Hello from Seattle

[ridmaster]

Well, near Seattle.

We just lost our beloved Love Bird to a neighbor's dog during our snow storm last week. We took him over to a house with a generator so he could warm up. We took him out to show the neighbor and he hopped off my son's finger and their miniature dachshund was on him before anyone could react. He died in my hands a few seconds later. We loved his affection and his playful nature. We don't want to be without a parrot in our home so we're looking for a new one, but we want a large(r) parrot this time. Something that isn't as fragile as a Love Bird. We can't go through this loss again.

I'm not sure if this is the right category to be asking this in, but I was hoping for some advice on choosing a new bird. In many ways we're looking for the bird equivalent of a lap dog. Something that is playful and affectionate, strong enough to give a dog or cat something think about, and one that doesn't create a lot of non-food mess (my friend's cockatiel does this thing where is throws a bunch small feathers into the air. The bird will be kept near where we eat so I'd prefer to avoid this behavior). I know a lot of parrots bond with one person, but I'd prefer one that will still enjoy being held by all of the members of the family like our Love Bird did. I guess I am basically looking for a scaled up Love Bird. Does this exist?

And as an aside, we're going to be upgrading to a gas furnace and generator before next winter so the situation with the neighbor won't happen again.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

[xxarmando]

Hello

This Blog is great a lot of people here who know what there talking about when it comes to birds. I Recently purchased my baby girl Luna which is a Quaker parrot. Yet she is not very large a little larger than a cockatiel. The birds that I was in between was an African grey or a Quaker parrot. I currently live in a apartment so I wanted a parrot that would not be too loud and bother the neighbors. I went with the Quaker also because I do not have a balcony for my bird so I usually take her outside to get sun in her cage and that would not have been possible with an African grey. Overall you look like if you have the time and space for an African grey but I do warn they are messy eaters. If you handle your parrot regularly and the whole family spends time with them then I doubt that it will bond to just one person. I would purchase from a breeder that sells hand fed babies. Good luck on your choice of bird and I am very sorry to hear about your lovebird. Hope your family finds the right pet.
cheers, Armando

[Shelby]

I am sorry for your loss. I know it is hard when a beloved pet passes away.

I will try to say this gently... no bird will really be able to give a cat or dog "something to think about". True, a hyacinth macaw's beak is quite intimidating, but they are really no match for a dog - even a small dog. Your lovebird's death was caused by carelessness, not just its small size. All birds have bodies that are designed specifically for flight. The bones are thin and hollow, feathers are hollow, etc. Even very large macaws are not all that heavy and so they really can't compete with a dog. The average household dog weighs at least 20 pounds, which is MUCH more than the weight of a small bird.

Secondly, if you want a lapdog, you should buy a lapdog. Just because a species of bird may generally have a certain characteristic, it doesn't mean *every* bird of that species will be like that. There are African Greys that don't talk. There are cockatiels that don't like to be touched. There are no guarantees in the bird world. Also, it' s not good to treat a bird like a lapdog. You can't pet a bird the way you pet a dog, and doing so often causes sexual frustration.

Third, all birds are pretty messy. Cockatoos and cockatiels are notoriously dusty birds, among others. If your dining room is adjoined to the kitchen, you need to keep your bird in another room because fumes from cooking can and do kill birds.

If every member of your family handles your bird equally, the bird will probably not be a one-person bird. I highly recommend you read Michael's training blog. (link at the very bottom of page) Especially explore the basic training articles, such as the ones on taming and target training.

These articles may also be helpful to you:
2 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Parrot
Allowing the Parrots to Play with the Other Family Pets (while you may not have other pets besides a parrot, it is important to understand the dangers of having two different species in the same room together.)
What Kind of Parrot is Right for You?

If you really loved your lovebird, why not get another lovebird?
Best of luck to you! And remember, don't rush into buying a bird. Research whatever species you select for at least a few weeks so you can be prepared.

[allirho]

Hi and welcome!
To being, I agree with Shelby.
Although a bird more substantial than a lovebird may have a stronger beak and bigger talons, does not mean that it can compete with a dog.
And since you said you're upgrading to a gas furnace/generator before next winter it sounds like your home would be safe for any bird- so why not get another lovebird if you like their demeanor?
If not, I've heard good things about green cheek conures regarding friendliness and personality, though I can't say much about them myself, having never had one.

I'm sorry for your loss anyway and happy searching!