Thinking of Getting a parrot. What should I get?

[Pajarita]

What kind of bird do you have, how old is it and how long have you had it?

[cmaygar]

I am a stay at home mom of three kids and we have no pets and are looking into adding a parrot to our family, I obviously would want a parrot that isn't too aggressive. I was looking into conures because they seem to be loving, but I've been reading that they are very loud? I know birds are birds and are going to be loud. My husband wants one that has a better vocabulary but I've been reading and they seem to be more aggressive. I've had small birds before but when it comes to parrots I'm new. So what I'm asking is can anyone point me in the right direction, I'm obviously going to do my research before I invest in a new buddy. Should I go with conures or Senegals? Or is there any other parrot you would recommend? I've always been interested in parrots:)

If you live in a condo, some condos have rules against certain types of birds and unfortunately, Sun Conures have a reputation for being very loud and may not be allowed in your condo. Some conures may be a bit nippy with children (actually, if your kids are young, I wouldn't recommend a parrot).

[Scotty]

KC Cameron is right it can be crazy...

But I do like birds and I do know, and so do others, that some can be good birds too, you just have to be willing to learn the bird you get.

To be honest I don't think to many people if any will disagree that a Green Cheek Conure for a first time will be bad.

The Green Cheek Conures are the most friendly and playful of all Conures and because they are small the bite isn't that bad, when and if they get nippy and they are not loud when they want to yell.

I've had my first Green Cheek Conure; BeBe for a little over a year and she is fantastic, so I highly recommend this type of bird for a first owner.

They are also very smart, BeBe rolls over, plays dead, spins around, waves, and flys to me on command, you can really teach these little guys heaps of tricks and BeBe also talks a little too.

Whatever you do, learn about the bird you get and be a good educated bird owner!

[jthorntonwillis]

ROFLMAO@ Greenwing "you might as well invite SATAN into your house" Hilarious,but unfortunately true

[Pajarita]

I beg to differ, GCCs can bite real hard! And they can also scream for hours...

[JaydeParrot]

I am a stay at home mom of three kids and we have no pets and are looking into adding a parrot to our family, I obviously would want a parrot that isn't too aggressive. I was looking into conures because they seem to be loving, but I've been reading that they are very loud? I know birds are birds and are going to be loud. My husband wants one that has a better vocabulary but I've been reading and they seem to be more aggressive. I've had small birds before but when it comes to parrots I'm new. So what I'm asking is can anyone point me in the right direction, I'm obviously going to do my research before I invest in a new buddy. Should I go with conures or Senegals? Or is there any other parrot you would recommend? I've always been interested in parrots:)

I've always said, if I had to recommend a pet bird to a child, I would recommend a pet pigeon. They have sweet personalities, they sit on your lap, they can't bite, they don't screech but they can get lonely on their own so two may be advised. If you look up king pigeon pet on youtube you can see what a great pet they make. I used to have one, and I thought it was brilliant, it would sit on my lap while I watched tv like a cat, it was great.

That said, pigeons are as dusty as african greys and like african greys can badly affect people with asthma. I wouldn't leave a child under ten alone with a bird though, as birds have hollow bones and are fragile.

If you really have your heart set on a parrot larger than a budgie or cockatiel (which both can make fanastic pets, then look at Pionus parrots, particularrly the Max (which are said to be the calmest) none of them have great talking ability, but they are re-known for their quiet and calm personality, meaning they don't tend to have as intense mood swings as many other birds.

That said, if you live in house with kids, I would aim for a dog, I know alot about breeds of dog, if you were to go for a smaller dog, I would recommend a bichon frise as they tend to be less energetic and don't require 'as much' excercise.

Remember, anything you bring into your house will add more mess and noise, need more time and attention and (in a dog's case) require at least two 30 minute walks a day, as well as out time to do their business.

It's good to know you're thinking about it first though, pleast ask the forum if you have any more questions, .

[cockatiels15P]

I would say a cockatiel is good for you they are friendly to kids.

[conurelover]

I have to re-comment again. I have 2 conures now, one cinnamon and one pineapple turquoise and they both free roam <--LOL i know i know....it is my house and I choose this option. Anyways. I honestly don't think a bird is for everyone! I couldn't imagine a caged bird being a happy bird or even a good pet. I don't think my birds would be the same birds if they were caged. I can assure you they are better than any dog I have had, I love dogs don't get me wrong but avians are so much different, intelligent and they sometimes act like dogs when they are happy and when they play. I had a caged conure a few years back and WOW there is a huge difference when you compare a caged bird to that of a free-roaming one. I will have to youtube my birds one day and come back to this post and share the link...these are awesome pets and it truly works out for my family. It depends on your family needs and situation but know once you obtain these special creatures then you have to plan for the long haul. These birds live a LONG LONG time and it wouldn't be fair to them if you suddenly figured out that it didn't work for you. Not everyone has patience for a bird. I can assure you that you will def not see the true nature and personality of a bird if you cage them or treat them like they are pets! They are very social and they NEED interaction and LOTS of stimulation. I don't care what type of bird you acquire but just take all this into consideration...even parakeets aren't kept humanely in my opinion. When I look at my 2 conures, I can't even imagine a cage big enough for them...it'd have to be an outdoor aviary that's approximately 1000 sq ft at the minimum. I love that my birds are so in tune with my family that they aren't doing anything naughty like dogs do...they just love to chew so I have toys everywhere for them and even my decorations are their toys lol They stay with us wherever we go..they fly with me to the restroom to shower, to do dishes, to eat at the table...IDK I can go on and on but just think if you do get these...would you give up on your spouse? or children? This is how I look at it...I really want a macaw so we'll see how this works and if my conures can even share their home with a bigger bird...(youtube channel coming soon....)
I almost forgot to add that there is a BIG difference in purchasing a hand-me down neglected adult bird then obtaining a hand reared baby...not saying to give in to irresponsible breeders. Re-homed birds make great pets as well but it takes alot of TRUST and time and patience...

[AnarchoBoxer]

I have to say, I think I am in agreement with KC Cameron. I don't think most people understand (or do the research to understand) just what keeping a bird involves. It requires a great deal more patience and understanding, I think, than a dog does. They are freakishly intelligent and emotionally sensitive like children. If you can give it a lifetime of love and great patience, maybe a bird is a good pet for you.

All parrots (birds in general) are loud, and they make a mess with their food and beak destruction (toys or otherwise). Not all will be interested in talking, either. You will be bitten. Your friends and family will be bitten. It will hurt. Blood will be let. They're not far removed from their wild ancestors, and their beaks are a way of expressing disagreement. If they can smell your fear, they might just learn how to control you. This is often where the aforementioned patience comes into play. Please don't let me lead you to believe having a bird is a nightmare, because it's one of the most joyous things I've ever done. Just understand it's a different and more cerebral challenge from most dogs, and many people realize too late that it's not really something they are willing to engage in.

Again, if you really think you have the patience, go for it. Definitely visit a rescue. Just be candid with yourself about yourself and your household.