Considering a parrot...

[NCSUBird]

Yes, this is yet another of those "What type of parrot seems to fit my lifestyle best?" Although, mine has the added twist of "Or would I be best without one?"

The situation stands thus:

I am a college student who does intend to go to graduate school. Also, I don't intend to get any sort of pet until next year at the earliest when I will be living off campus (or perhaps I'll graduate by then, I'm a bit ahead of schedule). Either way, if I do get a bird, I will be taking it with me when I go to graduate school (almost definitely out of state). That would mean apartments/rentals/etc.

But, I wonder if my preferences rule out most birds entirely?

---I am not a fan of frequent, high pitched noises. Once upon a time I had 2 female cockatiels, they were quiet and didn't bother me at all. However, I've run across some male cockatiels that are pretty annoying (no offense). Probably depends on the bird? Budgies don't bother me at all - I like the chatter.

---I don't want a particularly needy bird. School is busy and I will definitely make time for the bird and I intend to have the cage door a lot, but there are times when I like to be alone or I have school stuff to do. Not that I want a purely decorative bird, though. I like playing with birds a lot too, just not as much as some birds (e.g. cockatoo, probably caique, etc) might prefer.

---Nothing too large. Years ago when there was a bird store in the area (there isn't one anymore) I played with a few of their birds and I liked the Mitred Conure they had, but I lost interest when I learned how loud most conures are (the odd loud scream doesn't bother me, but conures seem to have scream fests?). I also played with a baby rose-breasted cockatoo, but I don't think it was full size (and I don't want a 'too anyway). Smaller birds are fine too - although I might worry a little about anything really tiny.

--- I don't care if the species is known for talking. I don't intend to try and teach any bird to talk, but if it just happens on its own...it would be fun.

---I think I want to keep any future bird flighted...I don't know if that makes any species unsuitable for me, but I thought I would throw it out there (I've heard that some are more prone to developing bad attitudes when they are flighted?)

---Cuddly is good, but I'm fine with head scratches only (my cockatiels were head-scratch only).

---I do have several canaries. They don't fly free usually, but I don't want a species that is known for being too aggressive with other birds (not that I intend for them to interact, but I don't want a parrot that actively harasses the canaries).

---More interactive than a grass parakeet preferably (unless they are more interactive than I have been lead to believe?).

---I do want a moderately active bird, but not to the point where it would be difficult to keep the bird occupied. I don't want something that just sits there like a blob (I don't think I've met many birds that do, though).

--- Think "medium." Not to big, not too loud, not too this or that...."medium."

---Also, I don't necessarily have to "upgrade" out of the "beginner birds" - I just want a pet that fits!

I probably sound picky, and there is a good chance I am operating under some misconceptions, but the post covers my basic thoughts as they are right now. The other pet I am considering for my post-graduation life would be a cat....if that is relevant. The reason I want a pet in the first place is pure companionship, and they are interesting to watch and play with. That's pretty much it in a nutshell....or novel.

[Addicted to Tequila]

Poicephalus! You just described them to a tee!

Pet Bird Poicephalus FAQ

Yep... there IS a bird for you!

The ONLY supposed downpoint on them is that they are not "flashy". No-one is going to see your bird and think it is "cool" like a 'too or macaw can cause. I believe in the old adage, "Pretty is as pretty does!"

[NCSUBird]

That's another thing, appearances don't matter too much - although I would prefer something fully feathered :P

Senegals aren't necessarily my favorite birds in the world, but the last one I met wasn't a very friendly bird....

[Valo's Moirana]

i don't think i can give objective advice - half a year ago i was a grad student with very little time, but lots of school and research work living in an apartment, that i shared (and still share) with a greencheek and a peach fronted conure, who are both fully flighted (guess you can figure out what my suggestion would be)

[NaniOokami]

I'm going to throw out a vote for the Pionus. From what I've heard from others, they really fit the bill for what you describe. :)

[Markus]

Haha, I scroll down to vote "Pionus" and some else beat me to it!!

I had a bronze-winged pionus. She was the sweetest little bird. Not very needy, not very loud, and was just all-around awesome. Her feather colors were pretty neat, too.

As for the "cuddly" factor, pi's are high up on that and head scratching.

[jenseits]

I've got a Pionus and she's the sweetest thing. She's much better at entertaining herself than my conure, which is a bonus. She does, however, have a pretty high pitched scream. She doesn't use it often, but if high-pitched noises are like nails on a chalk board to you, just be aware that they are capable of that. (It doesn't help that my conure taught her bad habits. heh hehe.)

[bethn]

I agree a Poi would be the perfect choice. My cape is quiet in volume (he chatters constantly) . He is very affectionate, loves to be with us, but also plays super well by himself. Capes can be pricey and hard to find, but check out Meyers, red bellies, Jardines and brown heads as well. Good luck with your search.

[Valo's Moirana]

oh, i love meyers.... they're gorgeous

[ndeben]

check out parrotlets, they think they are big birds, pretty much low maintence.