What parrot to suit me?

[MJCarter]

Hi there everyone,
I have been looking into getting a parrot for a while but do not know which type would suit my lifestyle best. I am an apprentice plumber/property manager and work a 8-5 job.
I would be able to give it attention in the morning and after work aswell as coming home for lunch every now again.
Does anyone have any recomendations of what would suit me?
Thank you for reading,
Michael

[Maryellen]

Welcome!
Do you live in an apt or house? Most parrots are very LOUD so if you live in an apt a smaller bird like a parakeet, parrotlet, cockatiel might be better for noise.
Do you want a big bird like a macaw? Or a small bird? Most birds live 30-100 years so do you want a baby bird or an older one?

[Roonil Wazlib]

Welcome
Hate to tell you that your just going to have to do tones of research on the parrots your interested in ask us questions tailored to the parrot you think you might enjoy having in your life the most. (I did the same thing when i rocked up here unfortunately its something you need to figure out for yourself)

However, some tips:
Because you work such long hours, it would be better to get a smaller parrot, or get two. Smaller parrots don't need as much attention as they don't bond as strongly as larger parrots. This doesn't mean they don't have beautiful little personalities, and need toys and attention, because they do, they just sexually mature quicker and can be a more independent kind of parrot.

The larger ones bond very strongly with their mate, and this will be a big problem for you if your gone most of the day. (leading to unwanted behavior such as plucking and screaming - this can happen with even cockatiels depending on circumstances - so know what your getting into)
Getting two (either mated or not) will be a lot more work, and there is difficulty in taking either path (eg. mated pairs don't much care for the human, and to bond with them will take a lot more time, trust and patience and care for the three of you.
Getting two that don't know each other, or even if they do, but aren't mated, means two cages and you'll need to split up your already precious little time and spend time with them individually, and depending on the parrots backgrounds, they may, at first, not be able to be out of the cage together straight away = lots of time and money and love and care)

I've had my adopted boy for five weeks now, and today, (I'm lucky enough to work in an office environment, and with family) so i took him along. Several reasons for this is that he needs as much social interaction as possible to help him cope when I, his person, is not around (he stuck to me like shit to a blanket today, which was only because he was nervous in a new environment, he'll get better) I don't like him being alone, as all parrots live together apart of their flock. They are never alone in the wild. It must be difficult for them to be alone, because - even though humans are programed to enjoy alone time, or even want/need it, parrots don't ever want to be alone - they are prey animals, and their flock members are always on the look out for danger - when he is alone, he doesn't have the reassurance that he is safe. He is a much happier boy when he's been with people. and i could probably think of more, but im tired

Take under advisement as much advice and information as you can possibly cram into your brain, but never get a certain type of parrot because someone said so, even a breeder or parrot owner, pet store owner etc.. - you need to make the decision yourself - there is actually someone on here, who bought a parrot that she wasn't 100% sure of because the breeder said it was better for her lifestyle (it was more expensive then the original parrot) and now shes questioning the breeders motives

Maryellen makes a great point. You need to think about the lifespan of the species of parrot, you could be looking at 50+ years with your parrot, and if he bonds with you and relys on you, and your life changes (marriage, children, moving overseas, getting a place that doesn't allow parrots), can you say with almost 100% guarantee that you won't palm your parrot of to another? if he has issues, can you honestly go though everything you possibly can to fix/manage them? And only as a last resort, put him up for adoption only because its the best thing for him and not for you? these are tough things to think about. Any animal is a long time commitment - and parrots are way more work then cats or dogs - needing a specialty avian vet, which are not as common and more expensive then normal vets. And needing a range of fresh fruit and veg daily as apart of their diet!

If you can say yes to that, and have the full commitment to the parrot/s well-being, you could, potentially, get which ever species you wish.

I recommend adopting an older parrot, if you can - its amazing, the feeling of giving a parrot a second change of life (if he has issues, this fourm is always happy to help and answer your questions to help rehabilitate him). And if they are past their sexual maturity, you won't have to deal with the 'pissy' teenage years all parrots tend to get a little aggressive and hormonal when they hit puberty, just like humans - for the small birds, that can last for only six months or so, while Macaws take 3-4 years before they are over that stage.

[ninaroo1216]

There are so many different species with such different attributes, it really does depend on what you are looking for. Its also important to note that the amount of time, your budget and living situation are HUGE parts of owning a parrot.

We currently have 4 birds-2 conures, a cockatiel and a parrotlet. The parrotlet is the loudest of the group. Both my husband and I work full time, but we adjust our schedules to make sure the birds get what they need. I am up 3 hours before I need to leave the house to make food, clean cages and just spend time with them. My husband comes home at lunch and checks on everyone and passes out treats. The evening is a flurry of playtime and bonding.

Just do your research, maybe volunteer at a rescue if there is one near you. Its a great way to get to know birds and how to care for them.

Good luck!!!

[Jhaynes1230]

Since this would be your first bird, I would recommend what I would tell anyone in your situation. Start with a Budgie. I know, I know, maybe they aren't quite as exotic as some of the other birds you might be thinking about, but that is only because they are so common -- not because they can't be as sweet, affectionate, entertaining, and talkative as any bird. If you can't turn one of these little guys into a great companion then please, please, please, don't step up to a larger parrot. You will both be disappointed. Below is a very short daily write-up I did a while back on one of the parrot Facebook groups. I hope this helps:

Did you know that "Puck, a budgerigar, or budgie (popularly, but incorrectly known as a parakeet in the US), was accepted into the 1995 Guinness Book of World Records as "the bird with the largest vocabulary in the world?” He was acknowledged as having 1,728 words when the Guinness Book went to press that year. The budgie is the Rodney Dangerfield of the parrot world in that they “Get no respect...” If you have never experienced exhilarating charm of one of these often overlooked parrots sitting on your finger, nibbling on your ear, or talking to you in their sweet little munchkin voices then you are missing out on what is truly one of the most amazing birds in the parrot kingdom. They are smart, talented, comical, easily tamed, inexpensive, and with a little effort on your part can become your new best friend.

[liz]

There is a budgie named Blu in this forum. Put his name in search to see what a character he is.

I like cockatiels. To me they seem to be the sweetest.

Not Amazons. I have two and one is ruling my life.