Linnie vs. Parrotlet vs. Conure

[Aloysius]

Someone I know is trying to decide what parrot to get and is deciding between these three: Lineolated Parakeet, Green-Cheeked Conure and Parrotlet. She wants a bird that can learn lots of tricks and can (usually) talk passably well. So if people would tell about their parrots of these types it would be appreciated.

[Cage Cleaner]

Talking isn't guaranteed, but as a blanket generalization, I would say, given your requirements, male parakeet or linnie. I personally think Linnies are the perfect first bird. Their bites don't hurt, they have a decent level of intelligence, and they have been seen to pick up quite a few words.

I was considering between a Linnie and a Sun Conure a few months ago as a second parrot. Unlikely species comparison but all I wanted was a cuddly parrot, and nothing else mattered.

Linnies are, however, much more expensive than a parakeet, which also talks quite well and can learn many tricks. For me, though, I find mature parakeets to be rather scary looking (akin to fat british men with gout), and they also talk a bit TOO well. Linnies are much cuter and they didn't come with the personification of budgies. For me, personally.

GCC's don't talk well in general. Even the good talkers among them are self-limited by their voices, which are gravelly. Parrotlets I've heard are more aggressive and territorial than other birds their size. They seem much more extroverted than linnies. I would never choose a parrotlet over a linnie myself. I am unsure about their talking ability.

[purplepit]

I'm all for the Linnies. Your choice of beautiful colors, sweet as pie and cute as a puppy. It's easy to make the space for them and they make less noise then a lovebird IMO

I would say parrotlets are a little more spunky and not always in a good way. I looked into getting one a while back but decided against it.

As far as conures go. If your friend is willing to look past Talking ability then I'm sure they could find one that would make them happy.

[Aloysius]

My friend currently has a Cockatiel that does not talk, so she wants a species that has more birds that can talk. She also wants a cuddly bird. I have read that parrotlets are not cuddly at all, is that true?

[GlassOnion]

All 3 species are not known for their talking abilities. It is very well likely that what she gets won't talk at all. A male Budgie holds the world record for the largest vocabulary.

[Cage Cleaner]

This thread is confusing because the original poster keeps altering the title, heh.

[chadsnyder]

I have a Parrotlet and so I realize I am biased. My Parrotlet is very cuddly with me but protective. This has come about because I spend so much more time with him than my family. He tries to talk but I have no idea what he is trying to say. My Parrotlet is not extremely adventurous although he takes cues from me. If I am playing with something he gets curious but will leave toys untouched until I play with them. He can do several tricks and is full of surprises. I doubt you would be disappointed unless you just want a show off bird.

[laducockatiel]

Cockatiels aren't known for talking, my cockatiel can say pretty much everything I say to him. When he gets bored, he just goes through his entire vocabulary. it really depends on the actual bird, not the species. Of course if a species is well known for talking, there is a higher chance that it will talk, but there is no guarantee.