Trying to decide on the best parrot for me. Help ?

[chris-md]

Re: Is an Amazon the right parrot for me ?

Captainsparrow

Just an FYI most people access threads through the active topics link so there's no need for the same thread across different subforums. We got ya!

You e posted a few threads about what parrot you should get, if memory serves. I can tell you the reason you keep asking the same question across several threads is because you aren't getting what you REALYY need here, which is experience. We can (and have) post replies until we're blue in the face and you still won't be able to make a decision until you get out and meet some birds. Believe me, I did exactly the same thing because I couldn't choose between an eclectus and macaw of some sort. No amount of forum chatter can answer this question for you.

This will sound rough, but I actually mean it helpfully, and friendly with slight tongue in cheek (had to say that, everyone knows text doesn't always translate): stop posting, take the advice you've gotten here, get out there and meet some new parrot friends your new feather-kid will choose you, not the other way around.

 

[Vapor]

Re: Is a Poicephalus the right parrot for me ?

Check out a Grey Headed Cape. Fits virtually everything you are asking for.

However, Remember that all parrots are individuals. Breeds will have general traits attached to them but its not guaranteed. Birds' personalities change as they age from young to mature and can go through phases as hormones dictate. Some simply are big talkers others not at all. If you find yourself away allot, toys are great(essential really), a nice window that always has part of the cage in shade are great too so it can stare out and see some activity. Another little trick that works really well for us is to have a playlist of bird ambient backgrounds playing all day so it doesn't feel left alone. Lots of good ones on Youtube that run over 8hrs each and you can switch them up.

I'm at work and have to go, but hopefully this will get you started.

Good Luck!

 

[SailBoat]

Re: Is an Amazon the right parrot for me ?

Well said!

By the way, I noted you have not provided a location in the huge World. What support for specific species of parrot differs widely in different parts of this World or in a specific country.

Because I am an Amazon Snob! At this point, I would not recommend that you consider an Amazon! Amazon's want their charges to be solid Humans that are decisive!

 

[ScooterMcTavish]

Re: Is an Amazon the right parrot for me ?

And although Amazon's are some of the better independent parrots, "parrot slave" is truly a correct term. You must spend time with them, clean their cages, not wear ball caps because they hate them, get them immediately from their cage when you get home or they start yelling (yes yelling) your name, and spend loads of time with them every day.

You must not have an issue with seed and ground pellets everywhere, not being able to eat a meal in peace, not using candles or room fresheners, and you must enjoy cleaning dried poop off your clothes, furniture, floor, and walls.

That weekend away you take twice a year. You may want to rethink that. Two week vacation? Haha! Unless you have a babysitter who will stay in your home and maintain the bird's routines, all the while spending time with it and socializing with it even if they are scared of it, or the parrot ends up hating them!

For our family, we waited until our lives have settled to the point where we're not taking long vacations with the kids anymore, and we are comfortable with centering our lives around caring for these magnificent creatures. We don't live in an apartment where if the birds get noisy, rambunctious, or angry that we'll get evicted. In short, we knew what being a parrot slave entailed, we went into parrot ownership with eyes wide open, knowing that the parrot now dictates what we can and cannot do.

If you are ready yourself to tailor your life to meeting the needs of your parrot companion, then great. I'm a huge fan of our Amazon. However, if you're not ready for the commitment this will entail (and being single and working all day makes this tough), possibly you're better enjoying your friend's parrot, or getting a bird that is less demanding than a large parrot.

 

[captainsparrow]

Re: Is an Amazon the right parrot for me ?

Captainsparrow

Just an FYI most people access threads through the active topics link so there's no need for the same thread across different subforums. We got ya!

You e posted a few threads about what parrot you should get, if memory serves. I can tell you the reason you keep asking the same question across several threads is because you aren't getting what you REALYY need here, which is experience. We can (and have) post replies until we're blue in the face and you still won't be able to make a decision until you get out and meet some birds. Believe me, I did exactly the same thing because I couldn't choose between an eclectus and macaw of some sort. No amount of forum chatter can answer this question for you.

This will sound rough, but I actually mean it helpfully, and friendly with slight tongue in cheek (had to say that, everyone knows text doesn't always translate): stop posting, take the advice you've gotten here, get out there and meet some new parrot friends your new feather-kid will choose you, not the other way around.

Oops, my bad. I was advised to ask in the specific species threads. It made sense to me since I thought some people only enter forums that relate directly to their birds. I guess I went too far. Sorry. Feel free to erase any post and all posts that seem redundant.

I totally get what you're saying and it really isn't rough. I totally plan to go visit a few places and experience the birds firsthand. I just thought I should ask first so that if a species isn't right for me people will warn me in advance - which could in turn prevent me falling in love with the "wrong" bird.

 

[captainsparrow]

Re: Is an Amazon the right parrot for me ?

Well said!

By the way, I noted you have not provided a location in the huge World. What support for specific species of parrot differs widely in different parts of this World or in a specific country.

Because I am an Amazon Snob! At this point, I would not recommend that you consider an Amazon! Amazon's want their charges to be solid Humans that are decisive!

Yeah I kinda prefer to keep it to myself for now but it's not like I live in a 3rd world country. Everything a bird needs is within a short driving distance. Or is it something else ?

 

[captainsparrow]

Re: Is an Amazon the right parrot for me ?

And although Amazon's are some of the better independent parrots, "parrot slave" is truly a correct term. You must spend time with them, clean their cages, not wear ball caps because they hate them, get them immediately from their cage when you get home or they start yelling (yes yelling) your name, and spend loads of time with them every day.

You must not have an issue with seed and ground pellets everywhere, not being able to eat a meal in peace, not using candles or room fresheners, and you must enjoy cleaning dried poop off your clothes, furniture, floor, and walls.

That weekend away you take twice a year. You may want to rethink that. Two week vacation? Haha! Unless you have a babysitter who will stay in your home and maintain the bird's routines, all the while spending time with it and socializing with it even if they are scared of it, or the parrot ends up hating them!

For our family, we waited until our lives have settled to the point where we're not taking long vacations with the kids anymore, and we are comfortable with centering our lives around caring for these magnificent creatures. We don't live in an apartment where if the birds get noisy, rambunctious, or angry that we'll get evicted. In short, we knew what being a parrot slave entailed, we went into parrot ownership with eyes wide open, knowing that the parrot now dictates what we can and cannot do.

If you are ready yourself to tailor your life to meeting the needs of your parrot companion, then great. I'm a huge fan of our Amazon. However, if you're not ready for the commitment this will entail (and being single and working all day makes this tough), possibly you're better enjoying your friend's parrot, or getting a bird that is less demanding than a large parrot.

You've given me some serious food for thought and some chuckles. Thanks a lot

 

[captainsparrow]

Re: Is a Poicephalus the right parrot for me ?

Check out a Grey Headed Cape. Fits virtually everything you are asking for.

However, Remember that all parrots are individuals. Breeds will have general traits attached to them but its not guaranteed. Birds' personalities change as they age from young to mature and can go through phases as hormones dictate. Some simply are big talkers others not at all. If you find yourself away allot, toys are great(essential really), a nice window that always has part of the cage in shade are great too so it can stare out and see some activity. Another little trick that works really well for us is to have a playlist of bird ambient backgrounds playing all day so it doesn't feel left alone. Lots of good ones on Youtube that run over 8hrs each and you can switch them up.

I'm at work and have to go, but hopefully this will get you started.

Good Luck!

Great tips, thanks !

 

[SailBoat]

Re: Is an Amazon the right parrot for me ?

Location, why? It is not uncommon for new members to want detailed information, support, direction (should I go to a Vet, what Vet or even which Vet), etc.... And, to provide detailed information become difficult since in the US there are differences between States , time zones, and regions!

Also, from my side, am I responding to a real person, with real questions or someone sitting in their basement wasting my time for their weird self-centered joy?

 

[captainsparrow]

Re: Is an Amazon the right parrot for me ?

Location, why? It is not uncommon for new members to want detailed information, support, direction (should I go to a Vet, what Vet or even which Vet), etc.... And, to provide detailed information become difficult since in the US there are differences between States , time zones, and regions!

Also, from my side, am I responding to a real person, with real questions or someone sitting in their basement wasting my time for their weird self-centered joy?

I don't live in the US. I'm actually all set on the vet issue . I have a few avian vets close to me and I plan to take the future bird-kid to do some blood tests (gender, chlamydia etc.) and a general check up to make sure everything is ok.

I promise you I'm quite real and as I said I live in an apartment so no basement.

 

[cnyguy]

Re: Is a quaker the right parrot for me ?

I noticed that you're exploring the possibilities of several types of parrots. My living situation is similar to yours, and I've lived over the last 13 years in the apartment with three different types of parrots. My first was an older Yellow-crowned Amazon. He could be very noisy at times, but there were no complaints during the time he was here with me. Another younger Amazon lived in my building for a while, and he was even louder. The only complaint about him came from three blocks away. My YCA George managed fine on his own for several hours a day and kept himself amused. As he was an older parrot, he also took an afternoon nap, whether I was home or not. He was an excellent talker, but often preferred loud squawks to human speech. He almost always enjoyed meeting new people and was usually friendly with most anyone.

For more than six years, I've lived with a Quaker parrot. Ralph is a quiet Quaker. His squawks aren't all that loud. He knows a lot of words, and uses them in context, but doesn't say them often. He can keep himself occupied anytime I'm not home, but would much rather be with me. He tolerates other people well, but doesn't especially enjoy being with most other people.

I now also have a recently-adopted 12-year-old African grey. She isn't especially noisy and is a very good mimic. She has more trouble keeping herself amused independently than the other two parrots I've lived with. I suspect she naps while I'm out rather than playing with her toys. She is very nervous around new people and it takes her a while to get used to anyone new.

 

[Taw5106]

I was going to say like Karen, I have a wild flock of Quakers and they are loud!!!! I know when they are coming. Even at pet stores, I've noted how loud they are. And my last vet trip I met a Quaker parront, his Quaker was on his shoulder and he was a plucker. I started talking to his Quaker and he started screaming at me, lol. He loved his Daddy for sure.

I was going to suggest an eclectus but you noted no medium or large parrots. Eclectus are quiet with the exception of my hen who is very hormonal right now. I have a green cheek Amazon and an African grey as well. The Amazon is chatty, and the grey is becoming chatty.

But also let the bird pick you. My Amazon was my first medium parrot. I got him after my cousin and her husband passed. Both elderly and ill. I actually picked him up from the police station and it was instant love. I had been researching and looking at cockatoos, and since haven't thought about a too, lol. Good luck!
Check with you apartment office because some parrots are not allowed due to their noise factor.


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[captainsparrow]

I was going to say like Karen, I have a wild flock of Quakers and they are loud!!!! I know when they are coming. Even at pet stores, I've noted how loud they are. And my last vet trip I met a Quaker parront, his Quaker was on his shoulder and he was a plucker. I started talking to his Quaker and he started screaming at me, lol. He loved his Daddy for sure.

I was going to suggest an eclectus but you noted no medium or large parrots. Eclectus are quiet with the exception of my hen who is very hormonal right now. I have a green cheek Amazon and an African grey as well. The Amazon is chatty, and the grey is becoming chatty.

But also let the bird pick you. My Amazon was my first medium parrot. I got him after my cousin and her husband passed. Both elderly and ill. I actually picked him up from the police station and it was instant love. I had been researching and looking at cockatoos, and since haven't thought about a too, lol. Good luck!
Check with you apartment office because some parrots are not allowed due to their noise factor.


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Well since so many of you suggest letting the bird pick me I'm definitely going to do that

The apartment thing isn't an issue since it's owned not rented but that's a good tip nonetheless.

Eclectus is my dream bird - They're beautiful, kind, quiet and smart. but I'm just not sure I'm up to the task to taking care of one. I don't want to find myself rehoming a bird just because I wanted to "go on an adventure" and it didn't work out.

 

[Taw5106]

How about a cockatiel? I had one while living in an apartment. She could get loud but I would leave the radio playing for her. She was an amazing companion, and they are smart, can chat and whistle very well. I still play music today but with an old iPod I have. Spoiled birds!


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[Weezerj]

I like conures, but would want something different.....I've researched a bit as I am helping my niece prepare for a parrot (when she gets out of college)....and I really like the Crimson bellied conure. From what I've read, may be the quietest of the conures and are very, very beautiful.

I also encourage you to try and visit with some parrots and try to let the parrot pick you, but obviously you have to be selective about the species of parrot you visit....it doesn't do any good to have the loudest parrot in the world pick you when you live in an apartment.

Good luck!

 

[Flboy]

How about a cockatiel? I had one while living in an apartment. She could get loud but I would leave the radio playing for her. She was an amazing companion, and they are smart, can chat and whistle very well. I still play music today but with an old iPod I have. Spoiled birds!

I know you said you have pushed cockatiels aside, but me thinks you should reconsider! A well socialized bird is a darling! If I ever added a second companion, 1, a cockatiel!

 

[captainsparrow]

How about a cockatiel? I had one while living in an apartment. She could get loud but I would leave the radio playing for her. She was an amazing companion, and they are smart, can chat and whistle very well. I still play music today but with an old iPod I have. Spoiled birds!


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No offence to Tiels or their owners but they're not an option. I'm just not excited about them. Don't know why. I've studied them a bit and really didn't get any feeling of wanting to have one.

BTW, suppose I get an eckie, can it spend the day by itself while I'm at work (circa 11 hours daily except for weekends) without getting depressed (which I understand leads to plucking all sorts of trouble) ?

 

[snowflake311]

Cockatiels can be awesome but I am not going to lie. They can turn into scary little beasts. I had one when I was young infact ever since I was born. The bird was my moms and it scared me. I got my own when I was in my 20s and the tiel I got was amazing!!!! I had no idea they could be so sweet and fun.

The big down side is the annoying whistle that they do over and over and over and over again. It's not that loud but it is annoying. They also are a bit more messy with all the dander and dusts they give off. SO they are not perfect birds. Just keep an open mind. If you are at the pet store and one picks you consider it. I had a hard time finding good tiels at the stores near me.

I ended up getting a Black capped Conure. I was looking for a green cheek. I did not want to get him because he was WAY over priced. Some how this little nippy baby just seemed to pick us. I felt he was the one. He was there for 5 days and we saw him the last 3 days and took him home that third day. Now we are working on stopping the nipping. OMG so nippy. That's something to consider with a green cheek. They love to use the beak. You have to be brave about it and not let the bites bother you no matter how hard they clamp down. I found Domestic Green cheeks or Morphs like pineapples to be more gentle and less nippy. My little guy is very confident and I liked that he adjusts well. But since he is so confident he likes to let me know what he really thinks.

 

[LeaKP]

I love all kinds of conures! Blue crowned, and the very rare queen of Bavaria. Congratulations to you.

 

[ScooterMcTavish]

Eclectus is my dream bird - They're beautiful, kind, quiet and smart. but I'm just not sure I'm up to the task to taking care of one. I don't want to find myself rehoming a bird just because I wanted to "go on an adventure" and it didn't work out.

BTW, suppose I get an eckie, can it spend the day by itself while I'm at work (circa 11 hours daily except for weekends) without getting depressed (which I understand leads to plucking all sorts of trouble) ?

Captainsparrow, I suggested in an earlier post you consider why you'd like a parrot and what sort of lifestyle you are willing to accept from getting one.

Although others have been polite and helpful, I do not mind stating after reading the two above posts that you should not be considering getting a medium/large parrot.

#1 - If you have any inking or suspicion that you could go off on "some adventure" and have to rehome the parrot, then you are failing to understand the level of commitment you are signing up for here.
- Parrots are lifelong companions
- Making a decision to get a parrot is on a level of deciding to have children or get married - this is not a lark, or something fun. This is a lifelong commitment to an intelligent, emotional companion.

#2 - If you believe you are not up to the "task of taking care of one", then you are not, period. You like your friend's parrot, you like the idea of owning a parrot, but you still have doubts. That is your brain trying to overcome your emotions - you emotionally love the idea of parrot ownership, while your brain is screaming in the background "Don't do it!" Why? Your brain knows better than your heart, and your brain considers all the possible downsides of parrot ownership that your emotions do not.

#3 - Even if the Ekkie is "fine" with being alone for 11 hours a day (or more if you go out for dinner, or have a work or family function, or just want to hang at a friend's place), just because it doesn't self-mutilate doesn't mean it's fine. Due to no choice of its own, you have now made yourself the centre of this bird's world, and it now relies on you for food, cleanliness, and companionship. No, it is not fine. In fact, the only pets I've owned that are good being starved of companionship for 11 hours at time are cats and goldfish.

#4 - Not to mention the special issues Ekkies have. Diet? Fresh food isn't fresh after 11 hours. Pellets are also not advised and can lead to issues like toe-tapping disease. And besides lack of companionship, nutritional issues are suspected to be the number one cause of plucking in Ekkies. Not to mention the Ekkies I've met are notorious screamers when seeking attention, or when they hear people around but aren't getting attention (like in an apartment).

Apologies again, and I hate to be this frank, but your posts make me believe you are not at a stage in life where Parrot ownership is right for you. Based on your preference for an Ekkie, I'm also concerned about the criteria by wich you are matching a parrot to your lifestyle.