Right parrot breed for me?

[Kirsten]

Hi there, I've been researching to find out what the best type of breed for me will be. I don't own a parrot, but plan to. I don't want this bird to be a thing where it lives for a couple years and dies, I'd like a lifelong companion if possible living 20+ years. I've kinda been wary of large parrots like Macaws and even African Greys simply because they have huge beaks and getting bitten by them looks really painful... So if at all possible, if there is a breed that's less nippy than some of the others, that's a big thing for me. The biggest thing though is I'd really like a bird that is affectionate and snuggly. A companion that will just kinda chill on my hand or shoulder while I watch TV, curl up and let me pet it and maybe even curl up and take a nap with me.

I admit I do have two dogs and a cat, but it has already been conveyed that any interaction between them will be careful and under intense supervision. I would keep the bird caged in my room which is inaccessible to any other animal in the house. I'd like to be able to go around the house with it when it's out of its cage as well. I have several members of my family living in my house at the moment...6 in fact, including my grandparents so I hope to keep my bird well socialized. I don't mind if the bird chirps or talks a bit, but screeching will wake up most of the house. I work usually later in the day for about 6 hours so I don't know if there are certain birds that are more patient or easily entertained than others, but that may be a factor. I'm going out on Sunday with my dad to visit a breeder. I've kind of been looking at Senegals but all my information comes from pet store descriptions and wikipedia. I thought it'd be a good idea to get some input from actual parrot owners.

So any suggestions would be awesome!

[Natacha]

Hi and welcome!

First, don't take this personal please, there are different species of parrots, not "breeds".

With that out of the way, have you considered a cockatiel?
I'm personaly not a big fan of them (I like something with a bit more "personality"), but it does sound that it would work well with you.

The hardest nip I've ever had from a cockatiel hasn't really hurt and I don't think that they are known to be nippy (get one that has been socialized though).
The ones I've met that have been hand fed seem to be quite affectionate with their humans, specially if kept properly socialized. I don't think the noise they make is too loud. Females tend to be more quiet than the males, or so I've read. I think they can also do well with some independant time.

I wouldn't suggest taking a nap with any type of parrot - the chances that you might accidentally roll over and squish it..better to not attempt it.
As for cats and dogs - I have a cat and she's in another room (behind closed doors) when I have my birds out of their cages. I wouldn't tempt fate with having them and the cat out at the same time. You never know...so if you can provide an environment where the bird will be safe, great.

Other than cockatiel..a linnie (lineaolated parakeet) might be a good idea to consider as well. Every linnie I've met has been a complete sweetheart.

[sidech]

Check out the Brown Headed Parrot. Real sucker for affection, not too nippy, not noisy. But a bit more demanding than other species maybe (not refering to Mackaws, Greys or Cockatoos here, but more to the smaller species).

[pyrrhuraphile]

And then there is the ultimate "beginners parrot" (YMMV), the Green Cheeked Conure. Same size as a Cockatiel, cuddly, playful, quiet, able to say a few words, not expensive to buy or keep, able to tolerate a working owner. I've had mine for 13 years, and for most of that time, it seems she has been cuddled against my neck! As long as all her needs are met (which is not difficult) she doesn't screech, but when she does, I personally don't find it as piercing to the ears as a cockatiel. A lot of personality in a small package, for sure.

I have heard that Senegals can be good beginners parrots too, but can't speak from experience. At the time I had a choice between a Sennie and a Green Cheek, and I chose the Green Cheek because it had a smaller beak! Even a Green Cheek or a Cockatiel can make you bleed if it wants to, but in my experience, a hand raised, well socialized bird of any size just doesn't really WANT to bite those it trusts. Be prepared for "beaking" from any parrot though, which is everything from a gentle nibble to a sharp pinch.

My local parrot rescue has LOTS of homeless Cockatiels, and other parrots too, so if you have a rescue near you, it might be a good place to find an awesome bird whose personality is already known.

[Azure Hanyo]

All this talk of green cheeks is making me want one!

[Azure Hanyo]

My local parrot rescue has LOTS of homeless Cockatiels, and other parrots too, so if you have a rescue near you, it might be a good place to find an awesome bird whose personality is already known.

Yes yes yes, I agree with this 100%!!!! When looking for a new parrot friend, a rescue is the best place to have a first look. You may find a great life companion!!!

[Titanius]

All this talk of green cheeks is making me want one!

Azure, this talk is making me want one too.... this talk is dangerous.

And to the original poster, I've heard of lovebirds being big cuddlebugs crawling into nooks and crannies and just chilling out. When I was first looking into acquiring a parrot I was strongly drawn to lovebirds.
But my tiel Diamond could give any lovie a run for its money when it comes to cuddlyness! It'd be to your advantage to get in touch with a breeder explain your interest and maybe be able to handle some of their parrots to see which one is right for you. I haven't met a breeder that was unwilling to educate someone who showed a genuine interest.

[Kim S]

Lovebirds can be really really loud!!! If things dont go their way they will wake up the neighbourhood...
Cockatiels are not that loud, but they are kinda obnoxious My Guus whistles, squeeks, humms and mumbles the whole day. And every now and they he gest his 5 minutes of maddness and just go wild. But that happens with every species.

Since getting Kika, my senegal, I never thought there could be a quiet parrot. I had prepared myself for earpiercing screeches should he want attention or a fresh foodbowl. But nothing like that! He clicks when he wants attention (like you would click your tongue). He wistles our 'doggycall-whistle' to get me to come over. Its really kinda cute.
Every now and then he will make a high pitched whistle, but its no where near as often as my cockatiel.
The only drawback I would see is that senegals are parrots that tend to bond with one person and dislike the rest. It takes some work to prevent it, but be aware that its just a characteristic of the bird.

[TheNzJessie]

Lovebirds can be really really loud!!! If things dont go their way they will wake up the neighbourhood...
Cockatiels are not that loud, but they are kinda obnoxious My Guus whistles, squeeks, humms and mumbles the whole day. And every now and they he gest his 5 minutes of maddness and just go wild. But that happens with every species.

Since getting Kika, my senegal, I never thought there could be a quiet parrot. I had prepared myself for earpiercing screeches should he want attention or a fresh foodbowl. But nothing like that! He clicks when he wants attention (like you would click your tongue). He wistles our 'doggycall-whistle' to get me to come over. Its really kinda cute.
Every now and then he will make a high pitched whistle, but its no where near as often as my cockatiel.
The only drawback I would see is that senegals are parrots that tend to bond with one person and dislike the rest. It takes some work to prevent it, but be aware that its just a characteristic of the bird.

yea my rainbow lorikeet gets his 10 mins to go crazy in the second lounge downstairs, high ceiling and spacious to just to have a crazy flight and scream as much as he wants, get all that build up energy out thats seems to be never ending, and then hes a lot more focused on training after that

[Azure Hanyo]

Oooh you ladies would not like my house! It is loud loud LOUD a few times a day. If the kids scream... ALL of the birds join in. Galileo sounds just like a human baby throwing a tantrum! Archimedes gets excited to hear Galileo excited, so he goes bonkers, flying back and forth in his cage, banging the bars, and singing his heart out. Cloud is quiet but he has his moments. When he wants out he will start this adorable little peeping and just keep at it until I get him. He is still in quarantine and is scared of my daughters, so unfortunately for now he is cooped up in my bedroom where it is mostly quiet, but he will still chirp and peep every now and then and let out his frustrations.