Picking our next bird.

[snowflake311]

I have been around birds all my life. My parents had bird since before I was born. SO I am no stranger to feathered friends. It has been 5 years since I had a bird in my life. Thats the longest I have ever gone with out one. We now got 2 unwanted Budgies the guy was just sick of them they are a bounded pair and so cute and fun.

Now I am ready for another bird one what wants to be with us. Our parakeets have each other and don't need us. I have a 7 year old daughter that loves birds. She wants a Green cheek. I like them too and would not mind one. I think a cockatiel might be best for us right now since they are mellow and easy.

I was thinking parrolet or love bird too. I LOVE sun conures but they can be too loud with that scream. Every sunny I have met has just been the best maybe someday. I love them.

I don't mind bird sounds. It does not bother me at all. BUT I am married so I have to consider his feelings. My daughter is great with birds so far does not even mind the nips. She is way stronger and brave around birds than I was at the age of 7. I was a wimp. My last bird was a Senegal kiwi. She was not an easy bird but I could read her and knew her very well. So I could manage her well. I have time everyday to spend with a bird. I do work and have a dog and kid. But I figure the bird can be out and help us with homework. So I can make time for a bird but i can't see my self having a very needy bird at this point in my life.

What next bird to get. Must be ok with kids, not too loud, fun, and like some cuddle time.

I know ever bird has it's own personality but for the most part what birds do you like best and why our of my list. If you have one of the birds in my poll please tell me the good and bad things about them. Thanks.

 

[SailBoat]

If there has been one, there has been at least ten Threads requesting that 'Others' select a parrot in as many months. This parrot will be a member of your family and to me, that means visiting a Breeder and/or Pet Shop, and honestly letting a parrot pick you and your family.

I'm an Amazon Snob! And, that would be my choice. I'll bet that an Amazon was not even on your list! That's just fine, no problems, but it gets to my point that your family, your parrot.

In reading your Thread, it appears that the list is already much small than you are saying. I counted three with a heavy leaning to even less. So, off to the Breeder or Pet Store, remember to take hubby, and let it be a family choice. The parrot that wants to be with your family would receive the highest number of points.

 

[ZephyrFly]

I think you should go with your choice. I'm bias for green cheeks but I really think you're probably better getting a cockatiel at the moment. GGC's are wonderful and fun but they are very demanding which I think while you have a young daughter might be much if the bird turns into a handful. A green cheek will want to be with you guys a lot and demanding of attention, less so than a cockatiel which are typically much for independent. A well brought up, hand fed cockatiel is probably your best bet if you want a bird now, it'll be prepared for the human interaction and maybe even want it without the clinginess you typically get with conures.

I love my green cheek but I don't have a small human spawn to think and worry about.

 

[ZephyrFly]

Oh, and also consider with her age and school, who is this for? I'd say 7 is a bit young to be sole carer so if you are going to be invested in a new bird than your choice is also very important. I say that as a green cheek is your daughter's idea but a cockatiel is yours.

Green cheeks are known to be nippy too, mostly stems from using their beak to climb but it does hurt and it's a matter of when not if it happens.

 

[snowflake311]

Oh, and also consider with her age and school, who is this for? I'd say 7 is a bit young to be sole carer so if you are going to be invested in a new bird than your choice is also very important. I say that as a green cheek is your daughter's idea but a cockatiel is yours.

Green cheeks are known to be nippy too, mostly stems from using their beak to climb but it does hurt and it's a matter of when not if it happens.

Yeah Thats what I was thinking the green cheek might need more attention than a Tiel But my Tiel was very needy more so then my aunts Green cheek. SO it does come down to the birds personality. If it was not for the loud screams I would SO get a sun conure. I just love them always have.

The bird is mainly for me but I want it to be friendly and enjoy being around my daughter as well. She will be helping me with the bird but yes I will be doing all the real work. My daughter and I can both handle nippy. BITING / breaking skin is not cool.

 

[chris-md]

I bet you haven't considered eclectus either. They tend to be quieter, and more easily handled by multiple people (many birds may have a tendency to prefer being handled by a single person. Training can overcome some of this but some birds have a stronger predilection towards this than other). Their idea of cuddles , though, is simply relaxing on your shoulder. I've heard a number of people describe heir ekkie as a perch potato and my Parker is no exception.

Very laid back.

 

[snowflake311]

I bet you haven't considered eclectus either. They tend to be quieter, and more easily handled by multiple people (many birds may have a tendency to prefer being handled by a single person. Training can overcome some of this but some birds have a stronger predilection towards this than other). Their idea of cuddles , though, is simply relaxing on your shoulder. I've heard a number of people describe heir ekkie as a perch potato and my Parker is no exception.

Very laid back.

I did think about the Eclectus parrot. The size is a little larger than I would want now. I also read they can be LOUD. But I have never met any in person so I don't know. Thats why I posted this to see what birds people like and why.

 

[wrench13]

LOL, seems we all are prejudiced by the birds we have or had. I'm no exception. One of the smaller amazons, like Salty, around 300 grams or so, would be my vote. They self entertain, are smart, can be multiple person birds with a lot of socialization, like to be scratched when they want it. Not really loud all the time. Can be trained to do just about anything. Do well with out a crazy diet. Most talk a bit, or more. Downsides.. if they bite they will really bite. And any one of the good points above can go south with all that implies.

Best case is , like most will tellyou, let the birdie pick you an your family , within the parameters you set. Won't help if a macaw or cockatoo picks you. Good luck and keep us updated, we love these kind of stories.

 

[TexasWade]

Another tiel vote here. Because that's what I have of course! But he's a wonderful little guy too. Very cuddly and curious. Easy to clean up after, not too loud even when he's doing his best screeches. Bites sometimes but he may actually be playing because there's no power in his bites. I have heard of tiels drawing blood though so obviously mileage varies on that point.

I had also considered many other birds before I settled on a tiel and did lots of asking around and youtube surfing. Much as I wanted a larger and more talking oriented parrot, the cockatiel temperament, volume level, and care requirements won out for me in the end.

 

[snowflake311]

LOL, seems we all are prejudiced by the birds we have or had. I'm no exception. One of the smaller amazons, like Salty, around 300 grams or so, would be my vote. They self entertain, are smart, can be multiple person birds with a lot of socialization, like to be scratched when they want it. Not really loud all the time. Can be trained to do just about anything. Do well with out a crazy diet. Most talk a bit, or more. Downsides.. if they bite they will really bite. And any one of the good points above can go south with all that implies.

Best case is , like most will tell you, let the birdie pick you an your family , within the parameters you set. Won't help if a macaw or cockatoo picks you. Good luck and keep us updated, we love these kind of stories.

My aunt has an Amazon it's a really cool bird. I would consider one. I would love a larger bird. What a great Idea to take the family to a bird store and adopt the one that picks us. No matter the size or volume. That would be the best way to go. I wish my parents did that when we were younger. There was this Jenday conure my dad, brother, and I both loved. Mom shot it down. Said they were too loud. That bird was great loved everyone. We ended up getting Senegal that did not pick us. In the end it hated my mom but was a good bird for me. haha.

I will keep an open mind. I love hearing about others favorite birds.

 

[Printer bird]

We had a GCC, he was great but definitely took a lot of patience and training. He was nippy and could definitely BITE (he was a rescue, though, and came with some bad habits. Trained easily.). Fairly demanding although he could self-entertain. He was pretty noisy for a GCC. Very cuddly, very fun, easy to trick train although there was a limit because he was SOOOOO excited for almonds that he would go a bit nuts (despite getting them everyday).

I had a parottlet once too. She was very feisty but she was friendly with family members that she knew. Liked getting her head scratched but wasn't what I'd call cuddly. Very fun, liked interaction and play, definitely bossy but not as bite-y as the GCC. As you've said, it does depend on the bird too!

Just to throw another option your way, I currently have a pionus (white capped). She is super quiet, very relaxed (like Chris' perch potato although she does have her moments!). Not cuddly like the GCC but loves getting her head scratched and loves to be with/on us (although is absolutely fine to be in or on her cage when we are around and will often head back there). She is friendly to both myself and my husband and is starting to warm up to other people if they give her a chance to get used to them and go slow. Almonds help! She is easy to read, very sweet, and has only bitten when she doesn't like a situation and feels cornered into doing something (like stepping up onto a stranger when she isn't ready). One of the most well-behaved bird I've ever met (and is an 8-year old re-home).

I do feel that cockatiels make great family birds. They are so sweet and charming, I love their whistling abilities. Not intimidating and not a difficult bird to make part of the flock. There are so many great birds out there too, seeing what makes a good fit is a great idea. I will throw the idea of a re-home your way. They aren't necessarily abused and can be great pets! If they come from a loving family, you can find out about their personality and how they might fit in with you guys which can be a bonus! Lots of needy parrots out there and I've had a great experience with the two that I've rescued/rehomed.

 

[Scott]

I too voted for a cockatiel given your poll. The only other bird I've had on your list is a sun conure - beautiful and charming but their screech can be an uncomfortable octave!

As Al (Wrench13) stated, we all have our favorites! So.... have you considered a Goffin?! Toos are not for everyone but a well socialized Goffin is loving, playful, and not terribly loud.

Lots of "other" great suggestions posted as well!!

 

[snowflake311]

I too voted for a cockatiel given your poll. The only other bird I've had on your list is a sun conure - beautiful and charming but their screech can be an uncomfortable octave!

As Al (Wrench13) stated, we all have our favorites! So.... have you considered a Goffin?! Toos are not for everyone but a well socialized Goffin is loving, playful, and not terribly loud.

Lots of "other" great suggestions posted as well!!

Thanks guys for your input.

I would love a Goffin. Thats a bird I have been interested in for YEAR! kind of my secret dream bird I told my mom I wanted one so not a real secret. I also think I would love a Rose-breasted Cockatoo they seem like the perfect size. I just don't think I have the time and space for a bird that large. Maybe when I am down to 1 fish tank and 1 dog I would get a bigger birds.

 

[LeaKP]

With small kids around...and also my personal favourite around small kids...English budgies that are hand raised. I just love them. Hard to find hand raised but they are the best IMHO with a young family and busy life.

 

[Scott]

I too voted for a cockatiel given your poll. The only other bird I've had on your list is a sun conure - beautiful and charming but their screech can be an uncomfortable octave!

As Al (Wrench13) stated, we all have our favorites! So.... have you considered a Goffin?! Toos are not for everyone but a well socialized Goffin is loving, playful, and not terribly loud.

Lots of "other" great suggestions posted as well!!

Thanks guys for your input.

I would love a Goffin. Thats a bird I have been interested in for YEAR! kind of my secret dream bird I told my mom I wanted one so not a real secret. I also think I would love a Rose-breasted Cockatoo they seem like the perfect size. I just don't think I have the time and space for a bird that large. Maybe when I am down to 1 fish tank and 1 dog I would get a bigger birds.

Either one would be a great choice, so keep the dream! You're young and have many years to consider a larger bird!!

 

[snowflake311]

Since I had an amazing Cockatiel that I could never replace. I am going to go with a bird I have never had one of my own. I have met many. The green cheek wins. I think it fits my needs and personality best. If I got another Tiel. I would constantly be comparing it to my perfect baby. I have very high expectation for a Tiel since my last one was so great.

There is this sad little parrotlet I have had my eye for a long time at the pet store. poor little guy is missing a few toes. I don't think that is the right bird for me right now but I do love the sounds they make. So it comes down to green cheek and the parrotlet in second place.

 

[Scott]

Has the parrotlet with missing toes been available for a long time? Often an animal that is not perfectly intact compensates in wonderful ways. You can bet he is well aware and it is a noble gesture to help a bird that is not "showroom perfect!"

 

[RavensGryf]

Although it's always fun hearing about what species other people love and why, ultimately, what works for others isn't going to necessarily work for you. I assume you know that though .

Remember too, that it is a myth that smaller always means easier... a mid size- larger parrot is not always "more" work or some how harder to handle or needs more attention than a Green Cheek or smaller bird. I speak through experience having had both large birds and small birds over the years. I'm not saying get a large bird, I'm just saying that some small ones (certain individuals) can be a huge handful, more than some larger 'individuals'.

In my honest opinion, it's really almost too hard to accurately say what might be best for your unique situation. Also keeping in mind it's not a matter of 'if' but 'when' a bird (exotic, not domestic animal) will bite. Since you say it's not an option for your young daughter to be bit, perhaps something with a beak no larger than a cockatiel would be best. Even they can draw blood though. Either that or keep your daughter away from touching the bird, and have them strictly as an adult's pet. On the other hand, some members here will tell you they grew up with parrots and were bit when they were kids (but lived to tell about it). Good luck in your search.

 

[Taw5106]

I bet you haven't considered eclectus either. They tend to be quieter, and more easily handled by multiple people (many birds may have a tendency to prefer being handled by a single person. Training can overcome some of this but some birds have a stronger predilection towards this than other). Their idea of cuddles , though, is simply relaxing on your shoulder. I've heard a number of people describe heir ekkie as a perch potato and my Parker is no exception.



Very laid back.

Agree, but a male eclectus appears to be easier than a female. Females are pretty, but they are a lot of work. But don't limit your search, there are so many parrot breeds out there. I do agree, eclectus are primarily quiet and awesome, but females breeding, oh my word!!!!


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[snowflake311]

About My daughter with the bird. I told her today she could get bitten. It did not seem to bother her. My Senegal bite her when she was 2 years old and made her bleed. That did not stop her from wanting to see the bird and look at it. Did not cause a fear for life. So i am not too worried about it.

I thing about bigger birds is you need a larger cage and they can be louder since they are bigger. 2 of the real reasons I can't have one now.