Help deciding

[DanielA]

Hello everybody,
I've been researching a lot about parrots , to decide which species of parrot to get myself, as a new parrot owner, and i've rounded the search down to two species, the senegal parrot, , or a black headed caique. I have a kinda big apartment, only me, and i decided that i want to get myself a new buddie, and since im alergic to cats and dogs, but not birds, ( my aunt had a cockatiel). So i want a bird that will bond readily, very playful, smallish size and with trick/talk capability,. So if you could recomend which one of these species woeld be preferable.

Thank you

[Cage Cleaner]

Gl

[Saerphe]

As a first time owner, I would consider a Sennie or another Poicephalus parrot. Caiques are high energy, and can be hard to handle from what I've heard. Pois are generally calmer, quieter, and more agreeable, especially if you've never owned a parrot before.

What qualities are you looking for in a bird, exactly?

[marie83]

As an allergy sufferer myself may I suggest you try to find a breeder who is willing to let you spend some time with whatever bird you decide to get because it is more than possible to be allergic to one species and not another. I should think the risk is minimal since your not allergic to a cockatiel which give off quite a lot of dust but you don't want to end up rehoming your bird in the future because the constant feeling of being unwell has gotton too much.

No advise on the birds themselves I'm afraid as I've never kept them.

[DanielA]

Well, I actually wan't a bird that could be fine sitting in his cage, on my shoulder, or on a perch, a bird which wont be like extra hiper or extra noisy, because i have really anoying neighbors, which took conures out of the picture.

[Grey_Moon]

Both of those birds can be 'loud' from a non-parrot person point of view---the caiques are particularly high-pitched and they are known for being hyperactive little clowns. The sennies are quieter but still can be pretty shrill (the african parrots, my grey included are fond of electronic tones and beeps---like smoke alarms -_- and can and do use them if they're upset or lonely).

If your neighbours are that sensitive I'd either hold off on a parrot completely or look into a parrotlet or linneolated parakeet. Otherwise I see you running into problems.

[GlassOnion]

Wait, you want a bird that isn't hyper but somehow you came upon wanting a caique?!? Caiques are the most hyper, active, manic birds you can find. As in, they will either always be 100% on like a puppy on crack or 100% off- no in between. They're also known to be extremely moody and go jekyll/hyde with no warnings. They are intense animals. You need to do further research on the caique, they are the OPPOSITE of what you say you want. Also, if you ever want another bird in the 20-30yrs of the caique's life, watch out. One will often try to kill other birds that isn't a caique, like literally downright kill.

[Shelby]

i want a bird that will bond readily, very playful, smallish size and with trick/talk capability,.

I recommend a cockatiel! They fit all of those categories that you want, except maybe talking as all of the cockatiels I've ever met either don't talk or don't talk as clearly as some birds. But then, talking is never guaranteed, even with an African Grey, which are probably considered one of the best talkers. It all depends on personality I guess. Also, while a cockatiel is small, it is still big enough to harness train.

[GlassOnion]

My cockatiel doesn't talk, but he mimics all sorts of sounds and whistles a bunch of songs! they are very mildly mannered and aren't prone to aggression or jealousy, which is a huge problem for many bird owners.

[Grey_Moon]

A cockatiel would be a good fit *if* it was a quiet personality. They are pretty persistent with their flock/alarm call (as you would expect mini-toos to be) and I know that Sully (my now-rehomed tiel) was loud enough to be heard on the street from our duplex (with the windows shut) and he was *persistent* about using it when I left the room or even walked too far from the cage (that is the downside to having a cuddly bird that bonds strongly---I really think people should stop thinking of them as starter birds and more for people who want 'toos but don't have the room).

Choose wisely and remember to make the decision based on species and the individual bird as well.