Passed up my "dream bird"

[SilverSage]

I have wanted an Amazon for a long time. I have been waiting for the right one. I was waiting for an older bird without serious issues, most likely one who had outlived his owner. Well, there was a YNA fitting just that description this week. From the pictures you can tell this bird is used to being a part of the family, and interacting well with people. I didn't enquire to find out any more about the bird, because I know deep down in my heart that my nest does not have room for an Amazon right now. I was thinking about my little guys, and realized that I think my life has changed, and my "dream bird" is not longer a large parrot - it is a Green Cheeked Conure. I love them to pieces and literally cannot imagine any other species being a better fit for my family. I love my IRNs and will always adore cockatiels and budgies, and the PIonus' have a special place, but is no longer think there is a place in my heart waiting for a large parrot. I guess I never will outgrow my "beginner birds"!

 

[RavensGryf]

I'm the exact same way Dani!!

Funny you should mention it, I was thinking about it recently. I have had 2 "large" birds in the past, so I can see what the appeal is for many newbie-intermediate owners...

20+ years of bird owning experience, and I can definitely say that I LOVE the little ones best!

Smaller birds just have a "certain kind of cuteness" that larger ones don't have (larger birds are cute also but in a different way).

I actually see Raven the Bronze Winged Pionus as a medium. At about the 200-250 grams is about the largest that "appeals" to me these days. Dusky Pi is my dream bird, and Cape parrot would be a larger medium exception but I'm not looking for any more birds for the long forseeable future.

Yay SMALL BIRDS!!
There's nothing wrong with not wanting to go bigger and bigger!

 

[SilverSage]

I consider my Pionus to be medium, and they are more than big enough for me

 

[faeryphoebe1]

Green Cheeks are SO much parrot in a tiny body, lol!

 

[michellebaughman]

I love my little quaker and my o.w.a they both have their on distinctive personalities, and both have adorable faces.

 

[LeaKP]

I have to agree, green cheeks have stolen my heart!

 

[SilverSage]

Michelle, I have had Quakers in the past (sadly, I was still living at home and my mother evicted them) and they are such spunky little guys!

 

[michellebaughman]

Yes, Binky is certainly spunky,lol..he's loud but its adorable! But sometimes when he gets too wound up it isnt quite as cute I put him in the back bedroom for a liitle while,the change of scenery usually calms him for awhile. He's very very sweet.and smart!

 

[4dugnlee]

My little Cisco is such an easy little guy to handle and care for. But he came to me tame and without "damage" from previous owners, unlike Sassy and Peanut. That is great that you figured out that your dream has changed! Kudos to you!

 

[MikeyTN]

Although I have large parrots, but it's not the same without the smaller ones like my Cockatiels. Cockatiel was the first bird I got when I moved out on my own as my family did not want birds. So no you don't outgrow having them around, causing nothing is the same.

 

[witchbaby]

Green cheeks have my heart too.

 

[Colorguarder08]

I haven't yet passed up my dream bird which is a dusky pionus. However I am fully aware it will be a while before I get one. I also know it will not be the next bird I get and maybe not even the next one after that. I do have 3 top contenders for my next bird but it will be no less than 2 years before I start looking for one of them so I am currently researching on Jendays, Quakers and Caquies preferably black capped ones I don't know why they are so much more appealing than the white bellieds to be. I think that by passing up on it you and putting your resident birds needs first was a very admirable thing to do rather than just thinking about what you want.

 

[RavensGryf]

I remember there was 'someone' else who wanted a Dusky Pionus. Must've been you

We're done for now though. Although the Dusky is my "dream bird", if it came down to reality, I'd honestly have to put some thought into whether or not another Pionus is the way to go.

 

[Colorguarder08]

Yep it's me. I know I want a male and have a name picked out already. I know right now it would be a BAD idea to get another bird of anykind because I really can't afford it until I get the all clear from my doctor to go back to work. I made sure with my last two checks to stock up on food for my current pets but if a dusky pionus became available right this second I would have to pass on it. As hard as that would be I know I can not afford another pet right now.

 

[SilverSage]

Good on you for knowing that far too many people can't see that, especially with an uncommon bird like a dusky pionus.

 

[RavensGryf]

I prefer males birds these days simply because the egg/reproductive misfortunes that can happen just make me shy away from the females.

I've noticed from the 3 females I've had, plus hearing about others' birds, that female birds of many species have a gentler, milder, more laid back "nicer" overall pet temperament. That IS something that I miss about females.

Pionus is one of the species where males after sexual maturity can be a little more of a challenge in the same way as an Amazon male (vs female).

 

[Colorguarder08]

I think it really just depends on the bird as I was told that Riley was a female based on the bars on her tail however I'm noticing fewer and fewer bars are her new feathers making me think that Riley is actually a male but either way all Riley wants is cuddles and to be with me. I'd honestly be rather Riley be a male because of the egg laying and binding issues that come with a female.

 

[Birdman666]

I've said it for years. The real "dream birds" are the ones that become super bonded to you.

My first "one of those" was a conure.
My next two were amazons.
My next two were macaws.

I loved all of them.

I hate the term, and the concept of "beginner bird." They are just as much living things, and just and loving, and just as playful as their larger cousins.

I've seen too many of the little ones who get discarded when the new big bird comes in... (Only to have the big one ultimately end up getting discarded when "it" acts up, and "it" bites.)

Perceived status is the stupidest reason in the world to get a bird... they're too much work, and they fall too hard when they bond.

You get them because you love them, and you want them around for a significant portion of your life.

 

[RavensGryf]

I think it really just depends on the bird as I was told that Riley was a female based on the bars on her tail however I'm noticing fewer and fewer bars are her new feathers making me think that Riley is actually a male but either way all Riley wants is cuddles and to be with me. I'd honestly be rather Riley be a male because of the egg laying and binding issues that come with a female.

I meant 'in general' although for me I'd have to consider what qualities I'd really want in a bird, as Pionus are closely related to Amazons and males like male zons do have the "rep" as they even have a name for the "Pionus Strut" which they do when hormonal like zons. Riley is a baby yet, but hopefully will stay cuddly no matter what How come Riley is getting new feathers now? Do Cockatiels start molting this young? She's a whiteface right? That's my favorite tiel color IMO the males are especially striking in this mutation.

 

[Phlox]

I have to still admit to having urges for my 'dream bird' which is an African Grey...but honestly the bird would have to literally fall into my lap, especially since I know there's another Amazon in my future (though hopefully not for a long time).

For me it's weird though. I spent lots of years fretting about graduating to a bigger bird. I am sure Iris will be a pistol in Spring...but most birds are. My GCC and MBC are far bigger stinkers than she is. I think it's maybe a bad thing, because she's just easy. Instead of holding her back, I'm forever trying to encourage her to be more sassy/playful/curious since she's quite the perch potato.