Need Help Picking the Right Kind of Bird...

[FantasyBirds]

I have done some research, and I've decided to go for it and get a large bird. I have parrotlets, doves, and cockatiels up to now and love my 'tiels to death. My parrotlets are rather nippy sometimes, so I have eyes on a cockatoo. The problem is in a way I am scared of large birds. Those beaks are intimidating! I know all birds can be bitey, but in your opinion, which type of bird is the most affectionate? I have plenty of time to spend with the bird and lots of love. Any help appreciated! Thanks!

[kali]

my cocky was very jealous of other people and was quite nippy with everyone except me so i probly wouldn't recommend one if you are scared.

the most important thing to remember with large birds is to be confident. don't shy away when they put their beaks near ur hand, they probly will just be testing to see how strong you are to stand on.

if noise doesn't bother you get a sun conure!! best personalities EVER!

[greencinacheeks]

hmmmm...sun conures are FANTASTIC!!!


but...have you thought about like an Alexadrine??? Indian Ring Neck? they are a large bird good personalities too. or maybe a "smaller" macaw? by "big bird" do you mean BIG bird or medium size?

~Nate

[jenseits]

Definitely would not recommend a cockatoo based on your post. But conures are great - lots of personality in a manageable package.

[FantasyBirds]

I was looking for a larger bird, say the size of an african grey or therebouts. I actually am thinking about getting an indian ringneck as well, lol. I really want a breed that can talk, but I want a cuddly bird, as well. I hope that clarifies a bit more!

[RingneckedPrincess]

I ADORE my ringneck...so long as you get them young and from a breeder who knows what they are doing. They aren't the easiest birds, you have to be sure you handle them everyday...but they do talk and can be the sweetest things.

I wouldn't trade my Prinny for any other bird in the world.

Dani

[Matt]

Blue Crowned conures often talk and typcially aren't are nippy or loud as the other conures. I might replace my Red Masked conure with a Blue Crowned conure when he passes one day. They are usually great birds. They do usually enjoy a good head scratching and are clowns, often lying on their backs.

[FantasyBirds]

I will definately look into a conure, the only experience I have with one was at a petstore and it bit me... I actually think it was just trying to test and see if my hand was stable, as it didnt pierce skin. I have a cage already, its big enough for a large parrot/small maccaw. I dont want to get the bird and then be afraid of it, I used to be afraid of cockatiels! But my cockatiels are the sweetest babies ever. I had an opportunity a while back to get an eclectus, but I didnt know much about them. I've been playing with a yellow-nape amazon at the petstore I go to (the owner is also a bird breeder, has very nice birds), but I'm still a little nervous around him and he can pick up on that. Would the cage I have be too big for a conure? I wish it was easier to pick one, there are just so many beautiful birds!

[tamaran2]

I would go for a male SI. They are about the size of a Blue Front Amazon. Have the talking ability that will revile greys and MOST of the time a quite bird.

[FantasyBirds]

Most birds are loud, I'm used to it lol. I contacted a breeder in my state that breeds parrots so I can talk to them about it. I really love the colors in the Eclectus (although I'm partial to the females!)