Which parrot to get

[sepandee]

Hi,

This is my first post here. I live in Toronto, Canada, and I've always been in love with animals and pets. I'd die to have a few dogs and cats, but unfortunately at the moment my life is such that I can't have either. I've grown allergic to cats and I'm out of the house during most of the day, so can't have a dog either.

It hadn't occurred to me to get a bird until I met a couple who had the same issue as me. They couldn't have a dog or cat and really wanted to have a pet, so they got a parrot. So now I'm thinking whether a parrot would be right for me.

Here are some facts about me and where I live:

• Like I said previously, I'm out of the house for most of the day. I leave early in the morning and come back home at night. When I come back home, I'm usually busy with cooking and then studying, but I can spend time with my bird and even have it hang out with me while I'm studying.

• I live in a house.

• I want a bird that's affectionate and interactive

• I don't mind a bird that's loud for a short period during the day, but I can't have one that's screeching for hours every day.

So, do you think there's a bird out there that's right for me? Thanks.

 

[jugoya]

You'll need a more independent bird; and being alone all day isn't exactly good for a highly social animal like a parrot.

I'm rarely gone at all during the day; and my birds are never alone.

BUT if you do want a pet to keep you company.. and you don't always have the time for interaction? I follow the rule of three.


Get a smaller bird, say a conure or a lovebird, or even a cockatiel; and then get a pair of budgies and a rather large cage for them; and house your other bird in a separate cage. Work with the budgies too.. but having the another pair of birds in the house will keep the other one occupied and happy.

Like having a flock.

I personally had my budgies before my OTHER parrot but its made a ton of difference.

It started with one budgie in college... but he was miserable on his own.. so I got him a friend. And then the older one died and I got the yellow one a friend.

Birds don't do well on their own.. being flock animals they NEED interaction with something that interacts back. Normally that's you.

Still in what you are looking for....

A smaller bird is probably better anyway. Conures are quieter and sweet animals.
Cockatiels are mellow and easily trained and handled.. and they often learn to talk and are wonderful pets and a delight to watch.,

I have a Beebee parakeet.. Porter and he's about the size of a lovebird.. but cuddly interactive and just delightful.

So really its up to you. If you don't have the time.. I wouldn't consider a solitary bird.

But since two birds of the same type tend to bond with each other.. they will not interact with you as much.

On the other hand.. if you got a pair of Caiques... they stay friend to their human even when with each other all day most of the time.

 

[sepandee]

Thanks for the detailed reply. I forgot to mention that there's two of us: me and my brother. He's home Moyes often than I am and usually done with work by 5. I sometimes come home at 5, sometimes at 10, sometimes at 8, but usually someone's there after 5.

And I don't want something too mellow--I have a gecko already! I prefer something interactive and playful that's not constantly screeching and can be left alone or with another bored when no one is home. You think your suggestions still stand?

 

[Freespin]

I'm not sure if they are available where you are but barrabands (superb parrot) are pretty cool little birds! My one does just fine entertaining himself but also loves to spend time with me. He is also a great talker and whistled but doesn't squawk and scream.

 

[jugoya]

Yup pretty sure.

Birds NEED interaction. Or at least something there so that they don't feel alone.

The larger birds are more needy most of the time, and with as long as you are gone... and your brother; well it can be a problem for the bird.

Locked in a cage for 6-10 hours out of the day by itself.. when in nature such animals are usually with hundreds of their own kind.. can be difficult.

Sounds like your best bet is a pair of Caiques, rambunctious clowny little birds that will entertain each other and you :3.

 

[crimson]

I think Jugoya has the right approach. two budgies would be perfect for you.
it doesn't matter about sex either with budgies, they should all get along very well.
btw where abouts are you in Toronto?
I live about 45 min. north of T.O.

 

[Birdman666]

I'm not sure that a parrot would be the best fit for you, honestly...

Why do you want a parrot?

You want an interactive cuddle bird, well, birds that don't get handled don't stay tame.

Birds that don't get interacted with, and outside the cage enough, tend not to bond.

My personal thought, if you were to get a bird, would be something like a green cheek conure. Cuddly, playful, feisty, very trick trainable...

But they are also pair bond birds.

 

[legal_eagle]

My schedule sounds very similar to yours. I have a green cheek conure who does very well on her own while I'm at work. She's a great companion for hanging out when I come home in the evening.

 

[Kalidasa]

I think budgies would be an excellent pick also, and most likely to get along with both of you. A parrot will most likely bond with your brother, since he'll be home most of the time....although that's not written in stone either. But are you prepared to deal with a bird that only cares for your brother? Socialization has to be taught, it takes alot of time and patience. And without that, the bird will most likely bond with only one person. Budgies are much more easy going however, and they are non-stop fun