Still deciding....

[happycat]

Im leaning towards a Green Cheek Conure as my first bird but I still have a few other choices. (sorry if i post too many "WHICH BIRD DO I GET??" kinda posts. I dont know how you guys are supposed to know which I should get XD) But still, I just wanna know your experience on these birds. Im home a lot so attention isnt much of a problem (but I know this sounds weird but I dont want my cats to get jealous lol) I want a cuddly bird. I like cuddly animals. I know it depends on each one but I probably want one known as being cuddly (for a bird atleast) Noise is kinda a problem if its super loud and constant because I dont like much constant, high pitched noises (ive already got my sisters pomeranian XD) Like not an hour of SCREECH SCREECH SCREECH that makes me cover my ears. Green cheeks live a bit long for me but thats okay. Heres some birds im kinda thinking about. But I dont want a bird just because its a good "beginner bird" because its going to be with me for 8-20+ years depending on species right?
I also like a entertaining,playful bird. Thats what got me into birds in the first place.

Green cheek conure:I like it because its pretty quiet and known for being cuddly and playful.
Cockatiel:I like them because their easy and quiet. (Is the dust a problem though?)
Budgie:I dont know too much about them but they are quiet and good for beginners right?
Parrotlet:I like them because they are small and quiet. Im not sure because they are territorial though.
You can name the pros and cons too if you feel like it.

So whats your experience with these birds? Thanks
(P.S. I might not even get one any time soon though because im also thinking about other animals but im going to get one eventually)
P.S.S. Im not saying theres not cons too so im not expecting them to be perfect.

 

[roxynoodle]

It's good you ask all the questions you have rather than just get a pet without doing the research

Budgies and cockatiels are much easier than other parrots. They don't seem as complex or moody. They just want to be loved and they will be happy with whoever loves them. I like budgies so much I only ever had budgies for the first 30 years of my life. They are as intelligent as any other parrot IMO. You shouldn't see them only as beginner birds. What's not to love about a smart, sweet little being that will love you it's whole life? People of any age will enjoy them.

Conures can easily be as challenging as any larger parrot. They certainly don't see themselves as small. However they are wildly entertaining, and if you feel confident enough to deal with the issues of larger parrots, by all means get one. They do vocalize often and tend to have not so pleasant voices when they screech. Even GCCs are louder than budgies or tiels.

I haven't had a Parrotlet but my understanding is they definitely don't see themselves as small either. I have seen videos of cats running through the house screaming with a p'let attached to their tails, lol! I have read they are tiny amazons in attitude.

You cat may very well be jealous. Mine is. Even if I'm singing and dancing for the birds she is standing on her hind legs with her front paws wrapped around my leg, meowing. You just have to give them each their time with you and realize just because they can't each be with you 24/7 doesn't mean they are being neglected even though they will tell you they are

 

[vicky2200]

Budgies can be loud if you have more than one or if they get bored so make sure you have time for them! They can be great birds though and they come in some very beautiful colors.

Cockatiels are very quiet as far as birds go. I have 2 and they are much less annoying than I suspected. I haven't had any issues with the dust. I don't have any experience with the other mentioned birds.

If you have time and are dedicated the pros and cons are the same for the budgie and parakeet:

Pros: Beautiful, intelligent, quiet with enough attention, and easy to maintain their cages if you keep it up regularly.

Cons: Don't talk as clearly as some species, make a mess (all animals do),... I cant really think of a problem with there birds!

 

[ann]

CONS
I have heard of GCC being kinda nippy, but they are wonderful birds.
Cockateils, well...um I'm not really sure how to say this, but I have heard of many of them trying to breed with their owners hands but that depends on the bird and the females have been known to Kay allot of eggs. parrotlets can be pretty feisty and from what I've heard, demanding. Budgies are really sweet but they poop allot.
PROS (save the best for last )
Budgies are super sweet, entertaining, smart, cheap, fun, can be cuddly, and can talk
GCC are very funny,smart, playful, cuddly, and entertaining
Cockteils are gentle, smart, cuddly, and good talkers and mimics
Parrotlets are cuddly, funny, entertaining, small, and ave a bif personality
I don't have any of these birds but I might get a budgie and I research parrots extensively
Good luck with your choice !

 

[Rio Mom]

I have a GCC, I just love him to bits!

 

[lene1949]

Cockatiels are a cockatoo species, and the easiest to handle... They will sit with their head down to get petted for as long as your like, with maybe a detour or two to other parts of your body... If you get a handraised baby, you'll get hooked...