Deciding species for first bird – advice or feedback appreci

[newmoon]

Here are my main considerations:

1. Emotionally easy-going temperament (stable, not prone to moodiness). I don’t mean easy-going in general, I just mean in an emotional sense. Ideally a species that isn’t known for aggression. A “one-person bird” is okay.

2. Relatively quiet. Some noise is okay, just not frequent screaming. I live in a small apartment building where there are barking dogs, music, and occasional parties, so as long as it’s not SUPER loud or constant, it’s okay.

3. Medium or medium-small sized.

4. Okay for a working person. I know that birds need a lot of daily attention, but I do work. There will probably be days when I can’t spend a lot of one-on-one time playing, though the bird will get out of her/his cage every day. I just imagine that on those busy days I’ll have to multitask, with the bird on a playstand next to me while I work.

5. I would like a bird that is pretty cuddly and likes being touched.

Beyond that, I’m really not sure what kind of temperament I’m looking for, since I’ve never had a bird. I’ve read everything I could find online, and here is the list of species that I’ve compiled:

Caique: Black Headed Caique
Pionus: Blue-Headed Pionus
Macaw: Hahn’s/Red-Shouldered Macaw (50% of people say they’re quiet, 50% say loud – not sure what to think)
Conures: Green Cheek Conure, Crimson Bellied Conure
Poicephalus: Red-Bellied parrot, Senegal parrot, Jardine’s/Red-Fronted parrot

I’d love anyone’s feedback. If you think a particular species isn’t right for me, please tell me about it. Right now I'm leaning toward a Caique, but I'm worried they might be too high maintenance. On the other hand, the Pionus sounds like the opposite, too sedentary. It's a tough decision...

[cml]

If you know you are going to be busy, I would get 2 birds right away, that way they can keep each other company.

I have heard a lot of good things about blue headed pinouses, infact all pionuses, but I havnt actually met one myself yet. I do love the caiques as well!

My advice is either way, meet with the bird and decide for yourself, a lot of what is written on the internet is simple old stuff, and/or set stereotypes that arent true. There is a lot of good material on the net as well, as in forums with people helping each other out (like this one =)), and its good that youve found your way here!

Good luck.

[newmoon]

Thanks for responding. I think the internet is more important with this than it would be for other pets, simply because it's not necessarily that easy to find places with these birds where I can meet them and see what they're like in person. I have interacted with conures, but not with the others. GCC's are the easiest to find and meet with here out of the birds I listed, but I'm a bit worried about their possible nippiness, moodiness, and shyness.

I would love to see what caiques, Hahn's macaws, pionuses (pioni?), and poicephaluses (poicephali?) are like in person, but it really seems nearly impossible. I have found a few breeders that are within a 4 hour drive, but I can't just pop on over to meet the birds. I would need to be pretty committed to getting one before making that 8 hour round-trip drive.

About getting two birds, I know that I just want one. From everything I've read, I really think that's the best choice for me. I will have time to take the bird out every day and interact, I just don't want a bird that needs 12 hours of people time each day. Just from what I've read, it sounds like some birds need that.

ETA: I've heard a lot of good things about Blue Headed Pionuses, too. They seem like a great choice for me, but I do worry about all the "perch-potato" comments. I've also read that they don't usually like to be touched all over, but like you said, a lot of the info online is just anecdotal.

[cml]

Cage cleaner seems to always reccomend lineonated conures, which she says are very sweet so it might be a good idea to look into those =)!

[newmoon]

Cage cleaner seems to always reccomend lineonated conures, which she says are very sweet so it might be a good idea to look into those =)!

They are super cute, but smaller than I wanted. If I were considering a smaller bird, I would definitely think about a lineolated parakeet (I think that's what you meant -- I haven't heard of a lineolated conure).

[GlassOnion]

I would definitely look into Poicephalus and Pionus

Check this link out for Poicephalus... http://africanqueenaviaries.com/african ... erview.htm

[retdpd]

Here's a cut/paste reesponse I gave to a previous request like yours enjoy/hope it helps

Ahhh,

I know what you are going through. I researched read investigated everything you have. A friend of mine who has 9 birds and was a breeder told me the bird will adopt you not the other way around.

I went to an adoption home to look at a Conure and a Quaker and low and behold there he was Elmo. He is a 2year old Hahns Macaw. He had a bit of a rough life losing his master to cancer etc..They didn't want to show him because he was nippy in fact they changed his name to Nippy. I changed it to Elmo.

Well he adopted me!!! I have no regrets he talks, steps up and calls daddy when he wants to come out. I love his attitude and the built in siren when someone comes to the front door.

I wouldn't trade him for anything he is definately my buddy. I continue to send progress reports to the rescue. I feel it might just keep those great people motivated.

[newmoon]

Thanks for the African Queen link, lots of good info.

I wish it was easier to go and visit breeders. I don't know whether I'm just looking in the wrong places or what, but it seems like they are all too far away (except GCC breeders). I would very much like to meet a Hahn's Macaw.

[Shelby]

Cockatiels sound like your type of bird! My best friend has a cockatiel and my heart always turns to mush when I see him! They are small-medium-ish sized, VERY cuddly, love to play, very smart and social. And CUTE! Did I mention they are cute? They are not very noisy either. My friend's 'tiel is very quiet, only really making noises at dawn and dusk, but most other 'tiels enjoy whistling short tunes. They are excellent whistlers, but it isn't very loud - nowhere near the volume of a cockatoo or macaw! I think as far a birds go, they are not overly high-maintenance. You can be gone all day and still have a good bond with them as long as they have plenty toys (just NOT mirrors) to keep them mentally stimulated, get as much out-of-cage time as you can give, and daily interaction for at least a few hours.

Lots of people multitask to spend time with their birds - folding laundry or sweeping with a bird on your shoulder is great. Some birds even like to shower with their owners! Just don't have them out of the cage while you're cooking; it's a recipe for disaster. They also love to watch TV with you. My friend often checks her email with her 'tiel on her lap. Trick training is another way to bond. Even just 5 minutes a day trick training really strengthens your bond and gives them something to think about while you're away. Plus you can show off their awesome skills when people come to visit!

[felix11]

Green Cheek or Senegal! I've never owned a senegal, but from what I have read they sound like they are a little bit calmer than green cheeks.