I need some advice ...

[brfussne]

So I just stumbled upon Michael's Youtube channel today and joined Parrot Forum soon after so sorry if this post is in the wrong area ...

I've been interested in getting a bird quite some time now. I had a parakeet when I was younger, around 16. I eventually got a little friend for it because I was going to school and I thought it was lonely without me and it/they no longer wanted anything to do with me once they became the best of friends. I ended up giving them to a great home. Now, 5 years later, I want different type of bird to train and have as a companion. One that won't disregard me. I want a bird that I can train, possibly cuddle/pet unlike a Finch where those are the "look but don't touch type" and to spend quality time with. I'm a stay at home wife so I have all the time to devote to a wonderful bird. I was wondering if anyone had any good suggestions about a "starter" bird? I know I should start out small so no large Macaws but i'm really in love with Umbrella Cockatoos, Macaws , and African Grays !!! Especially Umbrella Cockatoos!! I love how they're so cuddly & want to be in your company all the time. Who could resist? haha After doing some research I figured something aroud a Cockatiel or maybe a Green Cheeck Conure ? Also, I had a question about adopting a bird. If I was to adopt a Cockatiel or GCC, what should I look for behavioral wise? I would love to adopt a bird in need of a loving home but I don't want to adopt a bird that has severe behavioral issues that I cannot fix. I don't want to make life any harder for the abused bird. Thank you so much for all of your help guys! P.S ... Is there any way I could train an Umbrella Cockatoo as a starter bird? I would really love one!! <3 I also wanted to know if anyone could tell me what it's like living with the bird you suggest? Daily life? Nosie level, biting, behavior, ect!! Thanks again guys!!

[Cage Cleaner]

I don't recommend considering any bird a "starter bird". There are a bunch of other threads on this topic. Consider searching this forum for them. This topic has been discussed exhaustively.

[GlassOnion]

Cockatoos are like having a toddler with kitchen shears and the ability to deafen you, that will never ever move out for the rest of your life. They can become extremely jealous of family members, babies, other pets, and I know many people who have suffered from irreparable nerve/muscle damage let alone almost lose an eye or two.

You need to check out www.mytoos.com for a serious reality-check of what it's like to live with a Cockatoo. Unfortunately, most online 'articles' on parrots are crap because they are SO generalized.

I would suggest looking around on Craigslist and Kijiji, I see tons of birds on these sites that don't have behavioural problems, and come with cages at a good price.

I have a Cockatiel, and he's very mellow and clumsy. Now this can be a good thing or a bad thing. If you want a bird that more like a dove than a monkey, I would suggest a Cockatiel. Mine hates climbing, rarely ever hops, never hangs upside down or swing or lay on his back. But my tiel makes the cutest little whistles and sound effects like the microwave, car alarm, cat, etc. He also has a very sharp scream that will numb your ear if he does it beside your face.

Green Cheeks from my experience, are cute little clowns. Very acrobatic and will use their feet to hold things like food and toys, also including your finger Very cuddly guys that will snuggle into your shirt or the crook of your arm for a nap. Green Cheeks aren't known for their mimicry, but I'd say possess a higher form of intelligence than Cockatiels.

[GlassOnion]

Also, I wouldn't discount a budgie at all. An english budgie holds the world record for the largest human vocabulary, and if you can find a baby and keep it as an only pet, a tame budgie is hard to beat in my opinion. Such cute little guys that are full of cute and spunk. Very expressive in body language and so, so clever as well!

[brfussne]

Cockatoos are like having a toddler with kitchen shears and the ability to deafen you, that will never ever move out for the rest of your life. They can become extremely jealous of family members, babies, other pets, and I know many people who have suffered from irreparable nerve/muscle damage let alone almost lose an eye or two.

You need to check out http://www.mytoos.com for a serious reality-check of what it's like to live with a Cockatoo. Unfortunately, most online 'articles' on parrots are crap because they are SO generalized.

I would suggest looking around on Craigslist and Kijiji, I see tons of birds on these sites that don't have behavioural problems, and come with cages at a good price.

I have a Cockatiel, and he's very mellow and clumsy. Now this can be a good thing or a bad thing. If you want a bird that more like a dove than a monkey, I would suggest a Cockatiel. Mine hates climbing, rarely ever hops, never hangs upside down or swing or lay on his back. But my tiel makes the cutest little whistles and sound effects like the microwave, car alarm, cat, etc. He also has a very sharp scream that will numb your ear if he does it beside your face.

Green Cheeks from my experience, are cute little clowns. Very acrobatic and will use their feet to hold things like food and toys, also including your finger Very cuddly guys that will snuggle into your shirt or the crook of your arm for a nap. Green Cheeks aren't known for their mimicry, but I'd say possess a higher form of intelligence than Cockatiels.

I'm well aware Cockatoos are like a two year old, and are considered too much bird for any family. I'm also aware of their beak strength and vocal cords. I have no intention of getting a Cockatoo. That would be utterly stupid at the least to say and most likely a relationship set up to fail. I just love them and all large birds so much. Something about large birds .. I just have a lot of respect for them and they're beauty & intelligence is unparalell. I the idea of their beaks being able to take a finger is quite frightening ... I've seen a few photos and that definately turns me off to large birds. Any ways, I'm definately sold on a much smaller bird, somewhere between a Parakeet and a Green Cheeck Conure. I see a lot of people own Sun Concures, what's your opinion of them? From what I get, I could be way off but, they seem to be very boisterous, rowdy, aggressive little guys/gals. I had a neighbour who I was best friends with for 5 years and she got one. It was a screamer & a biter ... Thanks for the input!!

I don't recommend considering any bird a "starter bird". There are a bunch of other threads on this topic. Consider searching this forum for them. This topic has been discussed exhaustively.

Cage Cleaner, I get the vibe from you that you peceive me as a novice bird owner. Just to clear things up a bit I'm by far no expert but I'm not an idiot either. I don't plan on taking any bird lightly. I'm well aware that they scream, throw food, poo everywhere, and bite just to name a few things. I didn't mean to use the term "starter bird" loosely and offend you if I did. I just meant it as a generalize term to delinate a bird that is small, casual, easier to handle, and usually tranquil. I don't want you to preceive me as the type of person who watches a few Youtube videos of a cute Parrot doing tricks then I just have to have one not knowing the full responsibilities of owning a bird. I'm sure there are numerous people who do that but I'm not one of them. I know the full responsibilities of owning a bird. I've owned 2 Parakeets and watched my neighbours' Son Concure several times. I have had a taste of what it's like to own a bird. I'll be sure to continue searching this forum. Thanks.

[paper_lantern]

I would recommend a GCC, they come in many lovely color mutations (yellowside, pineapple, turqouis, cinammon), and since you said you love big birds the GCC is perfect, it is a big bird in a small bird package!

They do go through a nipping stage at first though, which you need to work through (don't punish or yell at the bird since this reinforces it), but other than that they are very funny and cuddly birds. They have a lot of energy and can be trained to do tricks (although they are not big talkers but can learn a few words), they are on of the quietest parrots as well, especially compared to larger aratinga conures.

Good luck! And let us know what you pick!

Also, please please please do not get a cockatoo, they really are a handful and although they are beautiful birds they tend to pick their feathers and mutilate themselves (and their owners) if everything isn't perfect.

[brfussne]

I would recommend a GCC, they come in many lovely color mutations (yellowside, pineapple, turqouis, cinammon), and since you said you love big birds the GCC is perfect, it is a big bird in a small bird package!

They do go through a nipping stage at first though, which you need to work through (don't punish or yell at the bird since this reinforces it), but other than that they are very funny and cuddly birds. They have a lot of energy and can be trained to do tricks (although they are not big talkers but can learn a few words), they are on of the quietest parrots as well, especially compared to larger aratinga conures.

Good luck! And let us know what you pick!

Also, please please please do not get a cockatoo, they really are a handful and although they are beautiful birds they tend to pick their feathers and mutilate themselves (and their owners) if everything isn't perfect.

Paper Lantern, thank you for the advice. A GCC sounds like it's right up my alley. The color mutations, especially the Yellowside & Pineapple are very lovely. I love how Glass Onion described them as a "clown." They sound so charming. One website described them as "a forward child badly in need of some discipline!!" I'll be doing more research on to make sure it would fit in well with my family. Thanks again for the advice and NO I will NOT be getting a Cockatoo of any kind.

[Cage Cleaner]

Lineolated Parakeet

[MeanDonnaJean]

You need to check out http://www.mytoos.com for a serious reality-check of what it's like to live with a Cockatoo.

Great suggestion, GlassOnion. That's a fantastic website that'll give ANYONE a mind-blowin' (as well as an ear-piercin') "reality check" about Cockatoos. I stumbled upon it quite by accident one day and was blown away by what I read/heard.

It's too bad they can't make that website required readin' prior to purchasin'....with a test upon completion

[CinnamonParrots]

If you like the personality of conures, they also come in a variety of species and sizes, you can find small conures such as white-eared conures, painted conures or large conures like the blue crowned, gold capped, and Patagonian. Even the smallest conure I find is a handful, just because they are full of personality. But there is huge diversity in the conure family so if you have free time, I'd suggest looking up some of the different species as well, or visit some breeders or local pet stores that are reputable to see what you have available around you.