Which Parrot would you suggest?

[spacedance]

Hello! I'm new here and excited about delving back into the wonderful world of parrots. I used to have a Quaker Parrot named Kiwi who was very lovable... he talked regularly and was affectionate. Unfortunately he died unexpectedly while I was away on a family vacation.

I recently came across a Rose-Breasted Cockatoo at a pet shop that totally captured my heart. I've since done my research and realized that now wouldn't be the best time to make such an investment, considering my circumstances. What are those? I'm 25 and moved back in to my parents' house. I'll probably be moving out within a year or so. They know the noise and mess of a parrot from the days of Kiwi, but enjoy birds so they don't mind. When I do move out, I'll probably be moving into an apartment. That being said, considering my current and future situation, these are the birds I've been looking at:

White-Bellied or Black-Headed Caique - As I've visited my local parrot shops, I've fallen in love with the Caiques. Probably my favorite from my interactions with them. They're so playful and funny, and not to mention beautiful! Rambunctious and incredibly cute. My only hesitation is mention of their moodiness... I hear they can be borderline domineering and high-maintenance, and their beakiness can result in biting at times... I know all Parrots can bite, but considering this is the most expensive of the birds I'm looking at, I'm not sure if this would be too much to commit to right now. Thoughts?

Male Indian Ringneck Parakeet - Beautiful, elegant and great talkers! I love the look of Blue males and they're considerably cheaper than the other species I'm looking at. Downside is they don't quite have the "cute factor" that the others do and from what I've seen, they don't seem as affectionate. I like cuddly, affectionate birds... seeing as my former Quaker friend was very loving! Any IRN owners that can chime in about their personality?

Meyer's, Jardine's or Senegal Parrot - People have recommended these to me, but they seem a bit drab to me appearance-wise. I love the beauty of birds and this is important to me. Also, they seem very laid-back, bordering on boring with the ones I've seen. Good price and good temperament for an apartment, but I'm just not that impressed with their personalities. Also not the best talkers...

Blue Quaker Parrot - Beautiful birds with great personalities... pretty great balance of cuteness and playfulness. This makes a lot of sense but at the same time, I'd like to branch out with something a bit more exotic if you know what I mean... Also great talkers!

Having said all that, what do you think? Those are the ones I'm looking at, but I'm open to any more suggestions. Also, I've looked at the Green Cheek varieties, but I'm not crazy about the plumage and they're so tiny... Anyway, tell me why your favorite would be better

 

[skycon]

I love the appearance of Senegal Parrots. I think it is very different and rather cute.

Anyway, since I don't have much experience with any of these, what about a Hahn's Macaw? They are about the size you are looking for and considered low to moderate in noise level. They are considered to be good talkers and are quite playful. Though if you are looking for outstanding colors, they are mostly green.

 

[spacedance]

I love the appearance of Hahn's Macaws but figured they would be pretty loud as most Macaws are that I've seen... do you think the noise level would be tolerable in an apartment? How demanding are they compared to other birds? Thanks!

 

[skycon]

It depends on the bird as most species I would imagine. It also depends on the environment they were raised in. Savannah is loud I suppose, but defiantly not as loud as the Sun Conure or the Quaker I grew up with. She mostly just talks to herself or tries to get me to come over to her. The only time she really gets loud is when she hears the doorbell or we make a loud noise. Some sources say they are low to moderate and other moderate to high. So I am not sure about the average noise level.

Savannah is not demanding at all. She is perfectly content on her play stand all day and will climb back and forth from her cage. But she also loves to be out and get attention. Even so, she will willingly climb back to her perch off my shoulder when I get close.

 

[spacedance]

Wow... this opens up a whole new can of worms

I checked out some Youtube videos and they look wonderful! I'm going to go visit some and look into breeders... What about biting? They look like they have big beaks...

 

[HRH Di]

Noise levels vary so much from species to species and then from bird to bird. Of our 3 birdies, our Alexandrine (cousin to an IRN) is by far the loudest! Our CAG, is the quietest, but just slightly quieter than our Red-front Macaw. Go figure!

If you want playful with personality and lovely plumage, I can't recommend RFMs enough. They can be hard to find, but they're smaller macaws, although larger than mini-macaws. Our Jade is about 450 grams. Their plummage is amazing - vibrant green with red ear patches and red "bonnet" on their foreheads, teal colored tail feathers, and beautiful orange sherbet colored underwings. They're moderate talkers and Jade really only says 1 word - "Hi".

Next to CAGs, red-front macaws are easily my favorite parrots. Here are a couple pics that show her personality pretty well.

 

[mtdoramike]

You do realize that most apartments will not rent to someone who owns a parrot don't you? So you will be locking yourself out of more than a few rentals. ALL BIRDS MAKE NOISE some more than others. But they all vocalize. That is why a lot of landlords won't allow them. You might get away with a parakeet but that would be about it.

This is why a lot of parrots wind up being rehomed or in rescue centers. Also if you buy a bird based on looks or apperance, you are making a big mistake. I would rather have dull not so colorful laid back personality bird than an noisy, bitey, rambuctious bird that's beautiful.

I have a senegal parrot, and find her coloration to be very pretty and her personality to be very sweet. But, she can BE A HANDLEFULL especially when I'm on the computer and she climbs off my shoulder down my arm and onto the key board like now trying to get my attention and stepping on the caps lock key. She is a great talker, a lot of fun and very energetic.

 

[Spiritbird]

I did not realize most apartments would not allow a parrot. I have not found that to be true here in Md. I live in a very small apt. and will eventually have 2 birds. Management said it is only the dogs and cats they are concerned with.

While you were away on family vacation spacedance who was taking care of your bird that died and why did it die? I have told myself that there are no vacations in my future because of my birds. This is ok with me. Your birds or bird do not take your absence very well. I can only imagine how hard it is on them when people give them up.

 

[kitt]

I can only offer advice on two different species and that would be a hahns macaw and a black headed caique.
Please, please, please do all your homework before getting any species of bird so you are fully prepared for what may come your way.
My caique will be four years old this summer and he is a very entertaining bird...you won't need a tv when you own one of these guys.
They love to be with their humans and they love to play on their own as well...it is very important not to spoil them by holding them to much when they are younger. This could lead to spoiled behaviors like screaming in the future.
Now, mine does seem to have that jekly/hyde personality but that has changed so much sense taking seed away from him. You just have to learn to read your bird and know what is going on with him. Even with his moodiness, I would live with a house full of this species, they are just way to much fun.....I will see if I can round up some videos for you. Also, as mentioned in another post on here, I have done a sort of caique survey and if you would like to see it, just pm me your email and I will get you a copy...caiques do have their down side but so do most birds, on the up side, they are fun and so playful....you just have to have the upper hand.

As for a hahns macaw...my little guy will be two this year and he is a complete joy....he is an excellent talker.....the only down fall with my little guy is that he does not like to be touched.... I don't know if that is a hahns thing or not....he loves, loves, loves to be with me all the time and he interacts just beautifully....he steps up asked to and is eager to please...I just can't scratch him...the little clown.
As for noise...it has been my experience that caiques and hahns are quieter then a quaker.....good luck in your decision...I will see if I can round up some videos for you to see....

 

[spacedance]

@ mtdoramike
I didn't realize that about apartments... In the apartment I used to live in, their only concern was with dogs and maybe cats, they never mentioned birds. That's definitely something to keep in mind... I'd probably end up moving in with a roommate anyhow, a friend who would have to be okay with my feathered friend

@Spiritbird - My aunt was coming to feed, water and visit with the bird... I'm told by a vet that the most likely cause of death was a bacterial infection in the bird's crop, which is fairly common with Quakers and it can happen from contaminated water, which might have been the culprit considering I wasn't there...

@kitt - Thanks so much for your suggestions! It's my desire to do plenty of research before I get a bird... I want to know exactly what I'm getting myself into so I'm going to be spending a few months considering the different options. I know there are pros and cons with every bird, but from what I remember with my Quaker, the pros far outweigh the cons... Why do you think seed affected his personality? And I would want a bird that can be touched and it seems from the reading I've done online that would rule out the Hahn's... I'll be PM you my e-mail address so I can see that survey, that would be great.

 

[Abzeez]

I have never had a problem with a landlord not allowing parrots. I have lived in a lot of apartments and I was up front and honest about owning parrots, no one even 2nd guessed it. So I really wouldn't worry to much about that.

 

[skycon]

Savannah has bitten me a few times, but she has never made me bleed. Twice she has actually managed to bruise me. These were durning the times that she preferred to be with my husband and he was around while I was holding her. Knowing her signs, I can completely avoid situations that may result in a bite. With any bird, if you know the signs and respect the bird then you won't get bit. I have never had any severe bite but that may require extreme situations or if you encounter a bird that has not been handled.

She lets me pet her and I have been working on her for a while. If she is comfortable, I can pull out her wings and mess with her. Other times she might want to be held more than petted. It all depends. Though keep in mind I have only had her a couple months. We are still bonding and she is opening up more.

 

[mtdoramike]

Here in Florida they are a concern due to close proximity to each other. It's getting harder and and harder to find an apartment that will take any pets at all other than fish here. Most leases stipulate no pets or pets must be approved by management. Unfortunately the tenants don't realize or think that the NO PET clause also pertains to birds. Once they get one and it starts it's vocalization, the tenant gets booted for violation of the lease I have seen it more than a few times when I used to get called to handle landlord tenant disputes.

It's gotten even worse in Central Florida since the housing boom of the past ten years since there has been so much building of apartment complexes. Other problems have started cropping up as of late also are HOME ONWERS ASSOCIATIONS, eventhough you buy a home, if it's in a subdivision with a a home owners association. They can restrict all kinds of things from parking on the grass, what color to paint your house to what kind of animals if any you can possess within the subdivision.

Thanksfully, I own my home, and it's not in a subdivision.

 

[mtdoramike]

Savannah has bitten me a few times, but she has never made me bleed. Twice she has actually managed to bruise me. These were durning the times that she preferred to be with my husband and he was around while I was holding her. Knowing her signs, I can completely avoid situations that may result in a bite. With any bird, if you know the signs and respect the bird then you won't get bit. I have never had any severe bite but that may require extreme situations or if you encounter a bird that has not been handled.

She lets me pet her and I have been working on her for a while. If she is comfortable, I can pull out her wings and mess with her. Other times she might want to be held more than petted. It all depends. Though keep in mind I have only had her a couple months. We are still bonding and she is opening up more.

My little Senegal has bitten me a couple of times and drawn blood as well as my wife but once she has gotten used to us, it hasn't happened since.

 

[kitt]

When my caique reached the age of two, he started to display what I call "change on a dime behavior" and what I mean by this is that one minute he can be fine and the next he flips a switch...this intensified once he reached sexual maturity.
Now, I know what you are thinking....there is no such thing as change on a dime behaviors that there is always a reason. Ask other caique owners and most will tell you the same thing...Not all but most.
Anyway, I started trying different things with him to see if anything else could be causing this behavior...my birds only get seed about once a week anyway but after finding out that the hemp and pumpkin seed in most mixes affects the birds I decided to take it away from him all together....it has made a huge difference in his behavior...I am not saying this would work for everyone and I am in now way suggesting that people stop feeding seed....I am just letting you know it worked for me.
Again, I commend you on doing your homework. It tells me that you will be a responsible pet owner.

 

[mtdoramike]

I call that behavior the Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde effect. My Senegal displays this as well. One minute, sugar couldn't melt in her mouth, then the next minute she will approach you while on her cage, bating you and making you think she wants to step up. But Nooooooo, she will reach her foot out to you, grabbing your finger and chmping down on it. But not hard enough to draw blood, but hard enough.

But then 5 minutes later, she comes over and crawls up my arm making kissing sounds.

 

[kitt]

I call that behavior the Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde effect. My Senegal displays this as well. One minute, sugar couldn't melt in her mouth, then the next minute she will approach you while on her cage, bating you and making you think she wants to step up. But Nooooooo, she will reach her foot out to you, grabbing your finger and chmping down on it. But not hard enough to draw blood, but hard enough.

But then 5 minutes later, she comes over and crawls up my arm making kissing sounds.

LOL...sounds like my caique....He will say "come here, step up" letting me know that he wants to step up and I swear I see him batting his lashes at me. (if he had lashes LOL) he will act like he is going to step up and then bite right through my flesh and draw blood....needless to say, I have learned the hard way to read him really well.....he is my little jekyl and hyde bird. I couldn't love him anymore then I do.

I get so angry when places try to sell this species as a clown bird and great with children and blah, blah, blah...they need to sell the whole package not just the sugar coated stuff.....