Am I doomed?

[SpencersGirl]

Hi all!

I've been keeping assorted kinds of birds for about 7-8 years now. I have never been able to keep a parrot because I couldn't afford to buy one, as well as the fact that I had my other birds to focus on, but I have always wanted one very much. Right now, I do not have any birds, and I would really like to get a parrot or conure. The thing that throws a wrench in my dream here is that my husband and I live in an apartment, and we're both gone most of the day for school or work.

Seeing as this is, does this mean that I'm liable to end up with a screamer, and an unhappy bird? The building owners allow pets, and many residents own dogs who bark (although I realize that it's very different than a bird scream).

I also realize that most parrots tend to be loud, especially any amazons, as well as conures. I've heard Pionus tend to be better in this area, as well as GCCs, but at the same time I'm concerned about the noise level/leaving them alone so much.

Am I doomed to not be able to get a bird until we move?
Any advice. Thanks.

[LadySaphine]

Technically, budgies are parrots but let's not get into that. xD

I've had Steve, our Lineolated Parakeet, for two weeks now but he's wanted to cuddle with us since like day 3. Steve is so extremely quiet. He 'talks' a ton, but it's mostly him muttering. Even at his loudest, he's nothing compared to Peanut when she screams.

Linnies are pretty social, but with your wide variety of birds as long as they get to see another bird and hear it they're happy. They can be great avairy birds because they love to be with other birds and are pretty gentle (Steve is what we call a flying football, lol).

Another bird species I've researched is Bourke's parakeets. Hand-fed I've heard they never become untame and if you keep them in an aviary they will fly down to you. They aren't cuddly but like to be on your shoulders. And they are good aviary birds too.

Both of these guys can be a bit hard to find, though. Our closest linnie breeder was two and a half hours from us.

[Nir]

basically you want a more hands on parrot who is quiet. senegals/gcc/pionus should all workout.

[Pajarita]

Senegals, GCCs and pionus are not always quiet. I took in a Senegal who screamed so much all day long that the owner was afraid she was going to get evicted. After having her for about three years with no screaming whatsoever, the previous owner wanted her back and I complied (this was the only time I did this) just to have the lady call back within 48 hours asking me to take her back because she screamed and screamed and screamed (she hated been in a cage). I also took in a GCC that screamed constantly and I've read of a couple of pionus that did it, too. It depends on the bird, how lonely they feel and the conditions. Your best bet is a bonded pair of cockatiels, they are lovely birds, beautiful, smart, and sweet-tempered plus they do VERY well in pairs and they never scream if they have a companion.

[jthorntonwillis]

Well,I can only speak from limited experience(I rescued/adopted a Blue front Amazon 2 weeks ago..)He is a talker,constantly,but not a screamer.However,I am home all day since I work 3rd shift.Good luck

[mrbowlerhat]

basically you want a more hands on parrot who is quiet. senegals/gcc/pionus should all workout.

Haha, my senegal Alaska is the loudest bird in the house (and I've got IRNs!), and not at all hands-on

[Nir]

well in that case he might as well not get a new parrot because no parrot will work then.

[janetafloat]

I can only speak from experience but neither of my birds ( a cockatiel & a Sennie) have been happy to be left for long periods and whistle and call loudly the whole time I'm gone, and I don't work full time. In the summer when my windows were left open I could hear my Sennie two streets away. I'm sure plenty of people would disagree, but I would say don't do it. It's really hard to come home after a long day to a lonely and bored creature that's going to (rightly) want your full attention immediately and for a good long while, morning and evening.It's a huge commitment that's going to last for maybe 20-30 years. Your concerns do you credit, but I would say that being in an apartment is not the main issue, but rather will you & a parrot be a good fit with your busy lifestyle

[jane19]

I only work part-time and while I was gone my cockatiel would just sit on the highest window sill to watch the path which I would walk home from until I return (he would scream when I am in sight). It's a good view from there with bushes and wild birds and the sea, but still sad though. I would not recommend anyone to put a parrot through that 5 days a week.