Which parrot would you recommend for me?

[Jakodi]

My parents got be a budgie when I was a little girl but didnt get to keep it long because I didn't live with them full time. Anyway I have always loved birds and always wanted a parrot to talk to. I just don't want to finally bring one home to realize its not a good match for my home or that we aren't a good match for her. So I'm here trying to get opinions on which parrots would be a good fit for me.

I own my home. I live with my future husband and my youngest brother. We NEVER have children in our house. I have two dogs one who LOVES and is gentle with small animals and the other avoids or ignores them. I also have three darling ferrets. My boyfriend does not want a bird that is going to be extra loud. Cockatoos are a no go with all that screaming. I need a bird that would be okay for a beginner as I'm new to birds. I am, however very responsible and LOvE animals I'm a very responsible pet owner I WILL DO MY RESEARCH on any parrot species I'm thinking of bringing home. I have had a variety of animals I grew up on a small ranch. I have enough space for the bird cage I'm actually planning on getting two cages for my bird before I get it, one cage for in my bedroom and one for in my living room.... Or maybe just one cage on wheels and I can roll it back and forth so it can hang out with me no matter what room I'm hanging out in. I'm also not gone alot I have a very steady 8-5pm mon-fri job.

I am really looking into an African grey. From what I've read and seen on YouTube they are clear talkers, very inteligent, and can bond well with their people.

[Jakodi]

Ohh I forgot to mention that during my recent research I found a parrot shelter/rescue a few hours from me! I'm going to get in touch with them to see if they might have a bird that they think will be a good addition to my family.

[caprifolia]

Hi there! I am in a similar situation as you.. I live in an apartment, so I wanted a species that is not too loud, and I'm a first time bird-owner, so I wanted a bird that is known to be on the gentler side of things and that doesn't have quite an intimidating beak.

With those criteria in mind, here are the birds I considered:
budgies
lovebirds
cockatiels
pionus
parrotlets

I ultimately went with a pionus, which I would highly, highly recommend if you want a quiet bird who is capable of talking, and and a bird large enough to be 'interesting' (not that the little parrots aren't interesting!) yet no so large as to be intimidating. My pionus (a male) is pretty good at talking, and I've heard that males are more likely to talk than females -- although he definitely doesn't talk as clearly as an African Gray. But I actually like his parrotized English more than the perfect English of other parrots. Also, pionus' are said to be more on the sedentary side, so this makes them more suited to somebody who works full time, like you and me, than is a bird like a Gray. This also means that pionus are much less destructive.

Pionus' are relatively hard to find, at least where I live. I lucked out by finding one Craigslist who is on the young side (5 years), tame, and a decent bargain. (I paid $500 for the bird, his very large cage, toys, perches, and a parrot stand.) So you could look into adopting one, or if you buy from a breeder, it will run you around $450 or $500 for the bird alone.

Surely other members will have good advice and suggestions for you. Best of luck as you make your choice and search for your new friend!

[pennyandrocky]

call the shelter and tell them you want to volunteer. rescues are always looking for people to come play with and care for their birds. you'll gain experience and experience many different birds without making the commitment.