What is the parrot breed best suited for me?

[kenzie]

As I have been browsing around the forum asking questions about my up coming bird purchase there seems to be one thing that everyone agrees on. I have no clue what bird to buy. So here is some info about me so you can help me pick.

First off I would like to say I'm a student. I go to school from 8 to 3. I can spend a minimum of 4 hours a day but usually more. I would prefer a bird that has bursts of noise such as in the morning and night versus all the time. Talking ability is definetly not a deal breaker for me. Ill admit even though I am definetly not a novice in parrot care and knowledge I am lacking in expierience. I have had a budgie and handled large birds. I am knowledgeable about training large birds etc. Also there will be birdie people home when I'm not.

So what bird would you reccomend? I have enough money for most breeds and their care so don't take that into consideration as much. Also if you have any questions feel free to ask.

 

[mandolynn]

If I were you, I'd go to a rescue and see if I bonded with any of the birds. Or your local bird store, but I always adopt and save a life rather than buy. The breed isn't always the most important thing, the individual bird is. I've found that it's "love at first sight" for the owner and the bird many times.

 

[Jtbirds]

Yes I suggest a rescue to and have an open mind if you go in thinking macaw you might end up with a amazon(just an example) looking around and finding what best suites you is how I would work it. My favorite species are macaws, but that is not everyone's favorite or the most suggested by far. If you aren't interested in rescue I would suggest.... Hm, I really love mini macaws and eclectus for a not so big bird then my big bird choice is defiantly a macaw. But this may vary for you so it is up to you if you decide against the rescue path, then it is what you feel is best suited for you.

 

[kenzie]

Thanks guys. I am kind of against rescuing for a couple reasons
1. There are none close to me with breeds besides budgies
2. I'm new to the rescue thing and I'm not sure if I'm ready for a bird that probably has some problems ( considering I haven't had much hands on expierience )
Other then that I think rescuing is great for someone who has more expierience.

Oh and btw do you have any specific breeds that are known to fit lifestyles like mine. I know all birds are different but some breeds can be catagorized for personalities and such. I would really like a macaw but Ihave heard you have to be with them all day or they go crazy. But would a macaw be a good match ( in general) considering I don't have much hands on expierience? Sorry I'm so cluless.

 

[Jtbirds]

I have many macaws and am not with them all day long and they do just fine if not better then most. My birds can be independent when they need as I taught them how to be and when Im around they are fine, but don't stop what they are doing if they are busy with themselves. being with any bird all day could cause many many issues. My birds are all out 6 hours a day so what you have seems satisfable for one macaw I believe, but in any case espically this make sure you do extensive homework and so on before making up your mind. Macaws have there pros and cons and some of those cons will turn you away very quickly unless you are very dedicated to having and housing that bird. Without much Hands on expirence I would advise against anything to big. Macaws can be very hard to handle if you don't know how to work with them or if you develop a fear after they bite you and so on. I really find this question to be hard because until you own them you sometimes don't know what you are getting into. My first macaw was an eye opener in many ways, one the behaviors and two the power of her beak into my arm. She was my first big resue and she came with another very aggresive bird, I learnt a lot from my first two macaws and ever since then have loved the species, but it took owning one to understand hem better.

Id really suggest looking into possibly a eclectus, maybe a poicephalus, even an amazon or mini macaw could be ideal to take a step up with as you said you have some expirence already?

I didn't even think of it maybe even a pionus?..

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Thanks guys. I am kind of against rescuing for a couple reasons
1. There are none close to me with breeds besides budgies
2. I'm new to the rescue thing and I'm not sure if I'm ready for a bird that probably has some problems ( considering I haven't had much hands on expierience )
Other then that I think rescuing is great for someone who has more expierience.

Good point ,I used to be afraid of birds and getting my just weaned caique helped a ton .I was able to build my confidence and grow with her. Because of that ,a big turning point in my life!! [great bird]. But what l learned that works for me is. I go to where I get my birds and ask to interact with everyone that I might have had the slightest interest in .You can tell pretty much know when you come across the right bird.Like JT said I always think im going to get an Eckie and end up with something else. I would love to recommend a bird but I dont know what you want .Some of mine go to everyone,or are just my bird,some play alot ,some just hang out, some are affectionate, some are interactive.Let us know.

 

[weco]

I go to school from 8 to 3.

I have enough money for most breeds.....

Whatever specie of bird you decide on, you will need to alot some time before you leave for school or you'll liable to end up with an upset bird.....this could even be a few minutes of one-on-one with the bird, the bird being in your room while you're getting ready, them telling the bird you'll see him/her later...and you're off.....

I tell my birds I am going to work, to the grocery store, to town, etc. & once the got used to the various regular timings that might be involved, they no longer screamed for any real amount of time after I left...usually they would go back to sleep for a while in the early mornings or played with toys or otherwise found their own time killers until I returned.....they know the different sounds of all 3 of my vehicles & often don't start up 'til they hear me come back, or they hear the post person or some other delivery person, then the'll sound their warning calls.....

Where you have someone that will be there, warning calls may be less in length.....

Given you don't think you are ready for a bird with baggage, I would try to find a breeder who has a reputation of producing very well socialized birds.....no two breeders are alike, so taking your time here will be worth it.....you don't mention where you live or some of us might be able to offer suggestions the you could check out.....

Every bird has its own proclivities, specifying a bird that might be noisy for a short period in the morning, then for a short period in the evening is something a good many of us would like in our choice of birds, but it really is how much you interact with the bird & how much time you are willing to spend on its training, rather than assuming that it will come pre-trained.....it might even be good if you were able to interact with it before it is weaned and ready to come home with you...it would give you both a head-start on knowing each other & training.....

You also didn't offer a not interested or interested lists to be suggested from, so I'll suggest a green cheek, maroon bellied or nanday conure as having fun personalities, not being too noisy & being able to find their own devices to keep them company until you get home.....

Oh, almost forgot.....dogs & cats have breeds.....our feathered friends have species.....

 

[Kiwibird]

My first thought would also be adoption. Not every bird up for adoption is a "rescue" bird with problems. Some come from perfectly loving homes where they received excellent care, just circumstances led to the owners no longer being able to care for them (death of an owner, moving, new job that took up too much time ect...). However, if you really feel uncomfortable about the process, then it's probably best you look for a weaned juvenile from a reputable breeder. Species wise, I would stick to medium sized birds given your experience level. A large parrot may be too much for you right now, no matter where it comes from. There are many wonderful species in the medium size ranges (Conures, caiques, Quakers, alexandrines, IRNs ect...). Keep in mind, every parrot is an individual, and you really can't tell just based on species which will be noisy, quiet, nippy, friendly, talks ect... That boils down to the individual bird. My suggestion would be for you to start looking into different species and their "typical" qualities, narrow it down to a few preferred breeds, and then look into reputable breeders.

 

[Kspenn]

I have 9 birds and all but one of them are rescues. From my experience, it almost seems like my rescues seem to appreciate everything more than my purchased birds. Many of my rescues came from horrible situations but not all of them, my African Grey came from a very loving family that had realized in advance that they weren't going to be able to provide for her any more. Any way, my point is that my purchased bird is not friendly at all, but all of my rescues including my parakeets are all very sweet and love me and my family to death! For me it has been so very rewarding to watch their transformations when coming from a less fortunate situation to a very pleasant one.

 

[Birdboy]

Yes I suggest a rescue to and have an open mind if you go in thinking macaw you might end up with a amazon(just an example) looking around and finding what best suites you is how I would work it. My favorite species are macaws, but that is not everyone's favorite or the most suggested by far. If you aren't interested in rescue I would suggest.... Hm, I really love mini macaws and eclectus for a not so big bird then my big bird choice is defiantly a macaw. But this may vary for you so it is up to you if you decide against the rescue path, then it is what you feel is best suited for you.

I agree with every thing that you have said. And that example is exactly what happened with me, i had my heart set on a blue and gold macaw, my amazon keiko and me clicked the minute we saw each other, the macaw didnt like me......