which breed is right for me???

[Snowy]

Hi, I just joined the board (my first post is in the intro section).
I don't have a parrot yet, but am definitely interested in getting one.

Here are the parameters I need to satisfy...

-not too noisy (so birds like macaws and cockatoos unfortunately won't work
-can't have a one-person bird. I will be the primary care taker, but the bird needs to be receptive/friendly to my family and friends so has to be a family bird
-talkability isn't necessary, but would be nice
-I'm a SAHM so will be around most of the time, but need one that can be happy being alone for several hours in the day (I'm typically out of the house for 1-4 hrs in a given day)
-can't be high strung - we have kids, dogs, budgie traffic in the house.


The research I've done have pointed me to these choices--I would appreciate it if you could confirm these choices or give me new options.

pionus
caique
ecclectus
senegal or jardines

Thank you very much for your help!!

[sunnyshine]

I've had my Eclectus for about 2 months now (he is my first experience with birds), and I have nothing but good to say about him. I don't know about the others birds you mentioned, but I think an Eclectus would fit perfectly into those parameters. They're quiet, friendly, talkative, calm, and undemanding.

[Monica]

Caiques are a LOT of bird in a small bundle, they are VERY active, can be aggressive, but are usually always on the go.

Eclectus needs a special diet which requires a lot of fresh foods. Meds, a bad diet, dyes, and more can actually make an eclectus change colors, which isn't a good thing... With good health and a good diet, they will do fine.

I've heard quite a bit good things about pionus, in that they are calm but playful birds.

Personally, I don't care for senegals... I've heard they are quiet birds, but then again I've met one named Radar who was worse than a sun conure!!! It was ear splitting OW! loud! Of course, I don't think Radar is the norm...

I've heard great things about jardines, brown heads, and even cape parrots...

Of course princess parrots also make great companions. They may not be as needy or noisy as some of the others, and may be happy to sit on your shoulder or go exploring. Tiki would be best asked about her opinion as she's got two of them!

[raddaughter]

IME with Eclectus, they make wonderful birds. They aren't what I would call the BEST first time birds because they do get hormonal. Most people start with a baby, which is great until they mature. That's when you encounter the problem. They require a special diet (I feed no pellets, peanuts, no foods with dyes and nothing artificial, along with LOTS of fresh). However, they're pretty quiet and Lucy is an amazing talker. IF you decide that they may be the bird for you, look into an adult. After getting a baby and going through the hormonal stage, I'm now very glad that I decided to adopt an adult female. She's wonderful and she's past the whole adolescent stage. NTM, you're able to see their real personalities when you get an adult.

[Buteo]

You must keep in mind that every bird is an individual and can be either the rule or the exception.

I can personally recommend Pionus. I think a WhiteCap or a Blue head would fit into your family quite nicely.
Our WCP loves everyone here, though my wife & daughter are her favs. Gracie gets along with our Budgie and our big Bouvier too.

Caiques are usually clowns that are sometimes described as half a step off hyperactive. They can be very affectionate, but can be possessive/protective of the humans they bond to. Caique calls are loud & somewhat high pitched.

Ekkies are gorgeous, but can get rather pushy & a tad aggressive during nesting season. They can also be loud & persistant when they want to be. As has been mentioned already, they can have odd reactions to some foods and meds that can readily show up in their plumage.

Various species of Poicephalus are nice birds. Brown heads are generally considered the most emotionally stable, while Senegals seem to split down the middle (either bold or shy). Sennies are fun and can be affectionate, but when they get serious & set they're mind to it, they can intimidate birds and other animals much bigger than themselves. Sennies can become very posessive/protective of their favourite humans.

As Monica mentioned, you might want to look into a Princess of Wales, and I'd also suggest the King Parrot, if you have the room for a slightly larger cage as they seem to prefer a larger housing arrangement. The subtle colors of a Princess or the startling brilliance of King, coupled with the beauty of their personality and their relative rareness make meeting one of either of them an unusual experience and conversation starter for sure.

All of the species mentioned have the ability to talk, though the clarity of their speech isn't on the same level as a Cockatoo, Grey or 'Zon.

[Snowy]

thank you so much for all your inputs.
King Parrot sounds great, but a bit too big for me unfortunately, I don't have the space to accomodate a good size cage. Princess of Wales sound great too, I wasn't familiar with them either, but it looks like they aren't as available around me.

This is sooo tough! All the parrots have such wonderful and just when I think I've narrowed things down, I run into something else or other info which makes me consider others!!!

[Monica]

I didn't mention a king parrot for the fact that they are rare.... Princess's are too, but not quite so rare as the kings... but I do know they make excellent pets! Both birds would probably do best flighted... so either a large cage or several hours out of the cage each day.

[itchysquid]

My Green Cheeked Conure is great, he isn't tooooo loud, he has his moments though. He's also small, but has so much personality! He can say "hello" but that's all, for now. I think you should have your bird flighted, whatever type it is, and a GCC is good because of the size, they can fly around in a small apartment and still get exercise and not bash into things.

IMO if you're going to get a parrot, an animal who's whole life should revolve around flying, you should take responsibilty for that and let them fly, it will be harder making sure all windows and doors are closed when your bird is out, but that's what you get if you want a parrot, they are by no means an easy pet, they are a lot of hard work. They make a LOT of mess, even a small birdie like a GCC and require a lot of time, effot and love. It's worth it, if you are willing to put the effort in. Good luck!

[Snowy]

I'm not sure if I'll keep the bird flighted. My budgie is and can fly as much as he wants, but really doesn't so it hasn't been an issue. He just flies to get to me and back to the cage.

My concern is that we have vaulted ceilings and have drapes that are hung from very high - it'll be extremely difficult for me to get a bird down if he decides to roost up there.

How do people deal with birds that perch up high beyond your reach??

[marwa]

I would suggest green cheek would be the best shot as it quiet and friendly .. and if you dont want the bird fly because of high ceiling drapes .. best bet is to have wing clip as it cant fly high .. I'm planned to get a Sun Conures which Im going for .. my sister in law had Green Cheek Conure .. very calm and sweet bird .. never heard a peep out of him which was unusal when I visited them .