What Bird is right for me?

[Kim S]

I think he meant childrens toys with that. I use them too, especially wooden ones. Whatever is childsafe in terms of dye they use, should also be parrotsafe.

[pchela]

If you have the time and set aside a part of your budget for cage, toys, food and perches, here are some suggestions that fit your criteria for quiet, trainable, friendly parrots.

Lineolated Parakeets - they are really cool little birds with the potential to talk and are quite playful.

Green Cheek Conures in any of their color variations- active, potential to talk, playful and plain fun.

Lovebird - they have a bad reputation but I've found hand fed lovebirds to be really fun and personable little guys.

Do keep in mind that birds are social, flock animals and two to three hours a day is not enough time for them. In your case, I would consider getting two birds so that they have company when you aren't there. Somebody mentioned two budgies which I think is an excellent idea. With dedication and daily handling, you can keep them tame, train them to do tricks etc. And as a bonus, male budgies are among the top 5 talkers of all parrots. This doesn't guarantee a talker, but it increases the chances for one.

[Nathaniel]

I should have elaboratede, I have 1-3 hours of time to hold, play, train, etc. I have a small room set out to be my bird room. I have that budget for supplies not the bird. I have a very organized schedual for taking care of all my pets, this would include a bird. Plus, the 1-3 hours would be my bare min. I would gladly spend more time with my bird if needed. I also wanted to add that I will not get bored of him, I have had a western hognose snake for years and I still enjoy watching her. I appreciate the input and information of all of you. I assure you if I find I can't take care of a bird long term than I will give up on the idea, but still plan for the future when I might be able to.
I think I will start with a budgerigar or two, just to get an idea on what it is like owning a parrot.
My budget does not include the bird because I don't know which bird to get so I don't have an idea of the price. I just wanted to know if that would be enough for the supplies only. Again thank you, I should have been more precise.

[lainmai]

I still would suggest a Parrotlet over a budgie, specially if you are looking to see if you are wanting a larger parrot species. They are the same size as a budgie but are VERY much a parrot in personality and train-ability, after all - they are the smallest Parrot =)

[Nathaniel]

Isn't the budgerigar still technically a parrot or am I mistaken?
I think I will stick the budgie, but I will research the parrolets for more information on them. Thank yu for your input.

[Rue]

Yes. A budgie is a parrot.

I think the smallest parrots are the pygmy parrots...but they're not kept as pets as far as I know. Fig parrots are also very small.

The Lineolated parakeet is also budgie-sized. They also make for great pets.

Same with the Bourke's. But they are very quiet - which may be an advantage.

[Nathaniel]

I realize I am being picky but:
-Can you get a flight harness for a budgerigar?
-Are Green-Cheak Conures loud
-Can Green-Cheaks, Budgies, Red-bellies, and Senegals be kept in a 18x18x20 cage with 1/2 inch bar spaceing as long as they get alot of time out of the cage?


I think I have narrowed it down to these four I just need help deciding which is better suited for me. Again I want to thank all of you who are helping me.

[skeetersunconure]

a flight harness for a budgie might be tricky but they might make them that small still dont count on it the smallest size of aviator is petite not sure if budgies are included in that i think of bidgies as minis so idk conures in general are very active cute fun birds my sun conure screams sometimes but i would not consider him very loud i dont seem to notice most of the time greencheeks are a little quieter than sun conures i believe i think that cage size would be fine but keep in mind bigger the better

[rocky]

Asking questions on a forum can be useful, and you're getting some good advice here. Go to bird stores, bird shows, bird clubs and anywhere else you can see and especially interact with birds. Many bird owners are chosen by the bird, not vice versa.

[skeetersunconure]

Many bird owners are chosen by the bird, not vice versa.

oh yeah i came to the bird store with a mind to get a green cheek or senegal but never a sunconure in fact i said i just didnt want a sunconure but guess what? theres a little bird eating the keyboard right now whose name is skeeter the sunconure. even if you think you are dead set on one breed of bird keep your mind open.