What kind Of bird should I get?

[User3167]

I’ve been considering getting a bird, but I was wondering if anyone has any advice on which breed to purchase.
I’m home almost 24/7 and would be able to give it plenty of attention.
There are little children in the house.
I was contemplating cockatiels, but I’m sensitive to dust and I read that they can be dusty.
I was also contemplating a pionus but I read that they can be rather shy. Does anyone have any experience with that?
Thanks in advance!

 

[kme3388]

I’ve been considering getting a bird, but I was wondering if anyone has any advice on which breed to purchase.
I’m home almost 24/7 and would be able to give it plenty of attention.
There are little children in the house.
I was contemplating cockatiels, but I’m sensitive to dust and I read that they can be dusty.
I was also contemplating a pionus but I read that they can be rather shy. Does anyone have any experience with that?
Thanks in advance!

One of my first parrots was a cockatiel. They have such a lovely personality. At least the one I had did. She did lay quite a few eggs. I was a teenager back then. I’m trying to remember if she was dusty or not.

In my experience with parrots none of them especially care for screaming children (not sure how old your kids are), or children sticking their fingers in their cages. Not to mention some parrots can be territorial over their cages on top of it. I’m sure they can coexist with proper supervision, and education. Just be careful! Smaller parrots are very fragile, and I’ve seen the parrot after they got hurt by a child that throws a parrot for biting. Larger parrots can seriously injure a child. There are pets that are more suitable for small children if that’s the situation you are in. Parrots are high maintenance pets.

 

[User3167]

One of my first parrots was a cockatiel. They have such a lovely personality. At least the one I had did. She did lay quite a few eggs. I was a teenager back then. I’m trying to remember if she was dusty or not.

In my experience with parrots none of them especially care for screaming children (not sure how old your kids are), or children sticking their fingers in their cages. Not to mention some parrots can be territorial over their cages on top of it. I’m sure they can coexist with proper supervision, and education. Just be careful! Smaller parrots are very fragile, and I’ve seen the parrot after they got hurt by a child that throws a parrot for biting. Larger parrots can seriously injure a child. There are pets that are more suitable for small children if that’s the situation you are in. Parrots are high maintenance pets.

I also have rabbits which my kids are very responsible with, and they understand that animals are fragile and not toys, so I don’t really think that would be a problem. I’m just looking for a good natured breed

 

[wrench13]

Parrots are one of those pets that are often better to think about having then actually having. It takes a real every day commitment for a LONG time in order to give a parrot a good home. In many ways they are like small children, think 3 yr olds, who never grow up and have a can opener on their face. ANd every bird is an individual, so there is really no 'docile' or 'quiet' or other human assigned attribute species. Good parrots are ones that are trained well, cared for very well and are totally understood by their owners. And even 'good' parrots bite, scream and can be destructive, at times. Think hard, read a lot on these forums, and good luck!

 

[GaleriaGila]

What Wrenchie said!
And good for you for reaching out and joining us!

 

[Kahlua’s Mom]

I’ve been considering getting a bird, but I was wondering if anyone has any advice on which breed to purchase.
I’m home almost 24/7 and would be able to give it plenty of attention.
There are little children in the house.
I was contemplating cockatiels, but I’m sensitive to dust and I read that they can be dusty.
I was also contemplating a pionus but I read that they can be rather shy. Does anyone have any experience with that?
Thanks in advance!

Hello, Yes Cockatiels can be dusty, however you can combat that by lightly misting your bird. If you get a hand raised Cockatiel they are usually very sweet. Also, there are a few others. A parakeet budgie, lovebird and a parrotlet. Green Cheeks are a really cool bird as well. Just be sure to get a hand raised. Parakeets are small and come in a variety of colors of blues and greens… They are inexpensive and you can tell their sex by the cere in most cases. Lovebirds are sweet too. Parrotlets are more costly but they are known as a pocket parrot. Green Cheeks have alot of personality. All of them have lower dust than Cockatiels but as with any bird they have a dust, some more than others.

 

[rheashard2]

What the others said. All birds have some amount of dust. It's natural feather by-product. Think unavoidable dandruff. It's the amount and severity that comes into play. My grey is a dust storm when she shakes. If she's molting visibility around her is near zero.