Which is best for me?

[Yako]

I've been studying parrots for about a year now and I found a reputable breeder who will have babies spring. Sadly, I'm having trouble deciding which bird is best for me. I hope somebody can help me decide.

I'm looking for a bird that is on the friendly and on the social side (I understand that birds aren't necessarily cuddly), and would like to ride on my shoulder. A active bird is perferred but one that isn't bouncing off of walls everywhere.I want a bird that I can teach tricks. This will be my first parrot and for a while it will not be kept with other birds. I've narrowed it down to a couple birds:

Senegal
Quaker
Budgie
Cockatiel
Lovebird
Green Cheek Conure
Indian Ringneck

Please and Thanks

 

[SailBoat]

A Cockatiel, and let it pick you!

 

[MonicaMc]

I'd have to ditto a cockatiel as well, and if you are still undecided, then see if you can find some local bird stores, bird clubs, sanctuaries or otherwise that may have adult birds and go interact or watch the birds play.

 

[Caitnah]

Of course I am partial to a GCC since I have one. He does exactly what you were asking about.
HOWEVER, I can't help you with your other choices since I have never had one...BUT I will agree with the above statement of..."let him choose you".

 

[Yako]

I was thinking that a Cockatiel was best, its only my Dad and brother have allergies, not sure if the dust would affect them too much.

 

[Yako]

Yeah my plan was the head to the breeder and let the bird come to me rather than just randomly picking one up

 

[lplummer52]

Ditto the cockatiel, or Budgie for less dust and especially if a first time bird owner.

 

[EllenD]

The only thing that I can add here is that if the bird learning a ton of "tricks" is high on your list, the Senegal is the way to go. But honestly any of the species on your list will make wonderful, loving pets...

 

[Yako]

I've talked to several cockatiel owners who say dust isn't really that big of a problem and whenever I watch a Cockatiel video, there is no feather dust. I've never really seen how it really looks...

 

[EllenD]

I've talked to several cockatiel owners who say dust isn't really that big of a problem and whenever I watch a Cockatiel video, there is no feather dust. I've never really seen how it really looks...

I currently have a 3 year old Cockatiel, and my mom used to breed Cockatiels for years and years in the house I grew-up in (usually around 10 or so breeders and many, many babies), and honestly I've never once noticed even a bit of dust/powder anywhere...it's odd, never once in the air, or around the house,and my mom seriously has OCD about cleaning (great for a bird breeder and dog lover, omg), but I've not once ever noticed a bit of dust...In fact, the only time I'm ever aware that Duff is even "dusty" or "powdery" is when I'm cuddling/holding her, as they're much softer than parrots without the dust/powder...but other than that, it's a non-issue...

Keep in mind that this would be a totally different story if you were allergic to their dust, then you can probably notice it all over the place...

 

[Yako]

Yeah my brother is a asthma patient so I must be very cautious when choosing a bird. Anyone have Lovebirds or Senegals?

 

[Flboy]

Want to add, birds can be very cuddly!

 

[GaleriaGila]

Of course, there are no guarantees... every bird is different, even within species, just as we human beings are!
I appreciate that you seem to be as much concerned about what is best for the bird, as you are about what's best for you. That's great.

 

[Yako]

Thank You GaleriaGila, I think I've decided on a bird. I met some Green Cheek Conures that were very awesome, they seem like my perfect bird. Thanks for your help!

 

[MonicaMc]

If it helps.... here's a video of cockatiel dust.... bathing may help to keep the dust down, but they are still like this... (can't say I've noticed my own shed *THAT* must dust!)

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvsdqRLmyhE"]Cockatiels dust attack! (i.e. preening) - YouTube[/ame]