Help me pick the right bird!!

[xafsmom]

First, don't buy a bird with your child in mind. Buy a bird for YOU. Most birds learn to get along with children, especially if the bird comes to you as a baby. However, not all birds remain tolerant of tiny fingers poking them. So, you need to think of what you want, and what type of bird you're willing to share time with, because it will be like having a pair of 2 year olds versus just your one.

That said, it's really up to what you and your husband want. I'd consider making a list of likes and dislikes, and needs. In example;

Noise level, size of bird, energy level of bird, cuddliness of bird, ect.

Answer those things and we can assist you a bit more closely in suggestions for you to consider.

[Buteo]

There are tons of factors to consider- like if your present pet gets along with the bird... Unfortunately many are unknown quantities because they depend on the personality of the new arrival.


Off the top of my head though, these come to mind:
Small: Parrotlet, Budgerigars, Brotogeris, Lineolated Parakeet, Conure (Green Cheek & all CMs)

Medium: Australian King Parrot, Cockatiel, Pionus, Poicephalus (Brownhead/Meyer's), Princess Parakeet.

[Tom Lawless]

I would try to visit a reputable breeder or bird store. This way you can look at different birds and talk to the people who raised them. They may have some good advice based on a specific bird and like an earlier post mentioned, you might find a bird picks you that you hadn't even considered. There are so many great birds out there. Check your local rescues too. Being new to this I was a little afraid of taking on an older bird with baggage but I've heard so many stories of an older bird taking immediately to a family and thriving on the love available to them in their new home.

I give you credit for doing your research and not making a purely emotional purchase. Granted, there is no way these purchases aren't emotionally motivated, they really can grab your heart, but it's great to balance it with a little education going into it.

Good luck. Keep us posted on any new developments.

Oh yeah, I hear Blue Crowned Conures are great family birds. I love the pionus and almost bought a blue headed pionus myself. The cockatiels are a nice bird. And then there are Senegals and mini macaws. I've even seen African Greys that are good in family situations but I believe the Timneh African Grey tends to be recommended more in that case.