I need some advice ...

[brfussne]

The wonderful thing about birds is the variety and you really don't know what to expect with a species because each bird is unique. I agree that you should consider a hand fed budgie or green cheek. Have you thought about a Parrotlet? They are small, active and if you have the time are a go with you anywhere type bird. Mine is not noisy but is vocal. He has learned tricks and throws a party when I walk in from work. Hope it all works out! Let us know!

I've previously owned 2 Budgies and want something larger and more "cuddly." I thought of Cockatiels, Meyers, GCC, and Senegal. I've seen very few Parrotlets. What are they like? Are they "cuddly," can they learn tricks?

[chadsnyder]

My Parrotlet is quite cuddly with me. The downside is that he doesn't like the rest of the family much. Also, it changes from day to day. He has learned to target, ring a bell, and shake my finger. Most will tell you that parrotlets are adventurous and fearless. While I know gilligan has these traits, they have been slow to show. He takes alot of cues from me. He won't play with anything unless I play with it first. He wants to eat what I eat and things like that but then out of the blue he jumps down and runs across the table for a piece of cheese from someone else's plate. I won't sway you but definitely consider a Parrotlet.

[brfussne]

I love the look in the eyes of the Yellow collared Macaw, I hope someone rescues it from the pet store.

I do too!! It has such a sweet look. I pray that if I can't save it, someone else can!

[brfussne]

My Parrotlet is quite cuddly with me. The downside is that he doesn't like the rest of the family much. Also, it changes from day to day. He has learned to target, ring a bell, and shake my finger. Most will tell you that parrotlets are adventurous and fearless. While I know gilligan has these traits, they have been slow to show. He takes alot of cues from me. He won't play with anything unless I play with it first. He wants to eat what I eat and things like that but then out of the blue he jumps down and runs across the table for a piece of cheese from someone else's plate. I won't sway you but definitely consider a Parrotlet.

I visited a few Parrotlet sites and they are so charming! Another big personality in a small package. I love the color mutations! Thank you for suggesting this wonderfeul bird!! I'll add Parrotlet to my list.

[GlassOnion]

From my experience and interactions, Budgies and Parrotlets are similar in personality and behavior, but Budgies are better talkers and Parrotlets are more aggressive.

[brfussne]

Hello everyone,

It has been quite some time since I last posted so I figured I'd post a small update. I, sadly, have not yet been back to visit the Yellow Collared Macaw. I think it's been around 3 weeks? I've just been so busy lately planning a Christmas trip home to visit family & I recently got a part time job at an ice skating rink. I'm hoping to go back and visit it here shortly. I'm not able this weekend, but the weekend of December 9th. I did however check the store website and it seems to still be listed as for sale. I'm assuming the poor thing is still there. Sorry I don't have any new information to post guys. Since I have last visited the Macaw, I have been doing research on other possible birds and I've been thinking about an African Grey if the Macaw does not work out. I think a Grey is perfect. It's a medium sized bird that is not too clingy like a Cockatoo but you can pet it unlike a Finch. They're very intelligent which I love so I can train & interact with it, and I read that they prefer to mimic sounds/talk VS screaming and squawking so there would be no noise issues. I also have not read one bad thing about an African Grey other than they pluck if bored/stressed/bad diet and that someone on this forum had one trying to rip up the carpet. I know their high intellect requires plenty of mental stimulation and I'm prepared to buy/make plenty of toys and do lots of training to keep it happy & heathy.

1. I know for sure that I don't want a small bird such as a Budgie, Tiel or Parrotlet, but not a large bird either, such as a Macaw.

2. I want a bird I can cuddle with but not necessarily be a velcro bird like a Too, or be untouchable such as a Finch.

3. I want the bird to be intelligent so I can train it, not necessarily to do tricks.

4. I want the bird to be some what independent for when my husband & I are not home.

5. I would prefer the bird to be a "quiter species" that does not squawk all through out the day. Regular chriping, peeping, talking is fine.

I feel like a Grey fits this agenda well. What do you guys think? Does anyone have any experience with Greys that could give me some input?

[GlassOnion]

Actually, handfed finches absolutely LOVE being petted and skritched. But it's hard to find a handfed finch in the first place..

Greys tend to be incessant mimickers, making weird annoying sounds all day long. Now I can't stand constant noise.. so for that reason, I will never get a Grey.

Also, intelligence seems to be interesting to categorize. Greys do have a higher intellect than many of the smaller parrots, but when it comes down to trick training or overall deviousness, some of the littles such as the Senegal or a Hahn's Macaw will have a quicker thinking reflex over the Greys. I also consider the large Macaws to be just as intelligent if not more than the Greys, and the Cockatoos to be by far the most bright, human-like creature out of any bird, animal I've met.

[brfussne]

Actually, handfed finches absolutely LOVE being petted and skritched. But it's hard to find a handfed finch in the first place..

Greys tend to be incessant mimickers, making weird annoying sounds all day long. Now I can't stand constant noise.. so for that reason, I will never get a Grey.

Also, intelligence seems to be interesting to categorize. Greys do have a higher intellect than many of the smaller parrots, but when it comes down to trick training or overall deviousness, some of the littles such as the Senegal or a Hahn's Macaw will have a quicker thinking reflex over the Greys. I also consider the large Macaws to be just as intelligent if not more than the Greys, and the Cockatoos to be by far the most bright, human-like creature out of any bird, animal I've met.

GlassOnion, I'm glad you always reply. You always make such good points! Toos are so cute & Umbrella Cockatoos hold a special place in my heart but golly are they loud!! I remember holding one in a pet store for the first time. It was the sweetest thing but I was soo afriad it was going to randomly bite me and take a finger off!! They are notorious for having the Jekyll/Hyde personality ... That same store had many GCCs and Finches but none were tame!!! It's hard to find and tame GCCs unless you buy from a breeder as well here in San Diego. I've also only seen 2 tame Senegals. I think the Grey mimicing all kinds of noises & sounds would be adorable ... as long as it wasn't screeching. I read that they make a "growl" when they're upset/frightened. Go figure the smaller birds are the more "devious" ones .. haha

[GlassOnion]

I've recommended a Cape parrot before... Have you looked into them yet? They're very similar to the Greys overall but more goofy and cuddlier. A female Cape is my dream parrot and what I would consider to be a 'perfect' parrot for me

[chadsnyder]

I will second the cape suggestion and also say if I had a few grand lying around I wouldn't hesitate to buy a cape. Michael has lots of videos to check out. I love their personality and temperament.