Great birds for families

[Izzy]

I probably wouldn't mix many oif the species mentioned. It SO depends upon the personal bird and how it is raised. I think almost any species could do well if the family spent a LOT of time and energy training and socializing it.

Quakers, poi, mini macaws, lovebirds and pionus ALL tend to be nippy and territorial, in my experience. That said, I have an AWESOME meyers parrot who can be held by anyone, has never drawn blood, and likes kids. But many meyers I've met have been little terrors.

I actually think I would strongly recommend a young sun conure...I've met a lot of awesome suns, and they don't seem like they bond as strongly to one person as some of the other species mentioned. Plus they would thrive in an active environment. And they aren't as 'moody' in general as birds like pionus and poicephalus, while also being less territorial than the quakers and mini macaws.

I think cockatiels and budgies are the safest bet, probably leaning towards cockatiels simply because budgies are a little more fragile. Beyond that, there are some great rescue birds out there (my meyers was one), or you ocan raise a bird from a young age.

I know someone with a two year old who has two fully flighted congo greys who do fine with her. A lot of it also has to do with teaching the kids boundaries.

[NaniOokami]

Vasa parrots make lovely pets for families with kids! And, think of the benefits of it coming into sexual prime during Halloween! You get your very own buzzard for a deco!

I can't stop laughing at this one. ;) Those poor, adorably ugly (during sexual prime, of course) greater Vasa.

The lessers don't do it, though - no bonus there, except that Vasa are just really cool parrots to begin with.

[jenseits]

Okay, so what I'm hearing from you guys is that you think these make better family birds:

Several votes for cockatiels
Certain subspecies of pionus
Quakers
Blue Crown Conures
Senegals and Meyers
Hahn's but not other minis
Mixed feelings about GCCs
Maybe budgies, but they're too small

Any one else have thoughts about other species, or thoughts about the above species?

I don't think I've got a full Top 10 list yet (plus I'd like some more quotes on some of these) so I'd like to solicit more feedback before I start drafting my post.

What about it? Anyone else care to way in?

[Addicted to Tequila]

It depends on SO many other things too though! Suns are great (as we both know!) but I am not sure I would recommend them simply due to the fact that in a house with young kids... naps would be interrupted. And in a house with older ones... the likelihood that the screaming would be ignored as it should goes down exponentially as you add people to the environment!

See the problem?

[xafsmom]

Raptors. I believe raptors and kids should be together. Hungry raptors...

[Maximus]

what about a parrotlet. they are not loud, very willing to go to anyone, they obviously can't bite as bad as the bigger birds. may even learn to talk and love to have fun. they are small so that could be an issue if the kids were not careful though. and I would suggest a male, jmo

[Cece4]

My 7yo loves both the cockatiels and the greencheek and they love him.Well not Winchester but he is touchy about hands.So as long my son keeps his hands down Winchester loves it when he talks to him and will start singing to him, its really cute.
Thats all the experience I have.But I will say also my son has been bitten by the greencheek but he is exceptional with animals and got over it and loves the greencheek anyways.

[Eliza]

Cockatiels, definitely.

If the parents are experienced bird-keepers, the children are older and if everyone helps each other out (caring for the bird, supervising children & guests, etc.), I don't see why most species of parrots wouldn't be suitable, though.

-e-

[Addicted to Tequila]

Because most parents want kids that can play the piano with BOTH hands? LOL

Sorry... but large toos and two year old nekkid apes are a scary combo no matter hows ya slice it. Zons and tykes both have meltdowns and are "grabby"... and misery loves company too much to tempt fate (and boy can both these things get miserable, cranky, and whiny! LOL)

[xafsmom]

Raptors.

/nods