What species to choose

[qtrhorse89]

Hi all I'm new to the forum and i'm sure you get this question ten thousand times a week but i'd love any advice or suggestions you all could give. I'm a 22 y/o female who just graduated with a BS in Zoology. I love all animals and currently own two male ferrets and a horse. I have always wanted a bird but the timing was never right. Well I have finally graduated and I'm about to start a very nice long term position job at a laboratory. I've decided that now is the right time for a bird. I'm interested in the larger species and I don't want to put getting one off for too long because of how long lived they are. I would prefer to get one while I am still reasonably young. I have already obtained a very nice 6ft by 3ft by 4ft parrot cage so size of the cage is not an issue. I originally wanted an African Grey. Their high levels of intelligence and muted coloring was very attractive to me. However, I have dust allergies and I was worried about the copious amounts of dust they produce. In addition to this I was not sure how well I would mesh with a bird whose reputation for nervousness is well known. Then I looked at eclectus parrots, specifically the males. They are gorgeous birds of an excellent size and produce little to no dust. However, I wanted a bird that would be happy to be petted/cuddled and would look forward to being handled instead of just tolerating it. Finally, I came to the blue and gold macaw. They are supposed to have a very even temperament and be an all around excellent bird. Their size or noise levels are not issues for me or where I live. I live with ferrets so I dare him/her to be messier than them and I've handled and trained many exotic animals. I believe I am more than capable of handling a macaw however I am still unsure. I recognize the large commitment a macaw is going to be. Now I understand that any bird is an individual and temperaments will vary. In addition their environment and treatment will shape their behavior. A bird properly handled and trained at a young age will be a good bird. I plan to purchase from a breeder that will allow me to meet the young bird prior to purchase. I've looked extensively at local breeders and have found quite a few that seem to be excellent at their jobs i.e. abundance weaned and flighted fledglings. What is everyones opinion on my decision making process so far? Is there something I'm overlooking or haven't though about? Is there a species of bird that I am over looking? I'm looking for a generally laid back, affectionate medium to large sized parrot with a moderate to high intelligence level. Thanks in advance for any help.

[qtrhorse89]

P.S. Forgot to mention that I am sharing a house with another middle aged female who also has bird experience and is excited about the prospect of a bird coming to the house. She herself is thinking about adopting a pair of love birds. The house is quiet and we are both very laid back, non-boisterous people. Children are so far out of the question that it is not even something to consider.

[GlassOnion]

Hmm, well congrats for doing your research!

One thing you have to watch out for large birds is that you do risk a daily possibility of having your face disfigured. A member on this forum had her chin impaled by her Greenwing. I've met another owner who had a B&G bite through her hand.

I would suggest a mini-Macaw as I know many people say that their minis are just as intelligent as their larger counterparts; however, minis are known to be very nippy. They have awfully sharp, pointy beaks that will leave holes in your finger when intended.

Another option is a Conure. Conures are scientifically small Macaws. The word Aratinga means, 'small macaw' in latin. Sun conures for example, are much less nippy than the smaller Pyrrhura Conures such as the Green Cheek Conure.

I know Bare-Eyed Cockatoos are often considered as one of the most intelligent parrot species out there. If you like cuddly and interactive in a size of a crow, the Bare-Eyed may be for you.

Have you looked into any African Species? Many people love their Poicephalus parrots. Cape parrots for one, are highly valued in Aviculture- they are intelligent, cuddly, independent, and much less needy compared to other parrots in the same size category.

[qtrhorse89]

Hi! Thanks for the reply. The size of the macaw does not intimidate me and I'm fully aware of the damage they can do. I work around horses so i've been bitten, kicked, stomped on, trampled, and bucked off several times. I'm used to working around potentially dangerous animals and understand that taking on a bird means eventually i'm going to be bitten. Strangely I am much more nervous around the smaller species of parrot. I am completely comfortable around the larger birds such a macaws and grays but I have no clue how to handle the smaller species. I had looked at the mini macaws but eventually ruled them out for their nippiness and as I said I don't mind the larger size and have the capabilities to care for them. I have not looked in depth at the pois yet but I have looked at the pionus species. For a while I was really considering a bronze winged as there is a breeder very close by. I can say that having been bitten by smaller birds such as conure and lorikeets and larger birds like the gray that I'd rather be bit by the larger ones any day of the week. *sigh* Perhaps I am being too picky about choosing a species to go with. I'd prefer a bird that will bond to me but not one that will become neurotically possessive. I'd prefer a larger sized bird 12 inches or larger as I am more comfortable around them. Speaking ability is not really a concern as it is my opinion that birds are very expressive and quite capable of communicating what they want without ever speaking a word. I think i want a parrot that doesn't exist lol!

[Vicki5280]

As a (former) horse owner and current bird possession, I can assure you that whatever my horses have done to me (bit, kicked, thrown, fallen (while learning to jump bareback), broken nose from a naughty head tosser, the list goes on...), the bite from a Blue and Gold was 12 times worse. I'm not afraid of them in the least but I assure you, there's nothing like a stab from the beak of a parrot! The hoof print on my thigh, the fractured clavicle from a bite to my shoulder (no, I'm still not sure now that happened), none of them compare to some of the bites I've had. If you haven't spent much time around adult birds, I'd suggest finding a place to do that. I've heard others suggest volunteering at a rescue or fostering a bird for a while before you make a commitment. It's a really good idea!! At a rescue, you'll get to experience different adult birds first hand and not have to make your decision on what other people think or report.

I've got a Greencheek Conure, and have decided that conures in general are wonderful. Certainly something you should look into. Also, you said you wanted a bird 12" or larger. Remember that birds are measured from head to tip of tail, so 12" doesn't always get you much "bird," sometimes you're just getting a lot of feather!

My final advice for anyone is to remember that we don't pick birds, birds pick us. If you remember that, whatever bird you end up with will be the perfect bird for you! Good Luck!

[sidech]

You're right about what you're saying about Eclectus. Most of them are very laid back. Mine sure is. We went bike riding today (started yesterday) and he just loved it ! We were riding in the city, near cars, with lawnmowers making noise and everything and he was just enjoying himself, sitting on my bike handle.

It is true also that they don't like petting that much, but mine loves kisses, which makes up for it. Also, even if he's not into petting a lot (they don't like you to mess with their hair) doesn't mean he doesn't want to be with me. He follows me around the house and tries to get up on my arm or shoulder any chance he gets. He can be quite content just sitting quietly with me or near me for hours, which not many birds will do I think.

About allergies, I've had to give up previous parrots because I had very severe allergies to them. It's true I had my house worked on, but still, I have no allergies to Jazz. And he makes no dust at all. None.

Just wanted you to know this. Your thought process seems very good.