My first bird - need help deciding pls!

[Shani]

it is exciting, & you can't go wrong w/a cockatiel! If I could make one suggestion, it would be to not base your decision based on your color preference.

This x 100 Good luck!

[Miss Molotov]

Can't wait to hear what you decide!

[captwest]

If at all possible let a bird pick you! not you picking out a bird, a think you both will be happier in the long run, please let us know how it goes. Richard

[Roger P]

I started the "bird life" just a few years ago, and did research on a number of different kinds of birds before choosing. If you are not at all familiar with birds, my suggestion would be to start with something "easy" (like birds are ever easy, but we love them anyway ) such as a Cockatiel or possibly a Conure of some kind. They are a little less overwhelming for someone just getting started with birds. I started with Cockatiels and would still be there if Tucker has not passed away, as they are a great "starter" bird. It was what I learned there that made me confident enough to "move up" to Conures (which was a great move for me, Merlin is amazing).

If you are feeling confident you can start higher on the list, do what is comfortable for you, but I agree with captwest that letting the bird pick you instead of the other way around is the best way to go! Please let us know when your new fid joins the flock!

[kiwismom]

I have the choice between a Quaker parrot and a sun conure and a green cheeked conure. Should I take the sun conure? I really liked the Quaker and have put a deposit on a baby cinnamon pied. What do you think? I live in an apartment so noise is a factor. I really love birds and have owned a cockatiel several parrots and currently a peach faced love bird.

[Roger P]

Quakers can be very loud. I had considered them when I first got into birds, but decided against it. I would go with the Green Cheeked if you are worried about noise.

[Marnie]

I have a moustache parakeet and while she is quite beautiful, she does not like to be handled.
she will step up on a stick and takes food from me. she likes to try new foods but hasn't found much that she likes. she can be loud at times but mostly is quiet. she is very smart.
(there is a pair for sale on Harrisburg craigslist)
my other bird is a senegal and she is hand tame cuddly and talks, but she is a one woman bird.
no one else can pet her. she is realitively quiet most of the time.
she does not like other birds.
good luck on your hunt for your new best friend.

[pchela]

Yeah, both Quakers and Sun Conures are generally too loud for an apartment. I'd go for the Green Cheek as Roger said.

[kateb]

Great news - I brought my bird home yesterday morning - a blue Quaker! The decision was a tough one, but after devoting several afternoons to spending time with the Mustache, Quaker, Green Cheek and Eccy, the Quaker and I got along the best! I have appropriately named him "Big Bird"

Everything was going great for the first 24 hours and he took to his new environment, cage, food etc so well is was unbelievable - great resilience and personality! However, late this morning while playing on the floor with me he started trembling his head and wings. If I didn't know better I would have said he must have banged into something (he seriously looks like his brain is affected), but he has been under supervision the whole time, so this is not the problem. I am rather concerned. By this afternoon the head tremors have reduced significantly, but the wings are still affected. Has anyone seen this before? As a new parrot mommy I'm freaking out

[zazanomore]

I'd take him straight to the vet. Better safe than sorry.