What parrot would be best for me?

[DGSforex]

Hi all,

I've been wanting to get myself and the family a parrot. I have always enjoyed birds and the family has always had budgies and cockatiels when I was growing up and though now may be the best time for myself and family but I do have a few concerns and the more I research the more confused I become.

I do have my preference but don't want to influence suggestions or have people claim "you can't have that bird in your situation". Id rather hear what may be best for my situation.

We live in in the Australian tropics, a family of 4, kids under 15yrs, smaller birds don't interest me as much as the larger birds do, aesthetically I prefer short tailed parrot but not obviously not a deal breaker just preference. We do not live in an apartment or unit so noise complaint aren't a huge issue. We have been considering a bird for sometime and put cash aside so the cost isn't a huge factor either.

My concerns start to lay around the below:

* behavior/aggression (I understand this can be down to personality of the individual bird like humans) I just want to mitigate where possible. Obviously with the kids I don't won't them to become injured or fearful.

* Time spent - this one is a big concern for me... I know quality is better than quantity but unfortunately I'm not retired or rich and need to earn a living. I work in the waste industry so my days start typically between 4-6am finishing 2-4pm, my partner works a typical 8-5 (while she is far from opposed to getting a bird it was ultimately her decision because she knew I've been wanting one for sometime) she does not want to be the bird primary caretaker.

So hopefully with this information people morse experienced can shed their opinions on any specific species I should be looking more into?

Thank you all in advance for your input

If there's anything else please let me know

 

[wrench13]

Although smaller, you cant go wrong as a family bird then with one of the brotogeris family parrots( yellow wing, chevron, orange wing etc) aka beebee parrots. They re one of the few species that actually seeks out human company in the wild. Ours loved every member of the house and loved to snuggle and be scratched. Curious and BOLD, very fun parrots.

 

[GaleriaGila]

What Wrench said...

I'm glad you're here. The Search engine is great for research on choosing birds. Stick with us as you research and choose!

 

[Vampiric_Conure]

Brotogerus, Pionus, maybe those like the Senegal/red-bellied parrot/brown heads.

I'm biased, so suggest a blue-headed or bronze-winged pionus, but there are a lot of good species out there for a family .

 

[kme3388]

Hi there, and welcome. There is great advice above.

Parrots are exquisite creatures that are stunning. They all come with different personalities, and traits.

I will tell you that baby parrots are so sweet, cuddly, friendly, and needy. Then they hit puberty & things can change. This is when I feel like people rehome their parrot, or they reach out for help. Parrots can become more aggressive when they hit puberty due to hormones just as we humans do. They can become sexual frustrated. Just keep this in mind if you get a baby bird.

Molting, and pin feathers are something I’d advise anyone to look for. All of my parrots are more sensitive at this time. If I bump a pin feather I’m going to get bit.

Some parrots are very very loud. All 4 of mine are well known for their ability to scream. They can put most to shame. No I cannot control this, and no matter what anyone tells you no one can make a parrot “quiet”. You can use distractions at best to dissipate the screaming, but the disciple level of a parrots scream is something they are always capable of.

Some parrots are very social. 2 of my parrots would prefer to be out of their cages & with me all day everyday. If I’m home & they know it they will scream until we can be together. It’s because they think I’m their flock (or mate), and that we are supposed to be together all day everyday. If you do not have a large chunk of time for a parrot I’d pass, and get a less needy companion.

Parrots bite, and it’s hurts. The larger the beak the more damage it can do. The little beaks hurt badly too. Budgie bites hurt so bad. Those little beaks pack a punch. Parrots bite for different reasons. Sadly a lot of the times I’ve been bit it was my own fault. It’s because I tested a boundary I shouldn’t have, I bumped a pin feather, I didn’t put my parrot back in the cage when they were over stimulated… there are so many different reasons. I will tell you 99% of the time it was my fault.

Often when I talk to people who have parrots, and they only let them out once a month or less… their parrots aren’t always the friendliest to handle. Then they wonder why, and get frustrated. It’s because that parrot is not used to human interaction. It’s almost like that parrot reverted back to a wild like state. A lot of parrots get rehomed in the situation as well, or they end up in a shelter. Depending on the parrot it will end up in a sanctuary as it will be deemed not adoptable for safety purposes.

I just wanted to give you the down side of parrots. They do have awesome qualities about them, but they are a lot of work.

All of this will of course vary upon the parrot.

 

[Kor446]

A somewhat simple but important guideline: The larger the bird, the more together time they'll need to remain content.

Therefore, I'm with @wrench13 regarding the brotogeri's as a good choice. Also, the pyurrha family of conures. The green cheeks are most common. That branch of the conure family are typically quieter than the sun/Jenday group side.

You might consider a pair of birds that can keep each other company but that too can work out poorly. They may not get along which leaves you with 2 birds needing attention or they may bond to the point that they lose interest in people.