what bird should i get

[buzz1ightyear]

hey everyone i would like to get a pet bird but im still not sure what i should get. right now m thinking about a green cheek conure or a senengal parrot. basically i would like a bird that likes to be handled and playful. the ability to learn some words and talk would be cool but its not important to me. i would like to get as big a bird as possible.i wish i can get a macaw but i live in an apartment so noise is a concern. what birds would you recommend for me.

 

[EAI]

I would go with a GCC 100% ! I don't have one (I would love to though) but I've seen some cute pictures, videos, and stories on how cuddly and trainable they are.

 

[tjwolf1]

Do you have any bird experience? Do you have time/money to devote to a bird? I have encountered some conures that are very noisy. Of course nowhere near as loud as say a 'too or a screaming macaw, but still loud. Typically because they don't get as much attention as they should. I have a cockatiel that pretty much only speaks when spoken to. She is very sweet and cuddly, primarily to me. I made the mistake of re homing my macaw a couple of years ago partially because of her loud mouth when she didn't get enough attention. Thankfully, I recently got her back. I only tell you that because you need to be prepared to spend a lot of time with your bird so you don't have to go through what I did. My situation worked out wonderfully. Not all do. Someday I would like to get a conure also. They sure are neat little birds, and usually easy to acquire.

Do your research before you leap. Read, meet some birds and bird people, and read some more. Think of your future with a bird. Will you always have time to give it? Do you have major life events coming up that may affect your spare time?

Birds make great companions, but are also a lot of work. Good luck!

 

[JerseyWendy]

Welcome to the forum.

Please have a look around, there is tons and tons of helpful information on this site.

Perhaps here is a good way to start:
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/7244-parrot-me.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/300-parrots-bill-rights.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/8769-so-you-want-get-parrot-first-time.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/3100-bond-forming.html

 

[Ann333]

My first bird is a green cheek conure. I did 13-14 months of research deciding on a species then researching green cheeks specifically. Let me tell you, while absolutely nesscessary research only goes so far. If at all possible I'd recommend finding a way to interact with bird before getting one. I expected all of Pumpkins behaviors because of the research, but feel like having hands on experience would have been very helpful.

That being said, I absolutely love my birdie!! He was definitely the right choice! He's learning fast and is a complete sweetheart.

 

[4dugnlee]

I think a green cheek conure would be a good choice. Just don't get a sun conure..lol..they are TOO loud if you're worried about noise (at least mine is...but I live out in the middle of nowhere so noise isn't an issue).

 

[Jayyj]

I went for the crazy approach for my first bird and chose a cockatoo, not that I felt I had a lot of choice in the matter. I was all set to go for a GCC as a first bird, but every time I visited the local shop I found myself drawn to the miserable looking pink bird in the corner - I'd go up the bars and whisper, 'What's the matter? Why so miserable?' and she'd eventually acknowledge me with a little head bob and pop of the crest. Then came the day she edged up to the front of the cage and reached out to wrap her toes around my finger: I knew that moment who my first bird was going to be. It was a steep learning curve but I don't regret it.

The bottom line is by all means do your research, but your best approach would be to try to find places you can visit and interact with different birds and see what your gut reaction is. The right bird might surprise you!

 

[RavensGryf]

Welcome... May I ask 'why' you must have a bird "as big as possible"?? What is the reason?

As far as what bird to recommend to you, it's hard to say having very limited information about you and your lifestyle particulars. One question that might help us is.... Are you a minor living with parents, an adult going to school, or an adult established with a job or career?

You might find some good information in the links above that Wendy posted, as well as under the Search feature of this forum.

 

[Lynsey]

I researched a lot before I got my first bird. I actually wanted a larger bird too. But I live in a townhouse so noise is an issue (I do have neighbors on one side). I got a baby White Capped pionus. I am so glad I did. Of course I wanted a cockatoo or a love sponge, but after researching it would not be fair to the bird with my work schedule. Now that I have him, I know I made a good choice. He's so sweet, but he also has bitten me a few times too... I'm glad he's not bigger. It hurts, but no damage... Now a larger bird can do damage... Guess I'm kinda a whimp

 

[RavensGryf]

Oh a Pionus can definitely do damage (as much or little as a small Zon) After maturity... . They are beautiful and independent birds though!

 

[buzz1ightyear]

thanks for the replies so far as far as my bird experience i dont really have any i do have a salt water aquarium and a veiled chameleon so thats my animal experience. as far as time i can spend 4 hours a day at minimum with the new bird. i am an adult that recently has gone back to school the go further in my career. and as far as why i want big bird just bigger birds i cant really describe why. have done lots of research and will continue to do me im not rushing into this. thanks for the continued help.

 

[Lynsey]

Oh a Pionus can definitely do damage (as much or little as a small Zon) After maturity... . They are beautiful and independent birds though!

Great, and mine is still a baby.... Yikes. Still not gonna be like a cockatoo or macaw bite....at least I hope not!

 

[Roanoke]

I suggest you to think long and hard before getting a bird. They are a lot of work. Yes, it pays off for some people but you need to ask yourself why you want one.
If you need a caring little buddy, the best choice would be to adopt a small dog. Birds see us as equals rather than masters and while they can be cuddle-bugs, they can also be grumpy, irritable and unpredictable.
If you want something rare, beautiful and tropical, parrots are a great choice but you have to be prepared for the consequences. A lower maintenance alternative would be Gouldian Finches, or a reptile if you are unconcerned with low activity levels.

If you're looking for a friend to talk to who'll talk back, the pitter-patter of little footsies on the floor, poop on your jeans (and shoulder, and couch, and desk..), an indignant "raaawk!" when you leave the room, vegetables on the rug and a LOUD, LOUD LOUD greeting to each morning, a bird just might be the perfect addition to your life!


On another note, you mentioned wanting a big bird. Everyone here will try and convince you that the littles deserve a chance too (And they do, rightfully so!) but if you really, really have your heart set on a big one, don't settle for anything less. I guarantee you'll end up unsatisfied and with MBS.


Edit: You replied before I finished writing this! I see you already have done research, have sufficient time etc. Just keep in mind some of the things I've talked about here!

 

[Lynsey]

Mine isn't loud in the morning or before bed. He just starts mumbling pretty bird in the morning before I uncover his cage. He's never woke me up. Guess I might be lucky. But he does scream if he thinks I've been on the phone too long ;-)

 

[Roanoke]

Yeah, not all birdies are screamers. (You're a lucky one!) As a general rule however, parrots will scream. I just wanted to put some emphasis on that!

 

[41Gryphon]

Yeah, not all birdies are screamers. (You're a lucky one!) As a general rule however, parrots will scream. I just wanted to put some emphasis on that!

Agreed on that!

(by the way, love the quote in your signature )

 

[Hawk]

Senegal's are quiet birds, bond very well to one person and are cuddle bunnies.

 

[kq_fan]

I have both and defiantly the GCC!

Im sorry to be contrary Hawk but mine Senegal is so loud! He makes my ear go numb! He is so so so so so so loud he is as loud as a CAG! So loud! He is not too personable but ill give him that one, we have only had him for a month! His bites are severe! If you want a sweet not to screechy not to hard of a bite bird, I would suggest a GCC. But not all greenies are as quiet as mine and hey not all sennies are as... aggressively scary as my Sonic!

 

[Hawk]

I have both and defiantly the GCC!

Im sorry to be contrary Hawk but mine Senegal is so loud! He makes my ear go numb! He is so so so so so so loud he is as loud as a CAG! So loud! He is not too personable but ill give him that one, we have only had him for a month! His bites are severe! If you want a sweet not to screechy not to hard of a bite bird, I would suggest a GCC. But not all greenies are as quiet as mine and hey not all sennies are as... aggressively scary as my Sonic!

Wow...really? Mine is quite quiet..Well she dose have a particular call when she wants me and that is a bit irritating of a screech. And yeah sometime the bite can be one heck of a pinch....they put their all into a bite that's for sure. But my should have been named " Buzz saw" as the little bugger reshaped a table in no time flat...square corners are round now...lol

 

[veimar]

HI there! Green cheek is a great idea - I rescued mine on impulse as a first bird, and couldn't be a happier bird owner! (I have 5 more now) Gccs are fun, playful and easily trained. Not all of them like handling though - mine tolerates it, but doesn't like that much. He used to be much cuddlier, but not when his hormones kicked in he is weird. BTW, why do you want a "big" bird? Have you ever experienced a "big bird" bite? Sometimes when my lil fids bite me bad (they can hardly break the skin and happens very seldom) I think - well, what if it was a Macaw or Amazon?
Have you though about cockatiels - they are very nice and love to be petted.
Oh, just wanted to add, that my gcc LOVES to scream, but even if he goes on the top of his lungs it's not 'really' loud - I could even sleep through it in the morning with my earplugs.