Well, this started out as being about conures...

[Birdman666]

I am often asked what kinds of parrots I have, when I gush about my conures people get a diss appointed look on thier face and say "oh, so you don't have any, like, big parrots?" I have not handled macaws in more than passing, but I don't feel the need to ever "outgrow" "upgrade" or "move on" to larger birds.

I've had both.

And I hate the concept of "starter birds," "upgrading," or trading up... which assumes the little bird is a "throw away." When you figure out what you are doing and can move up to the bird you actually wanted in the first place...

And who cares what people think... You don't get a bird for what people think of you for having it. You get one because you enjoy them.

And if you want a macaw, get a macaw. If a shrunken macaw is more to your liking, and more in line with what (most people) have room for, and have time for, then get a conure. And, for the record, there are just as many people who run screaming from that "those birds are aggressive, and I just know THAT THING is gonna bite me..." macaw, as think they are "trophies."

If you want a trophy play sports...

If you want an animal (or a significant other for that matter) then open your heart to them, and care for them...

 

[friskytiger]

Everyone seams to have a valid point indeed, I've been frustrated that Conures are considered more in the Parakeet family but then again Parakeets and their human flog deserve some respect as well. Conner not only is treated like one of our family at home but he goes out a lot with me on errands, etc. as well.

 

[RavensGryf]

I am often asked what kinds of parrots I have, when I gush about my conures people get a diss appointed look on thier face and say "oh, so you don't have any, like, big parrots?" I have not handled macaws in more than passing, but I don't feel the need to ever "outgrow" "upgrade" or "move on" to larger birds.

Aw the comments people make are so ignorant . I agree Dani, about the small or medium sized. That is just MY personal favorite "perfect" size of parrot. I've had large before (size had nothing to do with why I don't still have them). But even with my bird experience, I don't feel compelled to go larger, should I ever get another bird. In fact, the last bird I got is my smallest (besides the Budgie). So many people want to go on to larger birds, and it's OKAY of course, but also saying here that nothing is wrong if you never want to .

 

[SilverSage]

And, for the record, there are just as many people who run screaming from that "those birds are aggressive, and I just know THAT THING is gonna bite me..." macaw, as think they are "trophies." ..

I believe it! I have had sooooooo many people say "oh, conures, I hear they are aggressive" or "I would never own a conure, I couldn't take the screaming!" When they find out how many birds I share my home with i inevitably hear "oh wow your house must be loud!" No, it's quiet as long as I feed on time and the sun isn't coming up or going down! Fortunately living on a military installation 90% of my neighbors are up and at work before the sun and don't get home until after dark anyway. Sorry, off track a bit there, it's just the NONSENSE that comes out of peoples' mouths!

 

[Abigal7]

I am often asked what kinds of parrots I have, when I gush about my conures people get a diss appointed look on thier face and say "oh, so you don't have any, like, big parrots?" I have not handled macaws in more than passing, but I don't feel the need to ever "outgrow" "upgrade" or "move on" to larger birds.

I've had both.

And I hate the concept of "starter birds," "upgrading," or trading up... which assumes the little bird is a "throw away." When you figure out what you are doing and can move up to the bird you actually wanted in the first place...

And who cares what people think... You don't get a bird for what people think of you for having it. You get one because you enjoy them.

And if you want a macaw, get a macaw. If a shrunken macaw is more to your liking, and more in line with what (most people) have room for, and have time for, then get a conure. And, for the record, there are just as many people who run screaming from that "those birds are aggressive, and I just know THAT THING is gonna bite me..." macaw, as think they are "trophies."

If you want a trophy play sports...

If you want an animal (or a significant other for that matter) then open your heart to them, and care for them...

I have to agree with everything you say. I have no doubt when most people think of parrots they think of macaws, toos, African Greys, and Amazons. That said I would not be surprised if people with a status view would hold the larger birds in higher regarded. There is of course the famous question if the bird talks. My reply that Captain Jack talks when he wants to is no doubt not a positive reply in their mind. Conures can talk (same as a lot parrot species) but that does not change the fact non hookbill birds such as Mynah birds, crows, etc do better at talking. I wonder how many people were disappointed when their African Grey mimicked noises like the microwave and did not become like the famous Alex? Or how many regretted their bird could talk when it developed a vocabulary of words that are not considered nice? That was the experience my aunt had with her Africa Grey (it learned to cuss at her and call her names). In my opinion macaws are beautiful and their personality can be a plus but I know the expense and space they no doubt require. After seeing how Captain Jack can easily chew things and put holes in shirts I would hate to see the destruction a large macaw can do. And yes conures and mini macaws are a good options when you do not have a bunch of space but enjoy a bird that can carry the same traits found in a large macaw.

 

[Psittaciformes]

I have to agree with everything you say. I have no doubt when most people think of parrots they think of macaws, toos, African Greys, and Amazons. That said I would not be surprised if people with a status view would hold the larger birds in higher regarded. There is of course the famous question if the bird talks. My reply that Captain Jack talks when he wants to is no doubt not a positive reply in their mind. Conures can talk (same as a lot parrot species) but that does not change the fact non hookbill birds such as Mynah bird, crows, etc do better at talking. I wonder how many people were disappointed when their African Grey mimicked noises like the microwave and did not become like the famous Alex? Or how many regretted their bird could talk when it developed a vocabulary of words that are not considered nice? That was the experience my aunt had with her Africa Grey (it learned to cuss at her and call her names). In my opinion macaws are beautiful and their personality can be a plus but I know the expense and space they no doubt require. After seeing how Captain Jack can easily chew things and put holes in shirts I would hate to see the destruction a large macaw can do. And yes conures and mini macaws are a good options when you do not have a bunch of space but enjoy a bird that can carry the same traits found in a large macaw.

I really don't understand why people always fixate on the talking, I understand it's fun and that, but why is it the only thing non-bird people care about?
People asked if my cockatiel spoke, I told them they usually don't talk, but learn to whistle melodies a lot better, they go 'what's the point then?'
Can make me so angry. I understand that a lot of non-bird people don't get how affectionate they can be and how funny they are, but come on, you don't get an animal for its abilities to mimic human speech.
Next time I meet someone with mice I'm gonna ask if they can go through a maze to find the cheese, if they say no, i'm gonna ask them what's the point then. Almost the same thing ...

By the way, love the name of your hahn's