Introduction-I am new and I need some help!

[hannahbird]

Hello! My name is Hannah and for the past few month I have been thinking about purchasing a parrot. I had lovebirds for 7 years, Peaches, whom passed away): and Mango. I also had a Parakeet as a small child. I have to give Mango away to a close friend. So now I am bird-less! But I am moving and I want to get another bird, because as you know, they are great! But I am not experienced with large parrots and I want to know what breeds some of you would recommend? I have been doing a lot of research on African Grey's, but I am worried I might not be cut out for it. HELP! Please?

[captwest]

Hey Hannah,I'm glad you've joined and are researching your choices. There's lots of information here and great members, and a little more research won't hurt either.I don't know where you live but maybe there's a shelter or rescue near by that would let you foster a bird, or join a parrot club near you and meet some different birds.There's also the choice of a baby bird or a rescue bird, either of which can be a challenge.We can also make many generalizations about different species but parrots all have their own unique personalities. Welcome to the forum , look around (maybe the Species topics) and please feel free to ask questions, good luck , Richard

[GlassOnion]

It really seems that many people are attracted to the greys as their first large parrot, and surely the greys deserve the attention rightfully so. However, have you interacted with parrots in general? Yes the intelligence is appealing but there are many other birds out there that MAY suit your personality and your lifestyle much better than a grey. The brilliant mimicry is admirable but many grey owners will tell you they INCESSANTLY mimic all sorts of displeasing sounds such as an alarm, tow truck, chainsaws, screams, etc etc all day long. A member here (Patdbunny) has a bunch of greys and she can certainly vouch that it's not all pleasant sentences you hear. This can drive someone insane. Not to sway you off or anything, but when you actually have a chance to interact with various species of birds, your pre-visit perceptions may change 180deg.

Would you be willing to describe what sort of qualities you're looking for in a bird?

[kaylayuh]

I think an African Grey would be an ambitious first parrot, honestly. I'm sure it can be done, but they require a lot of time and attention and can develop behavioral problems without it. I've heard a lot of stories of African Grey's becoming chronic pluckers without enough attention. That said, if you do have the time (and will have the time for the next few decades) to devote to a Grey, I think it may be a great fit.

I like the idea of volunteering at a rescue to interact with the birds, or possibly fostering a bird and adopting it if the fit is right. With working at a rescue, you get to see which bird is a fit for you and perhaps help a bird in need!

[sidech]

Hello,

my Eclectus is my first big parrot. He is about 420 grams. Before I had a Quaker and a Brown-headed parrot, some cockatiels and budgies. He's four time the size of any parrot I've had.

Jazz perfectly suits my needs. I did a lot of research on him and he is the perfect compagnion for me. Very calm, can play by himself but loves my company.

I encourage you to lookup different species and really take the time to find the one that's perfect for you. A bigger parrot isn't necessary harder to care for if you take the time to learn what you need to.

Researching and learning is everything.

[hannahbird]

Thank you all for replying! I am definitely going to do more research on other species before I make a decision. I want to give a parrot the happy life that it deserves, so I am not going to chose until I learn more. I will also be in school for a few hours so I want a parrot that will be okay to be alone while I am at school. I am moving to North Carolina to a house with about a third of an acre, so bugging neighbors with noise shouldn't be a problem. I read in the book, Birds for Dummies that blue fronted amazons were good for beginners because their personalities are more mild compared to other amazons?

[GlassOnion]

Oh god, blue fronts are part of the 'hot three's' among the amazons. They are definitely fiery and NOT the mellowest amazon species. :S

[hannahbird]

Really huh, maybe I read it wrong. I would like a parrot that is friendly/cuddly, and would be alright if left alone for a few hours.

[GlassOnion]

I'll tell you that every parrot can and SHOULD be left alone for several hours during theday to build independence and the ability to play by itself. A Velcro bird is unhealthy by all means.

[captwest]

Well Hannah, i guess i'm the Amazon man in NC., there're are some others but only a couple here in NC. I'm just kidding. I'm here on the outer banks,what area are you moving to ?I'm also an Amazon breeder and know a few others around here.I'm not trying to sell you a bird, they're selling pretty good.I would be happy help you find a bird if you like , mine, someone else's, rescue , what ever. As far as what species make the best pet , that debate is very open.Amazons ,like all parrots , have hormonal periods in their life and can be very trying. The best talking are the most common and are known as the "hot three" Double Yellow Heads (DYH), Yellow Napes (YN) and Yellow Crown or Yellow Front (YC) they are very closely related and may or may not be much different from any of the other species. In my opinion the Panama is the best pet, good disposition and great talkers, however they are pretty rare and many birds being sold as Panamas are really YCs , it's very hard to tell the difference.Other relatively calmer , laid back Zons are Mealys and White Fronts. With any of the Amazons remember this,they are very intelligent and easily become bored,and that's when the problems start.They need stimulation and not just locked away in a cage and forgotten. I've kind of sidestepped the Blue Fronts (BF) because i don't feel they're much different than many other species , just more common. I have a good freind who has hundreds of breeding Amazons, many of them are very rare color mutations , including some BF mutations that sell for 10,000/15,000 a peice and his comment is "yeah but it's still just a BF".Get a Panama, they're a little smaller but have a big heart.I tried to keep this short and sweet but feel free to contact me if you have more questions or just wish to talk Zons.Richard