!

I joined this forum looking for information as well as a supportive and enjoyable community. I've visited a lot of bird forums lately. Some I found seriously hostile to newcomers or people who'd made mistakes. And some, like Tailfeathers, which I used to frequent, just don't have the same quality of information.

I thought this seemed like an active, friendly community with mature posts and good information. So basically... wow, guys I'm impressed and excited to be here!

I'm a grad student studying ecology. Complete wildlife nerd, and I've always loved birds.

Here's my birdie backstory:
I did a hefty amount of research for months and eventually got my first (and as of yet) only bird when I was about 15. Her name was Tsuki and she was a beautiful and absurd cockatiel, just the dorkiest and silliest and best bird.

Unfortunately, she had the most severe egg laying problems I've ever heard of. I'm talking 25 eggs laid and still going here. Almost constant laying, no matter the season, no matter the cage rearrangements, no matter the photoperiod or food or whatever else we tried to do. Even the hormone injections we started were only barely curbing the behavior. Those cost $100/month and given that Tsuki had probably over 15 years of life left... it was quite an expense, even for someone with emergency funds.

I even looked into driving her across several states to get her to a clinic that did spays on birds. After some back and forth with the doctors there, they eventually declined to, saying that it was a surgery that about half the tiels didn't survive even when they were healthy and robust (Tsuki was always a dainty thing and her body had been so strained by this).

Miraculously, she never became egg bound. But the strain eventually made her prolapse. I don't want to get too graphic, but seeing your pet like that is downright traumatizing. My vet was amazing and saved her life the first time it happened. After that we went into hyperdrive trying to get her to stop, but a couple years later, despite my best efforts, it happened again much worse and after a 1.5 hour drive to an emergency vet and having her organs put back in their proper spot, she died.

Sorry for the sob story!! I hate to open with a sad story. Ultimately, my point is that she was a fantastic pet and my best buddy. I miss her lots and still dream about her.

I graduated college and have moved into an apartment. I'll probably only be in this particular apartment for a couple years before I go somewhere else for more school. But... I have been interested in looking into having a little buddy again.

Soooo another fair warning - I am an obsessive seeker of information and a little bit of a worrier and perfectionist. Prepare to be bombarded by questions!! I hope you guys will help me to be the best bird owner I can. I love parrots so dearly and want nothing more to return the love and happiness I got from mine. After having Tsuki, I know I would really like to do it all again, despite the pain and hardships.

So my current status!:
-Birdless! (sadly!)
-Considering having a bird again. I live with my boyfriend and it's something we're discussing. We're in a pretty darn long-term relationship with engagement likely on the horizon, so I won't bring a bird into the equation unless I'm pretty confident it will be a good move for us. He met Tsuki and seems to be warming up to the idea, but we have lots to consider first.

- I'm also currently kind of debating what kind of bird is best for us. I seem to find active, bold, playful, and cuddly parrots attractive. Cockatiels are also charming to me (I ADORE their voices), but I kind of want to try something a little more hands-on and interactive. Tsuki was pretty unique. But I also want to avoid dust... and female birds. After seeing what I saw with her, it's difficult for me to want to take even the slightest risk of having another bird with egg-laying issues. So I'm really after a male of whatever species I choose.

So far, the leader in my choices is green cheek conures. I've found them attractive since the first time I really noticed one in a store back when I had Tsuki. Even when I had her, I fantasized about getting a green cheek. Cuddly, rolly, excitable little green cheeks. I really enjoy how some of them roll on their backs, and I love all the hands-on attention they seem to crave.

But I've been trying to do my research. Obviously noise is an issue in an apartment. So the louder parrots are out for now.

I worry a little bit about my experience with training and whether I can handle the feisty species I so enjoy. I have big plans for socialization and training for whatever bird I get. But the reality is that I'm a grad student and both of us work full time. I expect 4-5 hours of attention a day for whatever bird I have, but I know some people who are able to work from home or don't work or whatever think you shouldn't have a bird if you work out of the home full time.

Since I'll feel guilty forever if I get a bird that isn't content with the level of activity and attention it's getting... I have to be careful.

I've been kind of weighing the green cheeks against caiques, but the impression I get is that most of the problems green cheeks have are amplified in caiques. Noise, biting, stubbornness. I'm already going through the forums, but any feedback I can get on what green cheeks and either type of caique is like would be really helpful.

I plan on doing clicker and target training for sure and really want to harness train as well and get my bird out meeting people. The tiels were always shy around new folks and frequently phobic of new places and objects. Tsuki was better but still a little frighty.

I really want a bird I can introduce to people, even though we almost never have company. I don't want a pet that will be aggressive to my friends. I know most of that will rely on training, but looking into species' tendencies and their abilities to be trained out of problem behaviors is important to me.

Ultimately, a relatively quiet bird that will be cheerful even with two owners who are gone 8 hours a day, want to be cuddled and petted lots (by at least me and my boyfriend, if no one else!), and be trainable, outgoing, and not fearful is what I think will suit us best. I don't worry too much about high energy levels, because I like the rough play, I'm only planning on having one bird for now, and a bird that plays rough with toys may be easier to keep busy with toys and foraging when I'm away.

The other problem I'm dealing with is just constant concern that I wouldn't be a good enough owner for whatever reason. I just don't want to feel like I've failed myself or my pet, y'know?

So, I want to make some friends here, get some information and support and feel comfortable discussing issues and concerns at length with other people. I love parrots and would love one, but need help getting past the fear that I wouldn't be an adequate trainer.

Sorry for the long intro! Feel free to ask my questions about myself or about my situation or the birds I'm interested in. I'm interested in any and all advice you guys can give, and of course, I'm always open to other suggestions about potential birds! I've also looked at Meyer's parrots and Senegals. They seem very sweet and endearing. The breeder in town does sell Meyer's but I don't know how often.

Lots to consider here! I hope you all can help me weigh my many options! So again, hi everyone!

TL;DR: Previous cockatiel owner seeks advice on green cheek conures, caiques, and pois as well as bird-owning friends to bounce thoughts, concerns, and ideas off.

 

[thekarens]

I think the green cheek is a good choice. They are relatively inexpensive, quiet for a conure and big bird attitude in a small package.

If you were interested in other birds you could also consider the poicephalus family.

 

[Terry57]

Hello and welcome! I am so sorry about what happened to Tsuki. It certainly sounds like you did all you could for her, and what happened in no way reflects on the kind of parront you were to her.
You have definitely come to the right place for info as there are so many members here with vast stores of knowledge. They have been an incredible help to me since I joined.
I have a crimson bellied conure who is a fantastic little guy. He has all the qualities you mentioned. They are a lot like green cheeks. Phoenix is not that loud even when he screams, and at this point he doesn't scream all that often. He is only 8 months old so we will have to see what happens after puberty.
Anyway, we are happy to have you here!
Best of luck in making your decision.

 

[sonja]

You sound like an ideal person to volunteer at a bird rescue!
Welcome to the forum.

 

[Kisota]

Hello and welcome! I am so sorry about what happened to Tsuki. It certainly sounds like you did all you could for her, and what happened in no way reflects on the kind of parront you were to her.

Thank you so much for saying that. I've lost pets before, but it was always from disease related to old age. Losing one so suddenly like that at a young age was far harder. I had a lot of nightmares after she died, where she'd be alive and I'd be trying to figure out what else I could do for her. I still struggle with the "what ifs" sometimes, but knowing she was a happy little dork up until the day she died helps. And of course, it is her sweetness and silliness that has made me want so badly to try to give that sort of happy life to another parrot. <3 I've attached a couple small pictures of her for anyone who wants to see my old buddy.

Thanks for the fast welcomes, everybody!! I'm glad I went ahead and joined. I've been using my Google-fu and lots of research for some time now, but it's nice to have the ability to ask questions specific to my circumstances.

I'm leaning toward the green cheeks right now, since I've been interested in them for so long and they are smaller and seem to embody most of what I'm looking for. But the Meyers and caiques are extremely tempting in their own ways. Decisions, decisions!

 

[Agapornis]

So sorry about what you went thru with Tsuki! I wouldnt wish that on my worst enemy. I think you are doing the right thing by getting another bird. I was worried about all the things you're worrying about, working full-time, noise, etc. I've been a bird mom for just over a year, and I can honestly say it's been the best experience of my life! It's worked out SO WELL, green cheek conures are the perfect birds for me. Initially, hubby didn't want ANY birds, but that didn't stop me from getting them. And now, he loves them as much as I do! They really do grow on you. Now I can't imagine living without a bird in my life.

Good luck with your search! I can tell you will be a great birdy mom. Please keep us updated, and dont forget to post lots of pics when you finally get your new baby!

 

[BirdyMomma]

Hi.
I have a Yellow Collared Macaw, who is the cuddliest bird in the world. She is so smart, funny and affectionate. She is also not very noisy. I don't know if that is due to the fact that we spend a lot of time with her, or if clicker training has given her other things to concentrate on, or if we are just lucky. She was noisy at first, for like a week, but once she settled in, she was fine. She doesn't yell, even if she has to spend time in her cage.

I don't know where you will be getting your bird, but you should play it by ear. We got Loki, because she chose me. I knew NOTHING about the breed. I was in the store shopping for toys ( but I never turn down an opportunity to grope birds!! ) so while in the bird room, talking to all of the birds, she stepped up for me, and stayed cuddled on my chest the entire time. We have been in love ever since.

I think, that if you take an organic approach such as this, you will be happy, and the bird will be happy, and through training, and attention, your bird will adapt to what you expect of him. ( Within reason of course ).

Good luck, and you are definitely in the right place now. There are so many knowledgeable and experienced bird owners here. I have received SO much help and encouragement here, and I am so thankful.

 

[Terry57]

Hello and welcome! I am so sorry about what happened to Tsuki. It certainly sounds like you did all you could for her, and what happened in no way reflects on the kind of parront you were to her.

Thank you so much for saying that. I've lost pets before, but it was always from disease related to old age. Losing one so suddenly like that at a young age was far harder. I had a lot of nightmares after she died, where she'd be alive and I'd be trying to figure out what else I could do for her. I still struggle with the "what ifs" sometimes, but knowing she was a happy little dork up until the day she died helps. And of course, it is her sweetness and silliness that has made me want so badly to try to give that sort of happy life to another parrot. <3 I've attached a couple small pictures of her for anyone who wants to see my old buddy.

Thank you so much for sharing pictures of Tsuki...she was quite beautiful
And no thanks necessary, I just spoke the truth. Tsuki was lucky to have such a caring Mom. I am looking forward to seeing your new baby after you have made your decision!

 

[Kisota]

Goodness, guys, this is almost overwhelming! I love it here already. Thanks for the replies and insights, really!

So sorry about what you went thru with Tsuki! I wouldnt wish that on my worst enemy. I think you are doing the right thing by getting another bird. I was worried about all the things you're worrying about, working full-time, noise, etc. I've been a bird mom for just over a year, and I can honestly say it's been the best experience of my life! It's worked out SO WELL, green cheek conures are the perfect birds for me. Initially, hubby didn't want ANY birds, but that didn't stop me from getting them. And now, he loves them as much as I do! They really do grow on you. Now I can't imagine living without a bird in my life.

Good luck with your search! I can tell you will be a great birdy mom. Please keep us updated, and dont forget to post lots of pics when you finally get your new baby!

Ah, it's always great to hear from somebody who loves the lil' greencheeks. I find them so adorable in both their behavior and looks (those eyerings! UGH, too cute to handle).

I've heard them called "bitey and erratic" or just plain aggressive, so I started to be afraid I've been looking at them with gold-tinted glasses. What if I just got all goo-goo over the sickening cuteness and brought home a twitchy, wild hellion to peck my boyfriend's eyes out and dump on everything he loves?

But it seems like plenty of people like them a lot. Relieving for sure!!

I don't know where you will be getting your bird, but you should play it by ear. We got Loki, because she chose me. I knew NOTHING about the breed.

There is a breeder in town that I like a lot so far. They have a retail store filled with wonderful bird things, anything you could ever want. Their own pets hang out there and they have an outdoor aviary you can walk around in the summer and interact with birds enjoying the outdoors! The store is clean and they do services like boarding and nail trims.

The only really weird thing they do is sell unweaned babies, and very intentionally (charging more for fully weaned). That raised some major red flags for me because it seems so irresponsible. But they do some amount of training to new owners first and otherwise seem just... great. I still feel a little weird about the unweaned babies thing in general. But I have had experience handfeeding many animals, including some birds, although the method was a little different as they were wild birds (I used to work for a vet). I'm confident enough that I personally can handle handfeeding, though I don't know for sure if I even want to, and I worry about all the people they may sell to who AREN'T going to be careful enough.

But anyway, I think your advice is very sound. I want to go back there when the actual owners of the store are there and talk to them about my thoughts and interests. I'm hoping they'd be eager to let me handle some different types of birds and discuss with them the benefits and drawbacks of each. You never know what will happen, but certainly, the hands-on experience will do a lot to quell my fears about what to expect.

 

[MomtoPercy]

Welcome! Your Tsuki was beautiful! It is clear you did every thing you could for her and I'm sure a next birdy will receive the same love and care, no matter what you choose or what chooses you!

 

[BenBird]

Being able to cuddle a bird usually depends on the bird. But with enough training progress will be made. If you get a younger bird be ready for that teenage stage!! When they reach sexual maturity they can be a handful.

 

[Blueridge]

Welcome to the forum Kisota! So sorry about Tsuki..

I have only heard good things about Green Cheek Conures, though I have never owned one so I can't really give any advice on them; sorry. And I know that you would be a GREEAT owner!

GOOD LUCK!

 

[hacatta]

Welcome,as the owner of 4 green cheeks i can proudly say they are amazing.
But a handful when they want to be.

 

[SoCalWendy]

Myers and Senegal's are both from the poi family, which you probably already know. I've owned both and currently own a Sennie. If I had to choose between them, I'd choose the Sennie. But I do miss my Myers. And had I known then what I know now, I wish I would have kept her. But she wasn't bonded with anyone, even though I raised her from a baby. She was rehomed with excellent results. In my opinion, comparing the two, Senegal's are more personable birds. Both are relatively quiet, compared to other species. I am bias when it comes to the Senegal's.

Ps... I meant to mention how sorry I was to hear about your beloved cockatiel. I completely understand how it feels to lose a beloved bird. I had a red factored canary named skittle, who I found dead on the bottom of his cage one day. I was completely devastated and cried for a long time. But the happy ending to such a horrible experience is I didn't give up on owning another bird. Rio, and Kiwi have brought joy back in to my life after losing skittle. I have fibromyalgia and owning birds has allowed me to reduce my stress and anxiety that I feel, just by caring for them, interacting with them, and watching them do their thing.

 

[Agapornis]

Kisota, I know what you mean about those eye rings! That's what drew me to them initially! I too was worried about the biting, as I had NEVER had a bird before. But you really do get used to it, it's not that bad!

Speaking of eye rings, here is a funny pic of Fiji looking out of her carrier on the way to the vet the other day...it reminds me of a scene from Jurassic Park, when the t-rex is looking thru the car window, lol.

Oh, and btw, your little tiel was beautiful! I recently read a book called, "There are no sad dogs in heaven," by Sonya Fitzpatrick. It was about dealing with the loss of a pet, not just dogs, but any animal. I got it for my mom, and I read it before I gave it to her. I think everyone who loses a pet should read it, no matter what kind of pet it is.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

I too am so sorry to hear about what happened.

I have a nearly 19 y/o cockatiel who had incessant egg-laying problems last year. And the smell from the droppings - my God I never knew it could smell that bad!

I contacted the vet - she recommended an herbal supplement (I wish I could remember the name) but I ended up not needing it cause the egg-laying finally stopped.

If you are looking for an inexpensive yet interactive pet I suggest going with a conure. I've also heard Caiques are quite wonderful too.

I love my Peaches, my cockatiel but she is very laid back and docile. So I got Skittles back in 2011 cause I wanted a more interactive bird.

I've heard Green Cheek conures are much quieter than sun conures - though I have to say, personally, I think sun conures have gotten a bad rap.

Skittles is loud, but he's also VERY quiet. IMO, most noise issues result from their needs not being met. Of course I'm only basing this on my own experiences - but I've found with a number of birds I've owned this is the case.

What I would suggest is doing research on the types of parrots you are interested in. Be thorough in your research. Speak to the vet about the species you're looking into and talk with other owners of that species to get a general idea of what they are like. Of course just cause one person has a bird that does or doesn't do a particular thing doesn't mean yours will or won't.

 

[Anansi]

Welcome to the forum, Kisota! Can't you just feel the love right now?

My condolences on the loss of your cockatiel. She was a beautiful bird, and it's clear that you loved her deeply. Thank you for sharing that experience with us.

I've heard lots of good things about conures, and I think one day I might decide to get one too. (Though I was leaning more toward a sun conure.) But as you're still deciding, let me ask: are you only considering birds in that size range? Because if not, you might want to throw an eclectus parrot into the ring as a possibility as well. I have a 5 month old eclectus named Bixby, and I, my wife,and my two boys have fallen head over heels for him. Just a thought.

Best of luck in your choice, and after reading your post I have no doubt that whatever bird you choose will count itself lucky to have you as a parront.

 

[Kisota]

Thanks again, everyone! I am DEFINITELY feelin' the love! <3
I appreciate the thoughts about Tsuki. She really was something else.

In my opinion, comparing the two, Senegal's are more personable birds.

Ooh, thank you for this assessment. I realized just now I had it backwards - I had thought the breeder I'm looking at only had Meyer's and Jardines. But they actually only have Senegals and Jardines. Good to know! I've heard Sennies can be kind of challenging though. What is it like in general having yours?

Kisota, I know what you mean about those eye rings! That's what drew me to them initially! I too was worried about the biting, as I had NEVER had a bird before. But you really do get used to it, it's not that bad!

Speaking of eye rings, here is a funny pic of Fiji looking out of her carrier on the way to the vet the other day...it reminds me of a scene from Jurassic Park, when the t-rex is looking thru the car window, lol.

Yep, those ridiculously adorable eyes and faces are what made me go "WHAT ON EARTH IS THIS ABSURDLY CUTE THING" the first time I really saw one. They look like they're designed to be sickeningly cute. They are very attractive little birds! I don't really like the pale color mutations as much, but yellow-sideds and turquoise are crazy pretty.

And oh gosh, that picture is TOO cute. I love the little toes poking through!

And it's good to know the biting is tolerable. I remembered today that my mom's English budgie used to bite pieces out of my hands, so I guess I actually have dealt with worse biting than I'd originally thought. It's not fun though!

These guys are still at the top of my list but there's still much to be considered!

What I would suggest is doing research on the types of parrots you are interested in. Be thorough in your research.

Yup! That's what I've been working online. I need to talk to more experienced people in person, too. I'm hoping the next time I visit the breeder I can have them compare some types of birdies with me, maybe let me hold some.

But as you're still deciding, let me ask: are you only considering birds in that size range? Because if not, you might want to throw an eclectus parrot into the ring as a possibility as well.

I have only been looking in the kind of smallish-medium size range because our apartment is so small and I don't have a ton of money. I feel confident that I have enough to maintain a bird and cover vet bills and potential emergencies, but the massive upfront costs are a struggle when I'm considering a smaller bird. It might be doable, though, and particularly considering it's such a long-term investment, I'd rather throw all the money I can at getting the right bird than just go with what's easiest in the short-term. Boyfriend already voiced a concern about space. It is a mostly unfounded concern as we have room for a cage and could probably work a nice play gym in somewhere, but it definitely isn't a big apartment. I imagine the next one we move into will be larger, though.

I haven't really looked much into Ekkies! I don't know much about them at all, other than it's really awesome how sexually dimorphic they can be. I'm certainly not opposed to a larger bird if its personality fits our situation better and noise/other behavioral problems wouldn't be any more likely than with a smaller bird. I also don't know how my boyfriend would feel about a big bird with a big beak!
But I've heard little about Ekkies so I don't really even know what is good and bad about them! The breeder nearby has two species of them, though. I will definitely have to look into them as well. I'd love to hear what anyone has to say about any of the birds mentioned here!

 

[SoCalWendy]

"Ooh, thank you for this assessment. I realized just now I had it backwards - I had thought the breeder I'm looking at only had Meyer's and Jardines. But they actually only have Senegals and Jardines. Good to know! I've heard Sennies can be kind of challenging though. What is it like in general having yours?"

The real only challenge I have had to contend with is Rio can be stubborn. Especially when she is hunkerd down on her orb. Trying to remove is is like trying to remove wallpaper. But she doesn't bite and I usually get MY way. Heehee. She can be wary of people, but we are working on that. She will be a year next month, so as she matures she challenges me, but like I said I usually get MY way. If she is in a bad mood that day, I leave her be for awhile until she snaps out of it. Otherwise she is really good learning to talk, and she goes on command. Not that she holds it, wish she would sometimes but if I am not sure, I just tell her to go and if she has to she will.

 

[Kisota]

Ahhh, yeah, stubbornness is something I seem to be reading about for a lot of parrots! Tsuki was relatively compliant, but she had her moments.

I'm having a lot of fun reading about all these different species of parrots, but I'm so overwhelmed by all the info... hopefully a bit of real-life experience with some of them will help a bit. Once we've decided for sure that we're actually GETTING a bird, I'll probably send the breeder a message about my thoughts and see what they think about meeting up to look over the options.

It's hard to pace myself! I get very engrossed in whatever's on my mind, so at the moment it's all birds all the time and I'm having loads of bird dreams, haha. Let's hope they become a pleasant reality eventually!