Which parrot?

[parrotlover1234]

So, my family has decided that we're going to get a medium sized parrot. We've done a lot of research and I think we're going to get either an African gray or a goffin cockatoo. We've had many pets, snakes, dogs, cats, a couple smaller birds, rabbits, and even chipmunks. So we're all pretty good with animals, and if we make a commitment there's no turning back. I know cockatoos can be very loud. But just overall which bird would make a better family pet?

 

[paulhanlon]

Have you considered a blue fronted amazon as they a more mellow unlike the yellow napes and double yellows and they also chew less aswell

 

[parrotlover1234]

We want a bird that likes to be touched an will be good with everyone since we have a big family.

 

[paulhanlon]

Ohhh I understand just a thought lol I would go for a grey then

 

[wenz2712]

Welcome to the forum

I would say a Grey or a Male Ekkie would be good for you as a Family... Goffins can be a bit loud and boisterous.

 

[paulhanlon]

I always thought the galah was louder than the goffins but I agree with Wendy either a grey or a male ekkie would be a good fit for your home

 

[Sarahtheumbrella]

Yeah, I would not go for any cockatoo if your a first time medium parrot owner. A grey prefers to like one person, but all the greys I know adapt beautifully for a large family. I would get a gray as a baby and then train it to be used to little fingers and noises. Grey's are big hits with kids because they talk a lot, but Greys overall like quieter households. (I visit the place I got Sarah from and her grey love meeting new people, but ALL birds are different)

Cockatoos not only are loud, but very messy as they like to make messes. Put are the cuddle buds. They will scream for attention no matter how much training. IF someone can usually be with the bird and your family can ignore the neccesary screaming at morning and evening. Plus, cockatoos tend to be moody, sweet and cuddly and then all of a sudden something can tick them off and they bite. I know that one bite is enough to make some kids horrified of the bird.
AS you say you never go back. The way I see it you just ought to keep a pet for three months cuz after that it is impossible to give them up, because they sweeten up eventually. Cockatoos have to be the most active parrots ever! Plus many just walk around on the floor and chew as they please. It is near impossible to stop once it has started, and I have to admit, I just live with it...

Cockatoos are harder to take care of than dogs...trust me...

Do you have any ideas where you would put the cage? That is an important factor too. I only have personal experience with a cockatoo so, I have no idea what other birds to recommend. If you could please tell the amount of time you have to give, and places you could fit a cage.

 

[wenz2712]

I always thought the galah was louder than the goffins but I agree with Wendy either a grey or a male ekkie would be a good fit for your home

I have had a Galah and they are nowhere near as loud as the Goffin!

 

[paulhanlon]

I always thought the galah was louder than the goffins but I agree with Wendy either a grey or a male ekkie would be a good fit for your home

I have had a Galah and they are nowhere near as loud as the Goffin!

Maybe its just when there lil chicks and its feeding time then lol

 

[parrotlover1234]

Since we have a big family someone would be home with the bird most of the time. We're moving and we plan to get the bird after we move. We have plenty of space for a parrot in the new house plus a huge 5 acre yard.

 

[Parrotmamma]

I have to say a Grey .... Not that I have had any experience with Cockatoos . But our Grey has blended in wonderfully with our family. Our house is not quiet , we have 5 kids and 2 loud yappy little dogs and he can bark just like them now...lol But the commotion doesn't seem to phase him at all .He is very funny, talks a lot and love us all .
Best of luck with whichever you choose : )

 

[paulhanlon]

I love greys my brothers friend who he go's fishing with has an African grey he is very loving but he has a very nasty vocab and trust me you do not want to know what comes from that beak lol but other than his Blabber mouth he's a cracker

 

[bumblebec]

I would not really suggest a cockatoo, it takes a very special type of person to own a cockatoo, lol. They are loud, messy, loud, prone to aggression, loud, dusty and did I mention... loud? Cockatoo screams are something else... highly suggest going to visit as many as you can before making the decision, I personally can't stand a cockatoo screaming. Even the ones in the wild drive me crazy, they're great fun to watch and interact with but not so much when they fly over your house at 6am on a sunday and sound like a freight train going through your lounge room, haha.

I think a male ekkie, african grey, mini macaw or conure would be a better option for what you are looking for. :'D

 

[Sarahtheumbrella]

I agree with parrotmama a cockatoo is never the best option for a hectic family... I would more into Greys