Species Suggestions?

[WingsUpNorth]

Hello everyone!

My husband and I are new to the forum, and "sorta new" to parrots. Actually, I have been interested in parrots for years, I am well-researched, and we have been considering adding a parrot to our family on and off since we got married. So we aren't necessarily new to the IDEA of parrots, but our future family member will be our first bird.

We are looking for species suggestions for our lifestyle. Our main criteria are:

1. Quiet. We live in a condo, and we are a very quiet adult household. A species known to be relatively unlikely to scream, and "softer" when they do make noise, is ideal.

2. Docile, even-tempered, relatively predictable, and non-intimidating. We are by no means "pushovers" but we are used to dogs and horses - obviously birds are not dogs or horses. There will be a learning curve, and neither my husband nor I wants to be hurt or turned off of birds by choosing the wrong species. We are a little apprehensive of getting bitten. We love birds enough to get past it, but a gentle species would suit us best. We have no kids (we choose not to ever have kids) but since we are both a little "beak nervous" we may as well be looking for kid-friendly species.

3. Cuddly! We would particularly enjoy a real snuggle-bug.

4. "Flock bonder" as opposed to "pair bonder". We would like to maximize our odds of both being able to enjoy the parrot, and minimize the chances of single-person loyalty, aggression, and/or loyalty switching.

5. An active, fun, trainable, smart, "trick bird" would be just icing on the cake!

6. Not prone to feather plucking or neurotic behaviours, and not a "sensitive" species that will require special environmental considerations (i.e. humidity) in order to prevent such behaviours. We are all about providing a big cage, play area, enriching toys/puzzles... But we would like to stay away from excessively sensitive species.

7. We have flexible schedules, but being a young couple we do like to go out from time to time so a bird that plays well alone without being overly demanding would be ideal.

8. We expect to have a bit of a learning curve with feeding and care. A hardier species unlikely to keel over because we missed a crucial element of its very specific diet would suit us best. A non-picky eater that will enjoy food-based training will make life easier too.

9. We travel, and we'd like to bring the new family member on our road trips or extended vacations. A bird that is easily adaptable (heck, even thoroughly enjoys) new experiences and environments, and can appreciate being out and about will fit best into our lifestyle.

Some species we had considered/are considering, in roughly order of preference:

1. Meyer's Parrot - We love everything we read about them, but some anecdotal advice has suggested they can be aggressive and/or loud. It surprises us to read these stories because the species bios basically describe these little gems as our perfect parrot. Thoughts?

2. Blue Headed Pionus - This species was #1 until some extensive reading pointed to them being bad biters, and being quite hormonal throughout their lives. Relatively speaking, of course, not in comparison to Amazons or anything. My husband is also a little concerned this species will be too inactive, and won't let us enjoy the play and antics we are so looking forward to.

3. Caiques - Probably totally the wrong bird for us, but we are smitten. So talk us out of one. Please.

Note: We aren't into the concept of "starter birds" especially when these animals live decades. We really need to put the effort in to find the right match for our family, in a bird we love for who he/she is. So please no Budgies, Cockatiels, Parakeets, Doves, or Finches. We would like a parrot species, please.

Note also: We don't care one bit about talking ability. Cuddles first, then play/tricks in that order. Talking ability doesn't even register on the radar. Hopefully that balances out or detailed wish list.

Thanks!

 

[Abzeez]

1. Quiet. We live in a condo, and we are a very quiet adult household. A species known to be relatively unlikely to scream, and "softer" when they do make noise, is ideal.

That would be an african grey or a meyers. Greys are not known for the cuddles, and meyers can be a bit moody. There are other speices that are also on the quiet side but even my grey makes a lot of noise. I live in an apartment and everyone around me can hear her. Parrots make noise.

2. Docile, even-tempered, relatively predictable, and non-intimidating. We are by no means "pushovers" but we are used to dogs and horses - obviously birds are not dogs or horses. There will be a learning curve, and neither my husband nor I wants to be hurt or turned off of birds by choosing the wrong species. We are a little apprehensive of getting bitten. We love birds enough to get past it, but a gentle species would suit us best.

Any parrot can just one day bite. Parrots are not predictable or even tempered. Everyday is a new day and a new mood. One day they may want to cuddle, the next they may decide they want nothing to do with you.

4. "Flock bonder" as opposed to "pair bonder". We would like to maximize our odds of both being able to enjoy the parrot, and minimize the chances of single-person loyalty, aggression, and/or loyalty switching.

Although there are parrots that do well with everyone, more times then not a parrot has a favorite. Even in a flock they have a mate, and may not get along with every parrot in the flock.

 

[Rio Mom]

Hello and welcome to the forum! How about a green cheek conure? They aren't terribly loud, they are cuddly, and although they can be nippy sometimes (as can any bird), their beaks aren't big enough to cause the same damage as say, a macaw. My green cheek, River, is very fun and playful, and loves to go to anybody to be held. He's also not too loud, just a bit at certain times of day (when we first get up, get home from work, and when he's objecting to bedtime)

 

[Abzeez]

How about a green cheek conure? They aren't terribly loud, they are cuddly, and although they can be nippy sometimes (as can any bird), their beaks aren't big enough to cause the same damage as say, a macaw.[/QUOTE]

I got my WORST bites from GCC. Their bites HURT and draw blood. Just saying.

 

[JensFlock]

How about a male eclectus. I am in a small apartment with 4 parrots, and my eclectus has a few things to say when we first get up, but it's not that loud. Now that he's talking I can tell him to talk instead of scream, which he understands. He's learning his colors right now. We have a long way to go, but he's a good student. He's a cuddlebug with me. Other people can hold him, but he doesn't want to cuddle with them. He's not a one person bird, but I live alone, so he's much more attached to me than anyone else. I think an eclectus would be equally in love with you both.

 

[WingsUpNorth]

Thanks for the responses so far!

A GCC was considered, but too many aggression concerns on the whole. I understand birds will nip, but there are nippier species than others. From what I gather there are better less nippy choices than GCC's. They definitely win points for cuddles and cuteness, though!

As far as a grey goes... Scrapped the idea of a grey (in favour of a male Eclectus) when a breeder who breeds both suggested they are among the worst for pair bonding and loyalty switching. I also am always horrified by the odds of greys plucking. They are SO prone to it.

Ah, Ekkies... My favourite species. I had very recently decided against them because supposedly they (even the males - I would only consider a male) get hormonal, can be prone to plucking (maybe as bad as greys, even?), and are altogether not a "beginner bird". But should I be considering them? Does anything preclude them from being a fit? As I said, I adore Ekkies, even considering their special diet needs. The only reason they aren't on my list is because I was afraid of making a poor choice for the family.

 

[Pinkbullets]

I would recommend an eclectus.

My boyfriend and I are in a similar situation - apartment living with a relatively active lifestyle.

Luna is the perfect balance of cuddly/friendly and solitary/pensive.
When she is "loud", she is hardly. She has never screamed. Not once.
She is very adaptive also. We take her practically everywhere that she is allowed, and she even puts up with small children very well.

Very intelligent, "on-your-level" type of bird.
She values both her alone time and her family time with us.

Highly recommended.

EDIT: Also, out of all of the birds that I have been bitten by, eclectus were the weakest. I have been told that this is owing to their relatively weaker jaw muscles.

 

[WingsUpNorth]

Wow, another vote for Ekkies... Perhaps it is meant to be?

So really they are as docile, handleable, and beginner suitable as the Pionus and Meyer's everyone seems to recommend?? Why don't they make more "apartment bird" and "family bird" or "beginner bird" lists? Is it because of cost and dietary requirements?

(Note that by "beginner friendly" I am talking temperament... I am aware of Ekkies' special dietary requirements, and we would be able to meet all those needs)

 

[Mayden]

Senegal, hands down.
That or your Meyers.

The "real" difference between a Meyers and a sennie - I've been told/read, is that Sennie's are more likely to be "one person" birds compared to Meyers who are more "family birds"

Meyers+Sennies:
Quite (for parrots), cuddly, clownish, playful, 'chattery' (whistles and squarks).

My sennie loves both me and my other half equally. Although he knows his mummy does food and nap time and his daddy does playtime, so he chooses his person based on what he'll get the best of.

From my own experience with my Sennie, he loves going out and about, he's fantastic at travelling, he's cuddly, cute, quiet (for a parrot), mischievous... and eats anything possible given to him. & he will fly to ANYONE for cuddles, food and playtime. It's all about early so******ation.

Although Sennies can turn phobic during their 'terrible twos', as long as they've been exposed regularly to different things, it's less likely. They're not known as the "bulletproof bird" for nothing!

Yes they can bite and hurt, but I'd rather take a bite from my sennie than one of my budgies. Any bird can/will hurt.

So... imo, senegal/meyers parrot.

 

[mellykyitus]

my galah has never screamed and is very happy to play with his toys when i'm busy. he's by far the easier of my lot to look after!
my friend has a eclectus and boy does he scream, its louder than my macaw! but i guess all birds are different.

 

[mtdoramike]

Wow, another vote for Ekkies... Perhaps it is meant to be?

So really they are as docile, handleable, and beginner suitable as the Pionus and Meyer's everyone seems to recommend?? Why don't they make more "apartment bird" and "family bird" or "beginner bird" lists? Is it because of cost and dietary requirements?

(Note that by "beginner friendly" I am talking temperament... I am aware of Ekkies' special dietary requirements, and we would be able to meet all those needs)

Hold the phone. I see you live in a Condo and are a quiet house hold. If you get a parrot, kiss that quiet house hold good by. AND DO NOT GET AN ECLECTUS! They have a screech not a scream like a Cockatoo, but a screech that could break crystal hahahaha and pierce an ear. They usually are most vocal in the morning and evening. But that's not really accurate. They can get vocal any time of the day.

Apartment and condo dwellers should really re-think getting a bird. I don't know what your rules & restrictions are, most condos have them so I don't know what type of animal they allow. But even if they allow birds, I think they are more thinking along the lines of a Parakeet.

All birds have the ability to be noisy. I have a Senegal parrot, about the same as the Meyers parrot. They are supposed to be apartment birds. But I can tell you, if I lived in an apartment with my Senegal, I would be out on the street quick, fast and in a hurry. She has a squawk that can raise the dead and is quite vocal several times during the day.

The question is not if a bird will bite you, IT'S WHEN WILL A BIRD BITE YOU! I have two hand tame birds, a Senegal & an Eclectus. Both can be quite nippy on a regular basis. My Senegal can draw blood every once in a while, which isn't hard for her with that needle sharp beak of her's. Just yesterday, my Eclectus ( a second hand bird and I have only had him for a few weeks) nipped my index finger causing it to bleed when I forced him to do something that he didn't want to do, which is something that YOU WILL HAVE TO DO every now and then with a bird, like going to the vet, grooming (nails being clipped, wings and such).

As far as travelling, how far are you planning to travel??? Birds don't travel well. If your looking at vacationing more than an 8 hour drive from your home, I would discourage the thought of getting a bird. Most of us that own birds, especially more than one don't travel. Birds are a huge commitment and require more sacrafices than most any other animal. If I travel for more than 6-8 hours, I board my bird(s) with a relative or I DON"T GO!

If this thread is negative and discouraging, GOOD, it's meant to be. I want you to realize exactly what your getting into BEFORE getting a bird. This is because with the restrictions you have listed in your post, a bird shouldn't be in your near future. You really should get a dog. The shelters are full of unwanted birds where the owners put unrealistic restrictions that the bird just could not live up to and they weren't willing to make the sacrafices needed.

Sorry, but that is the way I see it.

But whether you take my advice or not, good luck with your decision. I just want you to be well informed before hand.

Mike

 

[Pinkbullets]

Wow, another vote for Ekkies... Perhaps it is meant to be?

So really they are as docile, handleable, and beginner suitable as the Pionus and Meyer's everyone seems to recommend?? Why don't they make more "apartment bird" and "family bird" or "beginner bird" lists? Is it because of cost and dietary requirements?

(Note that by "beginner friendly" I am talking temperament... I am aware of Ekkies' special dietary requirements, and we would be able to meet all those needs)

Of course when you are looking for a bird, you should always be prepared for the worst - expect them to be loud, bite on occasion, etc.

But honestly, I have to recommend an eclectus, simply owing to personal experience.
She has NEVER, and I repeat, NEVER bitten us or screamed.

The only time she makes noise is during the day!
It is 8:00am right now and I am typing to you from the bedroom and I haven't heard a peep. This is the same everyday.

Am I saying that all eclectus are the same?
Of course not.
Do I think that her temperament is directly affected by the fact that her diet is great, there are no other pets/children around and that she lives in a very ideal cage/room situation?
Yes.
But they still get my vote for you since it seems that we have similar lifestyles.

 

[mtdoramike]

I just had to put my Eclectus in a time out this morning due to the screeching hahahaha. Pinkbullets is right, not all birds even within the same species are identical in nature. BUT, is it worth hoping for the best and winding up with the worsest case scenerio. It's not like your living in a house with space between you and your neighbors. If you happen to get a screaming, squawking, nippy bird and your Condo Asc. gives you an option, get rid of the bird or move, which would you choose? That is the question that needs to be answered before getting a bird if you live in an apartment or condo.

 

[Pinkbullets]

I just had to put my Eclectus in a time out this morning due to the screeching hahahaha. Pinkbullets is right, not all birds even within the same species are identical in nature. BUT, is it worth hoping for the best and winding up with the worsest case scenerio. It's not like your living in a house with space between you and your neighbors. If you happen to get a screaming, squawking, nippy bird and your Condo Asc. gives you an option, get rid of the bird or move, which would you choose? That is the question that needs to be answered before getting a bird if you live in an apartment or condo.

I agree completely.
You definitely take a chance getting a bird in an apartment.

 

[mtdoramike]

I just had to put my Eclectus in a time out this morning due to the screeching hahahaha. Pinkbullets is right, not all birds even within the same species are identical in nature. BUT, is it worth hoping for the best and winding up with the worsest case scenerio. It's not like your living in a house with space between you and your neighbors. If you happen to get a screaming, squawking, nippy bird and your Condo Asc. gives you an option, get rid of the bird or move, which would you choose? That is the question that needs to be answered before getting a bird if you live in an apartment or condo.

I agree completely.
You definitely take a chance getting a bird in an apartment.

Hahahahahaha, yep and I live in a house on the corner of the street with a little distance between my house and my neighbors. But I still have to worry a bit about a noisy bird. My city has noise ordinances. I know because before I retired from the Police Department, I had to serve several noise ordinace violations over the 20 years. Some were violations, others were eviction notices.

That is why I try to keep my birds as quiet as I can, but also as a courtesy to my neighbors, who had no imput as to whether I got a bird or not. If I had a dollar for every bird that has been rehomed because the owner couldn't tolerate the noise, or the neighbors complained or the landlord gave them an choise them or the bird, I would be pretty well of financially.

I don't want to come off as mean, but animals don't have a say in what happens to them. BUT PEOPLE DO!

 

[WingsUpNorth]

Thanks for the food for thought. Our condo will be okay with birds. It's a very sound-proof building, and people are not careful by any means of the noise they make (television, video games, parties, dogs, babies) and we don't hear any of it. I think our dryer buzzer is louder than most "quiet" parrots (it is REALLY loud, and there is no button to shut it off LOL) but you can't even hear peoples' buzzers. Oh, I should also mention we are right smack downtown so people who live here are used to sirens at 3am, etc. And that siren is about the only thing you hear through the apartment walls... Next to the hospital's chopper that flies overhead several times a day - while not the same pitch, it is louder than any bird. Think subway train.

So as you can see, while we would like a quieter parrot, relatively speaking, we're in a pretty okay place noise-wise.

 

[henpecked]

In your original post you asked for a lot from any parrot,a hen cockatiel would be about the only bird that i could recommend that might have a chance of living up to your expectations.Go meet a few eclectus before getting one,they are one of the loudest birds i know of.Of course you would be very lucky to get a parrot to meet those requirements,it could happen but the chances are slim.What would you do if it didn't work out? Don't be put off by the phrase "starter bird" there's a reason they,ve earned that name,it's because they are such great birds that even new parrot owners can learn what having a pet parrot is all about before taking on something MUCH more challenging.

 

[mtdoramike]

Thanks for the food for thought. Our condo will be okay with birds. It's a very sound-proof building, and people are not careful by any means of the noise they make (television, video games, parties, dogs, babies) and we don't hear any of it. I think our dryer buzzer is louder than most "quiet" parrots (it is REALLY loud, and there is no button to shut it off LOL) but you can't even hear peoples' buzzers. Oh, I should also mention we are right smack downtown so people who live here are used to sirens at 3am, etc. And that siren is about the only thing you hear through the apartment walls... Next to the hospital's chopper that flies overhead several times a day - while not the same pitch, it is louder than any bird. Think subway train.

So as you can see, while we would like a quieter parrot, relatively speaking, we're in a pretty okay place noise-wise.

OK, then that makes a bit of a difference. Now speaking of MY Eclectus, he may not be as noisy if he didn't have my Senegal who also likes to get a bit roudy. I have had to put both of them in time out today for excessive noise. If you don't mine an occassional ear piercing screech then I would definately suggest an Eclectus as long as you think you won't have issues with neighbors. They are in my opinion one of the smartest birds around.

The diet isn't that difficult, mainly fresh fruits and veggies. We all should be eating that healthy. But I can't stress strongly enough if you go with any bird, as a first time bird owner, go to a reputable breeder. It doesn't have to be local, they have great reputable breeders all over the country, who can ship a bird to you without issue. What you want is a well socialized bird right from the git go, then all you have to do is maintain the socialization. This lessons the chance of him becoming a one person bird.

He will still wind up picking a favorite in the family, but he will still get along with the entire family.

 

[WingsUpNorth]

In your original post you asked for a lot from any parrot,a hen cockatiel would be about the only bird that i could recommend that might have a chance of living up to your expectations.Go meet a few eclectus before getting one,they are one of the loudest birds i know of.Of course you would be very lucky to get a parrot to meet those requirements,it could happen but the chances are slim.What would you do if it didn't work out? Don't be put off by the phrase "starter bird" there's a reason they,ve earned that name,it's because they are such great birds that even new parrot owners can learn what having a pet parrot is all about before taking on something MUCH more challenging.

Thanks. Oh, we would LOVE a starter bird. Eclectus were off our list (even though I am partial to them) before they were suggested here. I had pretty well decided no Ekkie and felt maybe a Pionus or Meyer's would fit the bill better.

We are all about uncomplicated, hardy, easy, etc. But within the context of PARROTS. I am sure Tiels or Budgies are nice enough birds, but in fairness to the bird we owe it to our future bird to get a species we really want. These animals live too long to have "starter birds" because that either means we are 50 before we get the bird we want, or we end up with the bird we want in a couple of years AND the "starter bird" plays second fiddle for the rest of his life. That's not fair, IMO.

Pleasant, undemanding, uncomplicated, etc. is what we are looking for... Relatively speaking, in the context of parrots. Meyer's and Pionus seemed to make a lot of "starter bird" lists, plus we like them in their own right, so they'd be an option. Thoughts on them?

 

[WingsUpNorth]

OK, then that makes a bit of a difference. Now speaking of MY Eclectus, he may not be as noisy if he didn't have my Senegal who also likes to get a bit roudy. I have had to put both of them in time out today for excessive noise. If you don't mine an occassional ear piercing screech then I would definately suggest an Eclectus as long as you think you won't have issues with neighbors. They are in my opinion one of the smartest birds around.

The diet isn't that difficult, mainly fresh fruits and veggies. We all should be eating that healthy. But I can't stress strongly enough if you go with any bird, as a first time bird owner, go to a reputable breeder. It doesn't have to be local, they have great reputable breeders all over the country, who can ship a bird to you without issue. What you want is a well socialized bird right from the git go, then all you have to do is maintain the socialization. This lessons the chance of him becoming a one person bird.

He will still wind up picking a favorite in the family, but he will still get along with the entire family.

The odd ear-piercer isn't a problem. It is the ongoing noise that would be a problem. Heck, dogs bark (there is one next door who barks every time his owner leaves in the morning for 5 minutes and even that is okay) but it would be a problem if noise carried on all day, or was on and off every hour. That sort of thing.

And definitely a breeder! Coming from the dog world we actually refuse to support pet stores selling live animals (aside from fish and reptiles) so we know all about the breeder vs pet store debate.

Question: Is a male bird more likely to bond with a female owner, and vice versa? If so, this could be a primary deciding factor since it seems with the other species (Pionus, Meyer's) we are advised to get a female, whereas with Ekkies the males are most docile. Since I will be the primary caregiver I was hesitant to get a female. Thoughts?