Suggestions Please

[Doyle'sMommy]

We have decided that in about a year we would like to get another bird. We want to start researching different types of birds to see if we can find one that would fit the best in our family. We like Doyle's size because he doesn't require a huge cage. He is also a very sweet and social bird which we like (not really sure if that is a conure thing or a Doyle thing ). We have people over all the time and Doyle will go to anyone- which is nice, he isn't skidish at all. If you could please give us some suggestions on some birds to start looking at and researching I would be very greatful. Thanks!

[Graehstone]

Well seeing as how I am rather a bit partial and maybe just a tad biased but I would say that hands down the best bird has got to be a Timneh African Grey.
It's about the size you are looking for (a bit larger) and the sociability potential is very great (with all birds actually) if you get them as babies ... I almost said "Toddlers" there but they really don't toddle but rather more like a wobble, so I guess we could call them "Wobblers" lol.
Anyhow, I think you should check out the Timneh and see what you think. Ask some of the other owners and read some of their threads and buy some books. And I would like to commend you for doing your research.












... oh and don't listen to what anyone else tells you ... Timnehs are the best! .. Ok Congos are cool too, lol

[Doyle'sMommy]

Timnehs are actually at the top of our list to research. I'll have to read some more and then visit some. I have never seen a timneh before, just a CAG. Thanks for the info!

[jessica313]

Originally Posted by Graehstone

Well seeing as how I am rather a bit partial and maybe just a tad biased but I would say that hands down the best bird has got to be a Timneh African Grey.
It's about the size you are looking for (a bit larger) and the sociability potential is very great (with all birds actually) if you get them as babies ... I almost said "Toddlers" there but they really don't toddle but rather more like a wobble, so I guess we could call them "Wobblers" lol.
Anyhow, I think you should check out the Timneh and see what you think. Ask some of the other owners and read some of their threads and buy some books. And I would like to commend you for doing your research.

this makes me happy! i have a GCC and i am also thinking of getting another bird in a year or 2, and had decided on a TAG !

[Joel]

Originally Posted by Doyle'sDaddy

Timnehs are actually at the top of our list to research. I'll have to read some more and then visit some. I have never seen a timneh before, just a CAG. Thanks for the info!

Hello D.D........My votes/personal preferences (based on species that I have kept. I have had many of each over the years):

Note: Mostly depends on what ya are looking for of course as IMO every bird does not possess all the great qualities of the "allusive perfect bird" even though we should and I do - LOVE THEM ALL.... Some are better talkers, some are prettier, some are cuddlier, some are quieter, some are noiser, some are hyper, some are kinda dull, etc. etc.

#1 = African Grey - Congo 1st choice, TAG second.
#2 = Meyers
#3 = Ekkie
#4 = Tiel

Now, based on what I have seen visiting other people's birds or heard from others relating to their birds:

Amazon (Yellow Nape) etc.
Umbrella 'Too


Btw, I have available (if I can get myself to part with them, ya get attached fast) - recently handfed (by myself): very tame Male Ekkie and a very tame TAG but don't ship. Pm me if interested in picking up.

[Mike B]

Now keep in mind these are in no particular order of preference.
Red Front Macaw
Red Front Macaw
Red front Macaw, And last, but certainly not least.
Red Front ,can you say, MACAW. They are the best bird on the planet. as cuddly as a U2 w/o the issues.

Mike

[Buzz7]

I had the same question for the board a few months ago. I did alot of research and found with what I wanted; a bigger bird personality but not as demanding as a parrot, a cuddler, funny personality, smart, not too loud and I would like at least the possibility that he/she would talk although it was low on my list as a bird can be a great companion bird if he doesn't talk but not necessarily (for me) if he's agressive or shy or untouchable etc... ANYWAY all that to say my research led me to a bird I had never heard of or seen, a mitred conure.

I went to find one and couldn't so researched breeders and found a great one! I called her and she was SO helpful! I was extremely nervous about buying a bird I couldn't meet. Anyway! Baxter was everything I wanted and MORE! He was larger than most (or all) conures. I think they are the second largest conure and more like a parrot than a conure but he oooooozes personality, he's a GREAT cuddler and he's even beginning to talk (they are one of the top talking conures). One thing is he has more of a parrot noise than conure and he's louder than I anticipated but nothing that I can't handle! I mean't this to sound subjective; I think I missed!

Good luck, most likely you'll be thrilled with whatever you decide!

[Monica]

Karen, you are quite right about mitreds! Charlie here seems to act more like macaws I've seen in some petstores or even on TV (blue and golds come to mind at forefront). He is louder than my cherry head, but then again Noel is not in the generalizations of conures.... she's just... different. As for Charlie, he's become VERY attached to me, although doesn't mind being handled by others (but he gets agitated if I leave him). If he's not with me he's not happy! All in all though, it's a joy to have him around!

[bustersbuddy]

I would vote for another species of conure or miniature macaw. For some reason, there are a lot of Hahns' macaws, yellow-collared macaws and Severe's macaws available here in L.A. recently. They are absolute charmers and I think would get along really well with a Nanday. My first larger bird was a Nanday conure and I will always have a soft spot in my heart for them. Cherry headed or Mitered conures would be a great choice as well. For a Nanday companion, you certainly want a more outgoing bird. Species that tend to be very shy might be overwhelmed by a really active Nanday. And your pictures show a very bright, inquisitive bird.

In my experience only, I have always found that birds of similar size and personality types are best together. I have seen too many situations where a small, shy bird was completely overwhelmed and bullied by a bigger, more outgoing bird and actually, vice versa! At least if the brids are around the same size, neither bird has a huge physical advantage over the other. So those are my thoughts, for what they are worth.

[cfulhage]

A grey!!! I have a congo, but timnehs are wonderful also!