Newbie - Please help us find a bird!!

[uehling]

I'm in California and Quakers are Illigal to own;

[Cindy215]

I just uploaded a short video on the Photobucket album of the male (Toby) trying to squeeze on a small perch with Piper...lol he's dorky. You see her fly off then return. That's common she wants to be with him alot. The title is "I Want to Be With You" first thumbnail.

Here's a u-tube video..I was trying to capture him calling ...poor guy was tripping all over the place looking for her....her I dont know if you can hear it ok...turn your volume up...they are quiet but like to vocalize alot (they are using that small cage till his wings grow back some, her original flight cage I have is 32 x 21 x 36 but dangerous for him still)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p26M6M2XdU

[Asta]

I don't know all the names of the species but I do know there are a few species of very small macaws, one of which I raised (at the pet shop) was a Severe Macaw. What a sweet bird.

Another bird I ran across was called a "red shouldered green parrot" which I have no idea what that meant. But the bird was very very sweet and not too expensive. And not too small and not too big. It really looked like a mini-mini macaw. Boy, did he want to be petted and held. If I had the $$, I would have bought him on the spot.

I am wondering if maybe the answer might be a small parrot with a longer lifespan than a 'keet and not a big beak!

At the Joonie House where we are discussing appropriate birds for you, we keep coming back to cockatiels as a solution. But that's just because we are biased. We love our two 'tiels and if you can find a young hand-raised tiel, you can find yourself with a wonderful, intelligent, talking companion.

But I have to say -- my parakeet was the most remarkable bird I know. If you can find a breeder who handraises 'keets, you will not be disappointed. That may be the way to go at this time. Do a search on the net and find a breeder close by.

I wish you the best. I hope I haven't confused you, but I probably did. Please forgive me, I just get so enthused. About all birds. I can't help myself.

[Captain Jack]

I am going to go with what Lissa, leighrivera161, & Asta suggested. A Mini macaw! Maybe a Hahn's Macaw? They are full of personality and they are so outgoing. I have met more than a couple and they were like one of my big boys, but in a smaller package. I would consider them a medium sized bird and this might fulfill your husbands desire for a larger bird.

The little Severe's are probably my favorite out of the mini's, but they tend to play a little rough...And have the tendency to be a little ornery.

Have you ever met a Mini Macaw yet? You really should go try it out! A Mini Macaw might just fit into your home well.

[Captain Jack]

Originally Posted by Asta

I don't know all the names of the species but I do know there are a few species of very small macaws, one of which I raised (at the pet shop) was a Severe Macaw. What a sweet bird.

Another bird I ran across was called a "red shouldered green parrot" which I have no idea what that meant. But the bird was very very sweet and not too expensive. And not too small and not too big. It really looked like a mini-mini macaw. Boy, did he want to be petted and held. If I had the $$, I would have bought him on the spot.

I am wondering if maybe the answer might be a small parrot with a longer lifespan than a 'keet and not a big beak!

At the Joonie House where we are discussing appropriate birds for you, we keep coming back to cockatiels as a solution. But that's just because we are biased. We love our two 'tiels and if you can find a young hand-raised tiel, you can find yourself with a wonderful, intelligent, talking companion.

But I have to say -- my parakeet was the most remarkable bird I know. If you can find a breeder who handraises 'keets, you will not be disappointed. That may be the way to go at this time. Do a search on the net and find a breeder close by.

I wish you the best. I hope I haven't confused you, but I probably did. Please forgive me, I just get so enthused. About all birds. I can't help myself.

A red shoulder green parrot is the same as a Hahn's Macaw. Cute little guys! I love them! They say Hahn's Macaws aren't the best talkers, but out of the few I have met they can say Hello, Step Up, and can laugh.

[homebird]

I went thru about 3 yrs of really looking at all the birds out there within my price range, space requirements, & longevity.

My short list was:
Short tailed birds were my favorite for some reason -
Linnies - gentle climbers. lovely colours
Lovebird - but they are fairly aggressive & at least 3 lovely species & mutations in the marketplace.
Meyers & Brown head - llike Senegals but less of a handful is my impression & less one person birds.
Parrotlets - but i was worried they'ed be hyper - they seem lively inthe videos but not too crazy.
I still liked these longer tailed 'parakeet' types:
Bourkes - not too many mutation here in Canada but a darling bird.
Green Cheek Conures et al - fun & intelligent looking [ i know they all are smart but the GCC's look smart to me!]
Budgies - they always seemed at the bottom of the list - even when I went to the pet store or to bird shows. [bird shows had me convinced that I wanted a lesser too or a small macaw. but back home reason slowly prevailed]

I was also reading a lot of Bird Talk Mags & British bird mags. The one bird to really stand out & had the most amazingly enthusiastic following was the Budgie. I read about their mimicry & intelligence. All the birds are 'smart' - a Budgie learns easily is perhaps the thing & their use of language is as good as a Grey.

I chose a Budgie in the end. I have not been disappointed. Budgies come in a rainbow of colours & they are so small they are like precious jewels.

I agree with the 'check out the species forums' & look at all the parrots & their families.

[BigBird]

A tiel would be a great bird for you and the kids. Not too big to be scary and not too small either.

They love a scratch and love nothing better to sit on your shoulder and play with your earrings, necklaces, rings etc. Buttons and zips. Keeps them amused for hours!

Sorry about peanut that would be so hard taking him back. I live in Australia where cockatoos are rampant. At one stage I almost came home with one, but changed my mind cause the size of them and their nature scares me. I know any bird can give you a nip when you least expect it, but you dont usually lose any limbs or digits because of it!

[uehling]

When talking to my husband last night; about getting a Budgie or a Parrotlet; he said that he didn't think that he wanted a bird anymore after what we went thru... (which means he doesn't want the type of bird I'm suggesting) me on the other hand; I have decided on a budgie; but I want to find a breeder who hand raises them; somewhere with in driving or meeting distance.

We live in Sacramento, and will drive reasonable distance; bay are ... etc. Anyone know of breeders local to me.

I checked out some of the video's that you all have and the little budgies are crack up's - especially (sorry forgot his name) the little one who is playing soccer and putting the cat toy in the cup... very cute. :-)

I also really like the parrotlets' - those are in close consideration as well.

Thanks again, and it might be awhile before I get one - maybe two.... but I'll be in touch!!!

[homebird]

Pogo is the name of the Budgie that you're talking about. When you choose a Budge from a breeder or what ever get one that isn't timid. They should be playful & fearless as well as beautiful.

Remember they are fun, sweet, will bite but don't hurt, don't usually like to be petted but will hang around you like a broach otherwise.

My husband was not too keen on a bird at all at first. He's Laker's biggest fan now & i think Laker sees him as his favourite - go figure..

[Irish]

OK, you crazy people--don't you know that Severes become Vampires when they grow up? *grins*

Seriously, though--they usually seem to turn into one-person birds, and are prone to biting vigorously to keep everyone but their chosen person at bay. Prolly not what I would think of as a pet for the whole family.