New, first and last! parrot advice

[letaki2]

Hi there!!
I am new in this forum and I would like to seek your advice. I have always wanted a parrot ever since I was little, however I was never allowed to having anything bigger than finches or budgies. Now that I finally have my own place I am going for it!! Ι am seeing so many different breeds, so beautiful and amazing that I am having a hard time trying to choose. I do not want to go to a breeder without having tons of information on all the available choices, otherwise I may fall in love with a bird that may not be suitable for my lifestyle.
First of all, I do not believe on the term ¨a parrot for beginners¨. Specially when talking about an animal who is going to live more than 30 years and it is not going to be ¨a parrot¨ but ¨the parrot¨(if you get what I mean). I rather believe that the prospective owner must do his homework and learn as much as possible about the bird that really wants, rather than just experiencing with a smaller, more easygoing breed (which may be less demanding but still deserves equal love and dedication).
I live in a 145 square feet townhouse all by myself with my sweet Pomerania doggy. I am a translator and I work at home all day long. I want a parrot that will be happy to hang out with me in my office while I work and play with its toys, swings and perhaps with my office supplies!! and then, follow me around the house. If it talks it would be awesome, but if he does not talk is OK as well. I much prefer a parrot that is cuddly and affectionate (even if it is only one persons bird. Since I am not too social either). I do not have experience on handling animals but I have all the intention to learn and seek advice from vets and breeders. I am not on a rush to purchase and want to make a conscious decision.
The only limitation I have is loudness. I can happily live with noise, but I am not that sure about my neighbors. With whom I share walls. Walls are pretty thick, and we never hear each others music or TVs or conversations. However I do not want to be forced to quit my apartment so soon!!
Ιf it was not for the loudness factor I would like to go for a cockatoo and happily take the challenge, and the additional work (I love animals that are cuddly and affectionate). However I have heard them screaming and unfortunately, together with macaws, caiques and a few conures they are out of the question.
I am pretty much considering all other breeds (grey Congo, Eclectus, senegal, jardine, meyer, ...). What would you as experienced owners recommend me? Thank you so much!

[Cockatielsongs]

All birds will usual make noise in the morning and at night naturally. You cant know for sure that the bird will be cuddly and affectionate, if what you really want, you're better off with your dog. Also, you should not have a bird out the same time your dog is out and about, no matter how sweet and cuddly your little one is, its natural instinct would be to attack the bird. So you need to make sure, while the bird is out, the dog is not around, while the dog is out, the bird is not around. I don't really like 'recommending' birds because everyone has their ups and downs. I can't really give you advice and stuff on the birds you are currently considering because I've only had experience with cockatiels, budgies and currently a Rose Breasted Cockatoo/Galah.

Theres tons of threads on different species on this forum with heaps on pros and cons! And im sure more members can give you advise and such!



P.S Are you considering cockatiels? I love 'tiels except after I lost mine... I couldn't get another, it reminded me to much of my first anyways they're adorable birds with as big of a personality as their cousins, cockatoos!

[Nir]

Whichever bird you get make sure you spend a lot of time with them and make sure they are very tame and likes hands. My sennie was affectionate from day 1 and still is even though it has not been that long. Even though things can change later, it is important to start of well. Sennies can be very loud but if raised right they are quiet.

[letaki2]

Thank you all! Sure I am considering cockatiels as well!! Ηοwever the more I read about the particular species the more confused I get. I guess for animals and people every single individual is unique and different. The problem is that I like them all...
Obviously, the dog would not be allowed to be any near the bird when he is outside its cage. She is affectionate and wonderful with me!! I would not dream of letting the two of them together... A dog is a dog, and a bird is a bird. When I say cuddly I mean in a bird way. Last week I played with a dusky conure and loved it. She was adorable, playful and would let me scratch her head right away. She was climbing all over her cage when she noticed that someone was watching and would stop acting silly when she had no audience. Very funny!!
Ι think I should first visit bird stores or breeders (I strongly prefer breeders) to see different breeds and handle them. Listen to them and decide which one I want. It is a very big decision! Would you happen to know any good breeder in the Pennsylvania or Maryland area?

[Cockatielsongs]

Thank you all! Sure I am considering cockatiels as well!! Ηοwever the more I read about the particular species the more confused I get. I guess for animals and people every single individual is unique and different. The problem is that I like them all...
Obviously, the dog would not be allowed to be any near the bird when he is outside its cage. She is affectionate and wonderful with me!! I would not dream of letting the two of them together... A dog is a dog, and a bird is a bird. When I say cuddly I mean in a bird way. Last week I played with a dusky conure and loved it. She was adorable, playful and would let me scratch her head right away. She was climbing all over her cage when she noticed that someone was watching and would stop acting silly when she had no audience. Very funny!!
Ι think I should first visit bird stores or breeders (I strongly prefer breeders) to see different breeds and handle them. Listen to them and decide which one I want. It is a very big decision! Would you happen to know any good breeder in the Pennsylvania or Maryland area?

Haha that was the same as me when I first started, all the species are so incredible! Naww that conure sounds adorable, id get one if there were those breeder where I live. Which is Australia so sorry i dont know breeder round there. Same here I dislike purchasing from pet shops and very strongly prefer breeders. Have you thought of parrot rescues? Maybe you could visit one and meet the birds there! Re homing a bird is a really beautiful decision.

[Pajarita]

I would also recommend adopting a bird that needs a good home instead of buying (never buy from a petstore, they get their birds from birdmills regardless of what they tell you -they ALL say they buy from local hobbyist breeders) and I'll tell you why.
a) an adult bird has already been 'over the hump' in terms of weaning - there are diseases (some fatal and incurable) that only manifest themselves when the bird is weaned (PDD and Polyoma, for example)
b) the temperament is already there so what you see is what you get. Greys, for example, will go through what people call 'the terrible twos' which is nothing more than their rejecting the parent (you) so they can go and find a mate - but, as they can't beause they live in captivity, they sometimes turn on their owners, something lots of owners cannot overcome (especially newbies).
c) rescue vet, quarantine and work with the birds while you would have to do all this with a baby bird
d) I don't know where you live but, in the States, there is an overpopulation problem with parrots and there are lots and lots of good birds in rescues so you would be saving a good chunk of money and doing a good deed at the same time.
e) adult birds bond with new owners without a problem - ALL my birds came from somewhere or somebody else and I can assure you they love and trust me completely.

As to species... well, parrots are all individuals in their own right so it depends on which bird clicks with you and its own temperament because, for example, everybody says that senegals are one of the 'quiet' parrots but I had one that was given up becasue she screamed so much the owner was afraid she was going to get evicted. But, in my personal experience, jardines and sennies are great one person birds.

[Cockatielsongs]

I would also recommend adopting a bird that needs a good home instead of buying (never buy from a petstore, they get their birds from birdmills regardless of what they tell you -they ALL say they buy from local hobbyist breeders) .

I know right! Its ridiculous! I wish I could re home a bird one day, the nearest recue is about an hour and a half. Rescue a bird is the way to go! Then from a breeder! Pet shop, pet supplies. I walked to a pet shop to get Bandit a toy because he turned 5 months and there was a sulfer in a large cage, NO toys, basically only seeds with lots of sunflower, green water and ONE perch that was all. I felt so bad. Practically slammed the toy onto the counter. I got another toy and bought it asking the lady to put it in the cage. Went there the next day, one perch, dirty water, dirty cage, poor too... No toy

[letaki2]

Actually you girls had the best idea!! Ι got my doggy and also a cat from shelters and they are the best! Ι had no idea that was possible doing with parrots as well. I live in Lancaster County in Pennsylvania. If you know of any rescue in this area or the Maryland area, just let me know!!! Thank you both!

[pennyandrocky]

lair of dragons bird rescue is in pa. they are on my bird group friends lists so you could try them. put in maryland bird rescue too.

[letaki2]

Thanks! Got them!