Brown Headed Parrots and Pionus

[Saerphe]

Tell me all about 'em! I've been looking into different types of Pois and I'm starting to lean towards the Brown Headed Parrot. There don't seem to be many owners on here and there's not a lot in books or the internet about them either. As far as I know, they tend to be more docile than other pois. Anyone here who has experience with them and can tell me?

Also, Pionus. I've been considering a Blue-Headed or a Bronze-Winged Pionus for after university as well. I know they're quieter and gentler than their relatives, the Amazons, but I've heard of a few who became screamers. They're also bigger, which may or may not be a problem depending on where I'm living. I like the idea of their relaxed attitude and being quieter than other birds, but are they generally good birds for beginners?

I've found a good breeder in Guelph who breeds all of these birds, as well as Red-Bellies, and she said if I was in the area I could call and come in for a visit. That's a good sign for me, and I'd love to meet these species before deciding. I won't be getting one for a few years yet, but I'd like input from other owners too.

Any advice or stories? I'd love to hear 'em!

[parrotsareyay]

From what i've heard, both are pretty good starters. Both are quiet and some people have said they are less inclined to bite, but i'm not sure about comparing the strengths. Pionus's are not exactly cuddly and are more of a "be with you" type of bird, but that does not rule out training and playing with it.

[sidech]

I had a brown head for a few months before I started being allergic to him. Really nice bird, easy to deal with, active and playful. He was still a baby though. My kids could handle him no problem. Not loud at all either. Today he is about 2 years old, and lives at a colleague's house. He says a few words and is still as nice as he was.

You can probably still find my posts on this forum.

[Natacha]

I know the breeder you are speaking about and she's very nice. I considered getting a Red-bellied from her in the past, but I wanted a female and the whole clutch was males.

As for choosing one way or the other, I'd do the Poicephalus way but only because I have a strong bias that way. To be honest, I did consider Pionus but from what I read/heard, Pois were a bit more active than the Pionus. If I were to go for a Pionus, it would be for a Bronze wing.

[Boman]

I'm getting a Brownheaded parrot from that breeder in Guelph next month once they are ready

He'll be shipped to my wife and I in Vancouver. I'd highly recommend her as a source! She's been a ton of help!

[parrotsareyay]

Congrats, i've heard many great things about brown heads