Meyer's Parrot?

[animallover221]

I am currently looking at getting another bird. Right now I have 2 female budgies Sunny and Misty who I love so much but they are 6 years old so I don't think they'll be around much longer :'(

I wouldn't be getting this bird until both of my budgies are gone but I was wondering if the Meyer's parrot would be a good fit. I have been researching but I can't find a lot of info on them. I heard they are calmer than a lot of Poicephalus species and are mostly affectionate birds. I would just like to see your input on them, also where could I get one (probably a female), I live in Wisconsin?

Thank You

[Maltee]

I personally haven't owned a budgie so I could be off base on this, but in my opinion it would be a big change to go from budgies to a meyers. Budgies have been kept and bred as pets for centuries and are considered "domesticated." A meyers, on the other hand, is truly a wild parrot. Thus, it is much more difficult as a pet and more prone to behavioral problems (Of course, what we would consider "problems" in a pet may be perfectly normal behavior for the bird in the wild, such as territorial aggression and chewing on things).

I don't know about the meyer's being more calm than the other poicephalus. In general, I think the poicephalus have a calmer and more stable temperament than many of the South American birds. But I haven't noticed much difference in personality between the smaller poi's themselves like the red bellies, brown heads, meyers and senegals. I've been told the senegal usually has a bit spunkier/sassier attitude than the others, but it may vary according to the individual. Along with being calm, however, I would describe many of the poi's as being shy and nervous.

My own meyer's parrot is somewhat anxious and shy. But at other times (especially spring), he can be sassy and bold. He talks quite a bit, does tricks, looooves his neck rubs, and is extremely intelligent. I wouldn't describe him as affectionate though. Not like a cockatoo anyway.

The best way to find a breeder would probably be through google, or look up a bird pet shop and ask for a recommendation. Also check if there are any bird rescues in your area. I'd really suggest you try to meet and get to know a poicephalus before you try to buy one, and talk to owners. Make sure you meet an adult one, and not just a baby. Almost all parrots are super sweet cuddly love bugs when they're babies, but they don't know any better. An adult bird will give you an idea of it's real personality, the one it's going to have for the 30 years of it's life. Get yourself bitten by a poicephalus and see if you're sure can handle that for 30 years.

[hercules]

I have 2 Sennies and they are all action birds who demand attention.

My Meyers (Goldie) is similar in size but much quieter and more laid back. We got him/her (don't know which and don't care but suspect she) as a maltreated rescue and, over 9 years, has become totally tame, trusting and easy to handle. Whereas my Sennies will very occasionally bite, she never does. He/she adores me but only tolerates my son. The only vice is that Goldie is inclined to fight other parrots.

However, if you get a hand reared Meyers, I doubt if you could find a better companion parrot. Just don't expect much in the way of talking.