New Bird Help

[hyacinth]

Hi everyone,
I currently have a Hyacinth Macaw and we are looking to add a new member to our family. He is very sweet and easygoing and probably wouldn't have issues getting along with another bird. I had Cockatiels as a child, so I have plenty of experience with birds both small and large. While I do love the larger birds, I am looking for something maybe in the medium to small range. Intelligence and sense of humor are important to me, but I do live in an apartment, so noise is an important factor as well. I've been considering Green Cheek Conures and Senegals so far, but I know they are a little on the small side. Can anyone comment on their intelligence? How does it compare to that of a Cockatiel? Cockatiels are very pleasant, smart little birds, but I find that their personalities pale in comparison to some of the larger species. How would a GCC or senegal compare?
Thanks for your help!

[marie83]

Green cheeks are massive parrots in a tiny body. Very smart too and easily need as much time and attention as a larger parrot.

I would be very concerned about the size difference though, the hyacinth would kill it in a second. Even if they got on well there are accidents that can happen all too easily.

If your planning on keeping them seperate do you really have the time to give them as much one on one time as they need seperately? Very few people do.

[hyacinth]

You raise a very legitimate concern. The Hyacinth lives with my parents and is really more their bird (They raised him and take excellent care of him and give him plenty of attention) because of the noise factor in my apartment building. The reason I mention him above, is because years down the road when I can afford my own house, he will be coming to live with me.

[liz]

You can't go wrong with cockatiels. They are beautiful, intelligent, sweet sounds whether they sing or tweet. Mine only screech if they are out and one gets seperated from the flock. They are really a joy to have as companions.

[Arshia]

Just want to throw another few options out there:

Eclectus (Solomon Island). They're pretty small...compared to a hyacinth. They're also mild mannered, and I'd say one of the most intelligent birds there are, ranking with Alexandrines. They're also quiet.

And what about a pionus? I've heard they tend to be more mellow and quiet, but I'm not sure about intelligence. But hey, they're small

Also, I had a question. How do you keep your hyacinth in an apartment? I'd expect them to be loud, being a macaw, right? Also, they're huge! And expensive...
And after a Hyacinth, why would you want another small or medium sized bird? lol That sounds kinda counter intuitive.