please help - what bird for me?

[kyekyah]

I have not had a parrot before and I will admit, I fell in love with the idea of having a parrot through short meeting with friends birds, regular photo updates of their birds, and more then all, you tube videos. Not an educated reason to get into parrots, I admit.
Since then (it was a slow process of being interested, to intense daily research) I have been moving from cute youtube videos to the specialized sites on how noisy, messy, demanding and hormonal parrots can be. And yes I have read the downsides of parrots thread.
I am currently still living at home, with my mum and younger brother. They are both supportive of the idea of a parrot, but are not planning to be very personally involved. I will either be staying at home until I finish uni (at least 6 years), or I will be moving, and moving to my own house.
Currently, on a year off between high school and uni, I have lots of free time at home. I usually only work about three times a week. (probably why I think I could handle a parrot) However, next year I will be going to uni, which will greatly change that timetable.
Financially stable, yes. Avian vet charges - I understand, and will have savings, for this.

So - on to the real issue - which parrot, if any, for me?
I have been seriously looking into eclectus parrots, but am aware I may have to broaden my search to find the right parrot for me. Conure's look adorable - but apparently the noisiest.
So, along with the known back ground knowledge, I would like a bird that is friendly, not too noisy, intelligent (I would prefer a talker, but am aware that even in talking species they may not end up talking) and with minimal likely behavioral problems.
Obviously, I am just after all the positives of parrots - but could you please recommend some species that may suit me?

Thanks in advance, and sorry for rambling.

 

[FeatherBrain]

I completely understand your perspective. I am a university premedical student, however I am currently on medical leave do to some issues, so I plan to condition my incoming parrot to a lifestyle where he could tolerate my absence during the day if needed. Remember that parrots are very very long lived. I'm currently 21, and if I do my job right, my feathered friend just might see me enter my 60's! Because life is unpredictable, you really have to think about whether or not you can maintain the bird's happiness and health over such a long period of time.

Ok, with that said, it sounds like you could opt for some of the "quieter" conures, such as the green cheek variations. Now I quote that because regardless of reputation any parrot can be loud, just as a reputably loud parrot can turn out to be quite the quiet little bugger. Conures aren't known for their talking abilities however, amazons and greys hold that title - but you ultimately have to decide which species will fit your lifestyle.

If talking isn't as important to you, I could perhaps recommend the african red bellied parrot from the Poicephalus genus. They tend to be affectionate, quiet, and intelligent (parrots as a whole are considered intelligent, so I highly doubt you'd ever end up with a not-so-bright fid).

Some consider the eclectus to be more high maintenance due to dietary requirements, but I'm certain if you put enough research into it you could learn. My main concern with ekkies though is that they do tend to be more human dependent, from what I've heard, so they might not fare well when uni takes up more of your time (it could get lonesome and depressed, and god forbid pluck), particularly because you said your family wasn't going to be too involved.

But of course listen to what other people have to say as well. Each parrot is unique, so you really won't know the experience until you're in the middle of it. Good luck!

 

[MikeyTN]

In order to determine your life style and if your able to handle having a parrot around is after you get into college. I see many birds being rehomed for that reason. Get into college first then decide. But you can learn about them while at it!