Questions about the species

[Soven26]

My wife adores my Meyers and now she wants one of the same species. She wants it do be a cuddle bug like mine is so I was thinking a Meyers as well. But I have also read that the brown headed are just as if not more cuddly then the Meyers. She also wants a parrot that will be okay with kids, we are not expecting but eventually we will have some little ones running around. Any tips on a a species that fits said bill?
Thanks

 

[thebirdnerd]

As long as you socialize the bird from when it's young it really doesn't matter which species you get, with the possible exception of a Senegal. I wouldn't recommend them with small children.. That being said, another Meyers should be fine, just try to get the bird as young as possible and expose the bird to kids.

 

[RavensGryf]

Generally speaking, all of the 5 smaller Poi species are similar in BASIC traits. They "can" all become cuddly when handfed and socialized as juveniles, they "can" all have the tendency to be biters once mature hormones kick in, so early intervention with learning boundaries and bite pressure training is essential. Pois tend to communicate with their beaks more readily than many species.

Each bird will differ 'individually' with things like activity level, curiousness, tendency to be easy going or a little more skittish, hands on cuddliness or not, speaking ability and noisiness.

You'll read that Brown Headed and Meyer's are more gentle than Red Bellied and Senegals. BUT over the years I have talked to owners of plenty BH and Meyer's that are biters too. Some has to do with socialization, some has to do with individual personality, but all in all, you will find more variation with individuals than you will species IME.

Personally, I wouldn't let any mature Poicephalus beaks around young children's flesh...

Edit: You may find slightly more females to be a bit more reliable in temperament than mature males when well socialized.

 

[Soven26]

My wife has settled on the species she wants its Red-Bellied Parrot. Does anyone know of a reputable breeder?

 

[RavensGryf]

These breeders are long established and well known for African species.

Old World's price list surprised me, his prices seem low (which is a good thing). Not sure if it's the current prices, but this is the link found from Google. Old World Aviaries - Hand-fed baby parrots

Jean Pattison is very well known in aviculture and has been considered a leading authority on African parrots for decades. I don't know if that's why she feels she can justify "above average" prices for the same species as Old World? African Queen Aviaries

Also, if you look on birdbreeders.com you can find more breeders. After calling and speaking with someone, it should be apparent if they "know" their stuff. Ask if the birds are fully weaned before going home, abundance weaned (onto variety of foods at the babies own pace), do they let their babies fledge (learn to fly) before the option of wing clipping, what precautions do they take to reduce avian contagious illnesses including deadly viruses from entering their aviary? These questions (what I can think of off the top of my head), plus basic chit chat with the breeder should give you a feel of whether this is someone you feel comfortable doing business with.

My Robin came from a bird store 21+ years ago .

 

[Soven26]

These breeders are long established and well known for African species.

Old World's price list surprised me, his prices seem low (which is a good thing). Not sure if it's the current prices, but this is the link found from Google. Old World Aviaries - Hand-fed baby parrots

Jean Pattison is very well known in aviculture and has been considered a leading authority on African parrots for decades. I don't know if that's why she feels she can justify "above average" prices for the same species as Old World? African Queen Aviaries

Also, if you look on birdbreeders.com you can find more breeders. After calling and speaking with someone, it should be apparent if they "know" their stuff. Ask if the birds are fully weaned before going home, abundance weaned (onto variety of foods at the babies own pace), do they let their babies fledge (learn to fly) before the option of wing clipping, what precautions do they take to reduce avian contagious illnesses including deadly viruses from entering their aviary? These questions (what I can think of off the top of my head), plus basic chit chat with the breeder should give you a feel of whether this is someone you feel comfortable doing business with.

My Robin came from a bird store 21+ years ago .

Thanks for the reply I havent found anything on birdbreeders yet but I have found old world aviaries befor i made this post still waiting for a reply from them will keep this post informed

 

[Soven26]

I contacted Old World Aviaries, and the gentleman is retiring. I will keep you posted on my search