I'm looking into a new feathery friend... Help me decide?

[alarmingparrots]

I live in a single-family home in Denver, CO.
There are no restrictions, as we are homeowners.
I'm gone from 8-3ish each day, but someone's always home.
Mess is okay with me.
I have two little budgies, and a menagerie of other animals (see below.)
I would love friendly and cuddly.
A middle-ish sized bird would be best.
The bird would be allowed to wander the house under supervision.
Also, noise can't be super-high, but medium-high noise is okay!

Any suggestions?

[Courtzrocks]

What about a galah or little corella? They are super cute and most are snuggly and arent too big. My Alexandrine is thinner than those two but her beak is larger. Or maybe a conure? The noise can be pretty bad with those birds but then again, give them times to let it out and it should be ok. Just the bonding to one person you would probably have to try avoid but they are cute. We had a galah and she was gorgeous.

My green cheek is my cuddly bird but she is a small bird. Also my cockatiel is pretty cool too (i think cockatiels are the perfect bird but thats my opinion). My alexandrine doesnt like to be scritched or patted but she loves being around people.

[alarmingparrots]

Thanks! I looked up these birds.
They are just gorgeous.
I'm looking into them now, but other opinions would still be appreciated.

[Ashling]

A bit about my girl: My rainbow lorikeet snuggles with me and preens me and loves being scritched! I'm gone from 8:15- 3:45 every day and she is fine with that, no issues- but she's always whistling, greeting, calling to me when I get home. She is noisy only if there are other wild lorikeets around the area, or she's extra excited, or wanting attention (not often cause she's out most of the time I'm home). When she does yell/ scream/ trill I either close the door to my room or take her out to play and she quiets down!
When she goes to play with the cockatiels and budgie she heads straight for the budgie and starts preening her <3
Lorikeets are known for their mess, but I find it much easier than my tiels and budgie mess because of lack of seed husks, dust, solids and feathers spread everywhere. She is pretty small but she sure makes up for it with her gregarious and fun loving personality. Galahs are a great pet to though ;D

[cashmerekiddy]

I have only had experience with a few parrots ...I had a galah once - he was a beautiful bird. Loved being cuddled and scratched. Wasn't excessively noisy - just used to say goodnight to the sun in the evening and hi to any wild parrots flying around the neighbourhood. Just to clarify ...that when he did vocalise it was noisy but the frequency not as often as other parrots. He didn't have any major faults - was calm and smart, Oh well almost no faults... he didn't like my husband one little bit. But my dairy goat doesn't like him either so it may not be fair to blame the galah
I 've also had a cockatiel who was an absolute sweetheart in every way - but the constant chirping was a bit much sometimes.
The green cheeked conure I have now is a bundle of fun - very outgoing, cheeky and very interactive, so he makes a great little mate.
Good luck with your decision

[KimM]

Wow! I'm jealous. You're in a great location to go and talk to the people at the Gabriele Foundation. They have many many birds there that need good homes. Perhaps they can help you pick the right bird for you.

The Gabriel Foundation®

[Oscars Mom]

If dust isnt an issue id reccomend a tag. Id check a handfed meyers too

[Amie]

Originally Posted by Oscars Mom

If dust isnt an issue id reccomend a tag. Id check a handfed meyers too

Yes, and if dust IS an issue, you'll want to rule out those cockatoos that Courtney suggested.

Also, Lories are for a special kind of person. They eat nectar, so they're a little messy, and the poop mess is. . .well. . . .overwhelming. but only if you aren't a Lorie person. (The same way a dog person has little problem picking up after their dog when walking)

Look into pionus (although cuddly isn't a word to describe them. They want to be with you, but they're not the type to lay on their backs and let you play with their bellies) and caiques.

Also, the smaller Amazons. Mexican Red Heads (or Green Cheeks, depending on the breeder) and Lilac-Crowned are my personal favorites. Their screams aren't quite as loud as the bigger Amazons, although they will spend a lot of time talking (especially to themselves!). They're very entertaining little clowns.

And remember, all birds scream somewhat. Doesn't mean they have screaming problems.

Good luck!

[alarmingparrots]

Thank you, all.
This has been quite helpful.
I'm going to go check out the Gabriel Foundation.

[Courtzrocks]

Yeah if dust is an issue you can rule out the aussie too's and tiels. Maybe a quaker? If they're legal there. Or a princess parrot? they are cute! Alexandrines arent cuddly but they love being around you. Mine doesnt mind her cage either so she isnt loud when she's in it either (except for ringing her bell lol). She isnt really cage possessive. If you stick your fingers through the bars she will try bite but as soon as you open the door she is fine. Anyways, yeah maybe look at some rescues? They might be able to help you our with one that is past its hormonal stage..let us know what you choose.