The bad thing about Pionuses?

[Elaihr]

Hi all,

Are there any Pionus owners on the forums who can help me? I haven't read anything negative about them at all, except from them being parrots which means they make a mess, make some noise, need to be cared for, and so on (completely normal things to any parrot owner, I believe). Have I missed something? Have you had any bad experiences with Pionuses, compared to what you would/could have with any other parrot species?

I am, since about three weeks back, the proud owner of a Blue-headed Pionus female named Penny. I haven't had any problems with her at all, and if her previous owner was speaking the truth, she never had any either. The only thing that makes me wonder is, when I was doing research before buying a parrot I spoke to a Senegal breeder. I told him I was interested in the species but that I was still doing some research, so I would get back to him once I had decided upon which species to get.

I did my research, and fell for the Pionus. Then I met Penny, and I fell for her too. So, I called the Senegal breeder to tell him that I was very glad that he had helped me out and answered my questions, but that I had decided upon a Pionus. At this point, he started acting pretty weird, in my opinion. I do understand why one would get annoyed at "losing" a customer, but... He became really grumpy, and the end of the conversation went as follows:

"You should know I've been dealing with birds for many years, so I know what kind of parrot Pionuses are". I suppose he wanted me to ask "Well, what's wrong with them?", but I didn't, so then he said sarchastically, "I'll keep my fingers crossed it goes well". Then, we ended the conversation.

I was feeling kind of uncomfortable at that point and really didn't feel like talking much more to him, otherwise I would've asked what he meant by that. So, as I haven't had any problems with Penny whatsoever (and like I said, neither did her previous owner), what do you guys think he meant by "I know what kind of parrot Pionuses are" (said in a tone that indicated he didn't mean "I'm very knowledgable, I know lots and can help you with your Pionus too", but rather a mysterious and grumpy "I know what they're like, and you've made a mistake... You really should've gone for one of my senegals instead. Now you're in deep shit.")

Like, sure, Penny isn't super cuddly, she loves sitting on my shoulder and getting head scritches, but she won't lie on her back like a dog, wanting to be cuddled. That's not a big deal to me, I like having a parrot who's somewhat independent, that's why I settled for a Pionus. Sure, she smells like honey. Big deal? It smells good! She's not and will probably never be the best talker, but trust me, my fiancée talks enough as it is, so I kinda think Penny being non-talkative is on the plus side too. Apart from these things, I can't think of anything that could be negative about her. So, please, if you know something about Pionuses, like, if they turn into monsters at a certain age (I know parrot adolescence can be rough, but apart from that?), please share! I love Penny and I don't think I'll ever regret getting her, but I reckon it would be good to know what might be coming, and if it's something as bad as what the breeder made it sound like.

Best regards,
Sara & Penny

[Wolf]

Hi

I don't have a Pionus and have really no experience with them but we do have forum members that do and I haven't read anything in their posts to indicate any major differences/ difficulties from any other parrot. I think that if you will type Pionus in the forum search box you will get a listing of posts concerning this species of parrot.

I hope this helps and I am sure some of the members will post comments to further answer your questions.

[Pajarita]

I've had a couple of older ones... the thing about Pies is that they are not really interactive or cuddly and, usually, people who want a parrot for a pet expects an affectionate animal and not one that can take you or leave you and which all they do when they 'take' you is sit on your shoulder. They are also not good talkers and seem to be even more prone than other species to respiratory infections so extra care needs to be taken with them because, as they are not 'active' birds, symptoms are very easily disguised by their personality and missed by owners. They do NOT like strangers (people say they are 'timid') so a household where people come and go is very stressful to them. They are usually quiet but, when they scream, they have the LOUDEST HONK. Also, when they bite, they bite HARD and they don't usually go for the warning nip, they go straight to the bite. But, and although you really cannot go by me because I regard parrots differently from most people who keeps them, I find them beautiful and extremely easy to care for because they do VERY well in the kind of environment I provide (a cage-free birdroom).

[Elaihr]

I can see what you mean, I've met a few Senegals and they've been a lot more "clownish" than Penny is, so I guess to some people she'd seem a bit boring. I don't mind though, it suits me well

The one thing that would be negative is of course the respiratory problems, I did read about these before getting her and I just hope my efforts are enough to keep her well and healthy. She's got a big cage, I'm giving her a varied diet and UV-light which I hope will keep her immune system strong, lots of exercise and playtime, and of course a clean environment. I would've given this to any species though, I can't see why anyone would not...

Anyway, thank's for your replies, I'm glad nothing I didn't already know has come up! It makes me feel less worried about the Senegal breeder, I think he was just grumpy as he "lost" a customer.. And if there really was something behind his words, I guess I'll find out eventually

[Wolf]

He may have missed a sale with this parrot but, had he acted appropriately he would probably made up for it in referrals and/ or future sale from you. In light of his response ,he has likely lost out on these possibilities. I know he would have with me.

[Wayne361]

What Wolf said.....he's pissed he "lost" a sale and you were the the result of his misplaced/rude behaviour. Enjoy the bird and dont let this idiot breeder inside your head for a minute longer than he already has been.

Wayne

[Pajarita]

Well, let's give him the benefit of the doubt (although I would tend to agree with the 'grumpy for losing a sale' thing)... the truth is that if your 'kind of bird' is a Senegal, you might be disappointed in a pionus (not me, though - I love both species for different reasons).

[Yarrow]

I agree with the others. I think that he was almost certainly thinking about how pionus are boring (can't think of a politer way to put it!) Compared with most other parrot species kept as companion birds. I looked at pionus parrots before deciding on a senegal as a first parrot. I read about them on avian avenue and got the impression that they are not inquisitve or playful or interested in tricks. A parrot like that would be dissapointing for most people who were planning on getting a senegal.

He should have been politer though.

Sorry for typos am using my cruddy tablet.

[cml]

I've had a couple of older ones... the thing about Pies is that they are not really interactive or cuddly and, usually, people who want a parrot for a pet expects an affectionate animal and not one that can take you or leave you and which all they do when they 'take' you is sit on your shoulder. They are also not good talkers and seem to be even more prone than other species to respiratory infections so extra care needs to be taken with them because, as they are not 'active' birds, symptoms are very easily disguised by their personality and missed by owners. They do NOT like strangers (people say they are 'timid') so a household where people come and go is very stressful to them. They are usually quiet but, when they scream, they have the LOUDEST HONK. Also, when they bite, they bite HARD and they don't usually go for the warning nip, they go straight to the bite. But, and although you really cannot go by me because I regard parrots differently from most people who keeps them, I find them beautiful and extremely easy to care for because they do VERY well in the kind of environment I provide (a cage-free birdroom).

As always, I agree and disagree.

Pajarita is right, they are usually quiet but when they do scream, its LOUD. But so are Amazons that are screaming, or a Poi for that matter.

I disagree with the biting, Leroy NEVER bites, and he always give plenty of warning signals when he is angry over something (he smacks his beak down on the nearest surface), but still no matter what, he wont actually bite. In two and a half years of having him, Ive recieved exactly two bites, but because I had to pull him out of a dangerous situation and he was scared.

Our Pionus doesnt mind strangers either, he's curious about them and handles new people much better than Stitch does.

Pajarita is also right regarding respitory infections and the like, you need to take extra care with that!

[cml]

I agree with the others. I think that he was almost certainly thinking about how pionus are boring (can't think of a politer way to put it!) Compared with most other parrot species kept as companion birds. I looked at pionus parrots before deciding on a senegal as a first parrot. I read about them on avian avenue and got the impression that they are not inquisitve or playful or interested in tricks. A parrot like that would be dissapointing for most people who were planning on getting a senegal.

He should have been politer though.

Sorry for typos am using my cruddy tablet.

Welcome to the forums !

I think you are wrong and mistaken about Pionuses. Both our two birds are equally curious, energetically playful and inquisitive. If it's quiet I know they are out "exploring", and trying to find ways around my parrot proofing. When I check on them, I'm always greeted with a "Haha-HA-ha .
I think it's a matter of how you train, handle and keep them. My birds are out together everyday, and love playing together.

Regarding tricks, that's definetely down to training from your part. How many tricks can your sennie do ?