What Kind of Bird Should I Get?

[aquariusrising]

I have narrowed it down to Linnie, Parrotlet, or Quaker Parrot and would like to hear peoples experiences with those and which would fit in best with my family. I only looked into birds I always already interested in, but if someone thinks of another bird that would fit in with my family better, please let me know.

I currently have a green cheek conure and a budgie which are allowed in my apartment, but anything much louder then that would probably not work out here.

My green cheek is my favorite bird I have ever owned so far. I am looking for a bird who will like to spend a lot of time on my shoulder, but my green cheek is always with me so preferably not a bird who will be too jealous, though I work from home so I do have enough time to divide.

I like birds with a lot of personally, dancing, playful, or cuddly.

The most important things to me are just that the bird not be loud enough to get me kicked out of my apartment, and that the bird be willing to sit with me and not too hard to tame.

Thoughts?

 

[Puck]

Hm... I love Quakers to death, but they can be a bit noisy when they want to be! I'm afraid I only have experience with Quakers, 'tiels, and budgies, but I will say I don't know if a Quaker is the #1 choice for an apartment bird, especially when it's gonna be combined with the bird noise you already have! Plus Quakers aren't the most cuddly of all birds, though I think their nutty personalities are worth it! SUCH SMART BIRDS!

 

[Mariar]

I loved my Quaker,but she was a loud one at times. Mine was very cuddly. I wouldn't over think this, but consider your bird now..will it be the jealous type? And why do you want another bird if you live in a small space, especially if the two already get along. Will it be a rescue or pet shop shop bird? I guess no one can truly tell you what to get or what to do. Birds tend to be loud, messy, and expensive ..that's bird life. Good luck with your decision.

 

[LeaKP]

I love budgies, they are the most underrated bird. When hand raised and tame, that's the key finding one that has been properly raised, they are amazing.

Parrotlets are awesome too - they are a bit feisty tho and can be jealous. However, well worth the trouble - I love birds with lots of personality.

 

[SailBoat]

This may seem counter to your current want. Since you are living in an apartment, adding an additional bird, at this time, may not be your best choice. It is very possible that even if you add a like bird to your current group may in and over itself result in a noise level above what is acceptable to the property owner and/or other renters. I would suggest that you investigate this first.

 

[aquariusrising]

I loved my Quaker,but she was a loud one at times. Mine was very cuddly. I wouldn't over think this, but consider your bird now..will it be the jealous type? And why do you want another bird if you live in a small space, especially if the two already get along. Will it be a rescue or pet shop shop bird? I guess no one can truly tell you what to get or what to do. Birds tend to be loud, messy, and expensive ..that's bird life. Good luck with your decision.

It's not that I live in a small space, I actually live in a pretty large space with several rooms and two stories. I just tend to prefer smaller birds, I am more comfortable around them. I am the same way with dogs, I prefer smaller ones.

As far as my current birds being jealous, I know my budgie won't. He has never been the jealous type and prefers to keep to himself anyway. He loves his out of cage time but isn't a huge cuddler and doesn't like to be right on me all the time like my conure does. I'm not sure if my conure would be jealous. I don't think she would, she doesn't scream or get upset when I have my budgie out. She likes to spend all of her out of cage time on my shoulder, but doesn't yell in her cage unless I leave the room for too long.

My reason for wanting another bird is mainly because I am home all the time and plenty of spare time and would like to have more 'bird time'. My budgie tends to get irritated if I bug him too much, and my conure is older and prefers to cuddle up on my neck, so they aren't really keeping me busy.

 

[aquariusrising]

I love budgies, they are the most underrated bird. When hand raised and tame, that's the key finding one that has been properly raised, they are amazing.

Parrotlets are awesome too - they are a bit feisty tho and can be jealous. However, well worth the trouble - I love birds with lots of personality.

I agree with you about budgies being underrated. They can make really great birds! Parrotlets sound like exactly what I am looking for personality wise but I want to be sure before going to get one of course.

Thanks for your advice!

 

[aquariusrising]

This may seem counter to your current want. Since you are living in an apartment, adding an additional bird, at this time, may not be your best choice. It is very possible that even if you add a like bird to your current group may in and over itself result in a noise level above what is acceptable to the property owner and/or other renters. I would suggest that you investigate this first.

Our apartment allows us three dogs/cats total, so three dogs, three cats, or a combination as long as it doesn't exceed three.

For other pets there are no limits on the number we can have, just the type. For example, we were given a list of animals we aren't allowed to have (like ferrets, hedgehogs, rats, reptiles, and so on) and a list of animals we are allowed to have (guinea pigs, rabbits, small-medium sized birds, and so on). They didn't specify where the cut off between medium and large sized birds is, and it doesn't make since to me that it is based on size rather then noise. I can only assume whoever made the rules didn't realize how loud some of the smaller birds could be.

This is why I try and keep it down to smaller and quieter birds. I know for a fact many people here have budgies and cockatiels, and my budgie is actually louder then my GCC. My guinea pigs and dog, and many of my neighbors dogs are also louder then my GCC so I try to let my conure be my noise limit when looking at other birds if that makes since, even though my other pets are louder, just to be on the safe side.

 

[aquariusrising]

Hm... I love Quakers to death, but they can be a bit noisy when they want to be! I'm afraid I only have experience with Quakers, 'tiels, and budgies, but I will say I don't know if a Quaker is the #1 choice for an apartment bird, especially when it's gonna be combined with the bird noise you already have! Plus Quakers aren't the most cuddly of all birds, though I think their nutty personalities are worth it! SUCH SMART BIRDS!

Thanks for your input. As much as I would love to have a quaker, you are probably right about them being too loud for me. I have always wanted one but I have to make a practical choice.

 

[OOwl]

I like small birds, too, even though I live in a fairly large house. While I do have a Grey and a RB2, as well, I just love the small guys and their portability of being constantly with me. You might consider a hand-raised/socialized-to-people lovebird. They make great companions when acquired from a breeder that takes time with them as youngsters. My lovebirds are playful, silly, brave and not too needy. If I need to spend time with other tasks, they are happy to play alone on their various play stations. I don't find them too noisy, especially when you just have one. I have two pet lovebirds, a 14-year-old hen and a five-year-old male. Both are superior companions that I can hand to anyone, which I enjoy, sharing my birds with friends and family. Neither have exhibited any jealousy toward my other birds; however, they do not like each other at all, so are never out at the same time.

That said, my parrotlet is insanely jealous of other birds and of my husband. He will dive-bomb and bite anyone he sees as a threat to my affection or attention. He is adorable, though, and talks a blue streak. He's beyond feisty and hyper, flying to and fro and never resting. I have to keep a vigilant eye on him every moment he's out so he doesn't get himself into trouble. Not all parrotlets are this high energy, but a lot of them are. My husband has his own parrotlet, and he's calm and attentive to him. He allows me to hold him but he is definitely a one-person bird (frankly, I find him boring LOL). I love the busy, naughtiness of a feisty parrotlet, but I can see where it would be problematic for some. Mine is VERY loud, ear-peircing loud and he's just being happy and vocal.

Good luck on your choice. You sound like a wonderful bird person who really loves her birds. Can't wait to see which one you choose.

 

[RavensGryf]

Out of the 3 species you mentioned that you are most intersted in, although I don't have experience with them, I know that Linnies are quiet. I don't think they're known for being cuddly?

I think you'll be fine in a rental if you don't have a bird who vocalizes at the top of their lungs all day long. I've lived in rental properties with all kinds of birds and never had a problem. The last apartment I was in, my neighbor had a Goffin's Cockatoo next door, and the loud screams were quite muffled unless the door or window was open. Again, he didn't scream all day long which is the difference between acceptable and unacceptable IMO. I'd rather hear a loud large bird on occasion, than a smaller noisy one vocalizing frequently. Besides, no matter what size the bird is, the small ones can be fairly loud too sound carries. I'd go for a species known for not being a highly vocal species. FWIW, my budgie (American, not the English) screams and screams LOUD, and is my noisiest parrot! If he's not singing he's chirping or screaming. Oh well, it means he's healthy lol.

Since a couple of you have said it, I will admit too that I am a small bird person . Although Raven my Pionus is actually a medium, and I've had large birds too which I loved just as much, but my size if I were to pick my favorite is small. There's just something "extra" cute about the smaller ones. Even my Pionus is too big to have that certain kind of cuteness that comes with being smaller (don't tell him)

Keep us posted on what you decide, and keep the questions coming if you should have any more!

 

[aquariusrising]

I like small birds, too, even though I live in a fairly large house. While I do have a Grey and a RB2, as well, I just love the small guys and their portability of being constantly with me. You might consider a hand-raised/socialized-to-people lovebird. They make great companions when acquired from a breeder that takes time with them as youngsters. My lovebirds are playful, silly, brave and not too needy. If I need to spend time with other tasks, they are happy to play alone on their various play stations. I don't find them too noisy, especially when you just have one. I have two pet lovebirds, a 14-year-old hen and a five-year-old male. Both are superior companions that I can hand to anyone, which I enjoy, sharing my birds with friends and family. Neither have exhibited any jealousy toward my other birds; however, they do not like each other at all, so are never out at the same time.

That said, my parrotlet is insanely jealous of other birds and of my husband. He will dive-bomb and bite anyone he sees as a threat to my affection or attention. He is adorable, though, and talks a blue streak. He's beyond feisty and hyper, flying to and fro and never resting. I have to keep a vigilant eye on him every moment he's out so he doesn't get himself into trouble. Not all parrotlets are this high energy, but a lot of them are. My husband has his own parrotlet, and he's calm and attentive to him. He allows me to hold him but he is definitely a one-person bird (frankly, I find him boring LOL). I love the busy, naughtiness of a feisty parrotlet, but I can see where it would be problematic for some. Mine is VERY loud, ear-peircing loud and he's just being happy and vocal.

Good luck on your choice. You sound like a wonderful bird person who really loves her birds. Can't wait to see which one you choose.

Thank you so much for your response, it was very helpful. I was feeling kind of confused because it almost seemed like people were shocked I would get a third bird and I wasn't sure why. I don't feel like 3 is excessive at all, especially considering I only leave my house when I need groceries! Lol.

As far as lovebirds go, I have always loved them but am sad to say the only two I have met were pretty aggressive towards me and their owner. I like your idea about getting an already socialized baby one and will definitely look into that. They are beautiful and perfect size and I would love to have a sweet one.

Now I do have a question about the whole one person bird thing. I didn't realize parrotlets were so vocal, so I may have to rethink that, but I do enjoy one person birds when I am their one person

My question is, I don't know how to word it.. Basically when we got our conure she only wanted to be with my husband. She is is at LEAST seven and had been through several male owners and while my husband enjoys sitting with her every now and then, neither of us liked her flying to him as soon as he got off work every day, and we could never get her off of him once she did. We made sure she didn't see him at all until she got to know me, and after just a few days she stopped trying to fly to him. If we were to end up with another one person bird and I was the only one to interact with the bird would there still be a possibility of the bird 'choosing' my husband? It seems like though I am the animal lover, all of the animals love him

Thanks again for your answer. We are going to go visit a very reputable bird store tomorrow that raises their own babies (it is family owned) and a rescue, though last few times I check the rescue only had cockatiels and budgies.

 

[aquariusrising]

Out of the 3 species you mentioned that you are most intersted in, although I don't have experience with them, I know that Linnies are quiet. I don't think they're known for being cuddly?

I think you'll be fine in a rental if you don't have a bird who vocalizes at the top of their lungs all day long. I've lived in rental properties with all kinds of birds and never had a problem. The last apartment I was in, my neighbor had a Goffin's Cockatoo next door, and the loud screams were quite muffled unless the door or window was open. Again, he didn't scream all day long which is the difference between acceptable and unacceptable IMO. I'd rather hear a loud large bird on occasion, than a smaller noisy one vocalizing frequently. Besides, no matter what size the bird is, the small ones can be fairly loud too sound carries. I'd go for a species known for not being a highly vocal species. FWIW, my budgie (American, not the English) screams and screams LOUD, and is my noisiest parrot! If he's not singing he's chirping or screaming. Oh well, it means he's healthy lol.

Since a couple of you have said it, I will admit too that I am a small bird person . Although Raven my Pionus is actually a medium, and I've had large birds too which I loved just as much, but my size if I were to pick my favorite is small. There's just something "extra" cute about the smaller ones. Even my Pionus is too big to have that certain kind of cuteness that comes with being smaller (don't tell him)

Keep us posted on what you decide, and keep the questions coming if you should have any more!

I agree with you, I know the neighbors are fed up with some of the dogs here, but no one has said a thing about my birds.
I don't see why a semi-vocal bird should be any more annoying then all the dogs here who bark all day. I have a feeling when my apartment says small-medium sized birds they just mean small. I honestly don't think the management knows much about birds, and I think their choices of what animals are and aren't allowed is very odd and based on their own likes and dislikes-no rats or chinchillas but guinea pigs and hamsters are allowed? It is just odd. It doesn't seem like the list is based on noise at all. Chinchillas are much quieter then guinea pigs and smell better too, lol. (I love both)

Anyway, thank you for your response, I will be going to look at birds tomorrow and will either come home with the perfect bird for me or come home without one to do more research.

BTW, have to add that I just noticed I was spelling 'sense' wrong all night last night, oops!

 

[RavensGryf]

Last time I lived in an apartment there was a large dog upstairs who wouldn't shut up whether it was indoors or outdoors. It was extremely loud and vocalized often. That was more disturbing than any of the birds in the community. Then there are loud people, tv too loud after hours, etc.

Again, I wouldn't worry too much about a "normal" level of bird noise. Personally I think noise (regardless of from who or what) is only a problem when it's so frequent on a regular basis that it's disturbing to the lives of others.

 

[SoCalWendy]

I have a parrotlet... they are feisty birds, and come with attitude. Birdzilla is what I call Kiwi at times. The other times, she is an absolute doll. When they get mad, you know it. They will take on much larger birds in a nano second, without much provocation. They are related to amazons, and have just as much personality, minus the talking and noise ability. They can talk, love to play. They can be pretty content being by themselves, but then will welcome you home, and enjoy being part of the family. Mine is flighted. She loves being flighted, me eh.... I have my moments, especially when I am trying to go in to the bathroom. Its like the child that follows you EVERYWHERE. She will come looking for me and actually crawl under the bathroom door, if she thinks I am in the bathroom. Funny lil birds, great for apartments.

 

[tijya]

My parrotlet is full of personality. She's primarily my bird, but if she's been with me all day then she will spend some time with my husband. If we are both around all day, she chooses me.

She's kind of like velcro. Stuck to me all of the time. She likes to snuggle and play.

Her chirping isn't super loud but she is noisier than my conure. Not louder, but consistently noisier. Some days she chirps up a storm.

 

[aquariusrising]

Hey, just wanted to thank you all and let you know I have made a decision and found a baby lovebird who will be ready to come home in two weeks!

I started a separated thread to help me get prepare.

Thank you all so much <3