Red Belly vs. Parrotlets?

[kamikazecreative]

After a decade of canary keeping, I'm ready for a hookbill - go back and forth between Red Bellies and Parrotlets. Hubby wants a talker. I'd like a bird that will be happy on the couch w/hubby, dog, (extremely ancient, shy and tractible) cat and I. Someone who can travel, on occassion, play and relate. I don't want anything too big (a Solomon Eclectus fits everything but size bill). Want someone who will play with hubby and I, not worry about guests, etc. What do y'all think? What's your experience(s) been? Also, if you know of any quality breeders near (within a day's drive) of Charlotte,NC, who'd be welcoming of a learner's visits and potential sale, with quality birds and lots of experience....Looking forward -

[My Kiwi]

May I suggest checking the parrotlet section on this board. There is a thread "to parrotlet or not to parrotlet" as well as some other good threads on there. Parrotlets are very lovable but can also be aggresssive ''Amazon attitude in a tiny body" I don't think it would be fair to give you my opinion as I had a bad experience with my p'let recently. Others would be more able to make proper observations for you.

[Eliza]

The problem with wanting a talker is that no bird is guaranteed to talk. Make sure that you take that into careful consideration.

P-lets are amazing little birds.

Red-bellieds (and other poicephalus parrots) are equally fascinating. From what I've read, though, red-bellieds can go through phobic stages.

I'd recommend visiting the poicephalus forum here in addition to the p-let forum for advice.

Best of luck!

-e-

[Rue]

...wellllll...if you want a traveller, talker and couch-buddy...I'd actually suggest an amazon...and an older rehomed bird might be ideal since he/she'd be past the worst of the 'hormonal' phase...

...but they bring their own personalities with them of course...

[Xavier]

Rue, from what I understand from this person's post, they have not had expierience with larger parrots. If this is true (correct me if i'm mistaken,) then I don't think an Amazon would be a very good choice as a "beginner" parrot, if you could call it that.

Remember that not all parrots talk, whether or not they are "supposed" to. Parrotlets think they are macaws in little bodies... and are also known for being stepped on. It all depends on the personality you want. They are also known for being very sweet though, and that's always good!

I have a brown headed poicephalus, and althought she's not a red belly, she is in the poicephalus family. From what i've heard, red bellies are very cuddley. Hopefully you can get a red belly owner to reply to your post. I am very fond of the poicephalus family, they are very loving and loyal birds.

But that's just one persons opinion!

Good luck in finding the perfect fid!!

[My Kiwi]

I have been considering a Meyers parrot myself. From what you said you are looking for it may be an ideal choice for you as well. Just my opinion though.

[Rue]

...no, Amazons are not the best 'first bird'...but they're the best I can think of that fit the criteria listed...

...for a 'first hookbill'...I still think Pionus are far the best...they do talk as well...but not the best choice if you're looking for some serious talking (and of course, NO individual bird of any species is guaranteed to talk)...they also travel well and can be very cuddly...

[Xavier]

Pionus I would definatley reccomend! I was thinking of adopting a bronze-winged myself, but then I got the greys...

Please keep us updated on whatever species you end up choosing!!

[Lori L]

Hey I just had to tell you that your Aree is so cute. So who is Xavier? Is it pronounced Ha-ve-air? I went to High School with a guy named Xavier and that's how he pronounced it but I know many who pronounce the x-a-v-air.

[Xavier]

Thank you! She is just a little cutie isn't she?

Xavier was my nickname from a couple of years back... its just kind of stuck with me I guess. I pronounce it X-a-v-air. I didn't know there were any other ways...