The Great Debate...

[RoughCollies]

...of the right bird for my family. I've been in circles trying to decide and I *think* I've narrowed it down. I'm hoping a new forum with new people that have new experiences might be able to help me decide.

*A bird that can be socialized to be handled by other people. I'm more than willing to put a ton of training and socialization time into making this possible.

*A relatively active bird that likes to play and have fun.

*Nothing too terribly tiny but nothing overly large either. We have a somewhat limited cage space. The bird won't be in the cage most of the time, but I'd like a cage that is large for the bird anyway.

*Something not known to be overly dusty as I do have some allergy issues.

*This one is more for my hubby than it is me. A bird that is not known for being overly loud. Normal bird noise is okay. We expect that. But, as we all know, some species are known for being excessively loud. Sun Conures for example, seem to simply scream because they can.

I have some bird experience and have worked with mostly Conures and Caiques. I'm looking at possibly a Red-Bellied or a White Capped Pionus right now.

Opinions, please.

[Jwhear]

My opinion is a conure. I have 8 birds, 4 of which are conures. 2 Suns, 1 Nanday and 1 Green cheek. I love them all and of course 3 of them are loud, but my green cheek is quiet. They are my favorite of all because they have such great personalities. I am owned by 1 cranky Amazon (loud), 2 cockatiels (dusty), 1 lovebird (small), 1 green cheek (small), 2 Sun conures (loud), 1 Nanday (loud). So this is the experience that I have and I am sure others will give experience with the birds that they have owned.

[loyallyroyal]

I would suggest a pi or an ekkie, though im more of an ekkie fan myself.

A big plus is he doesnt have dust.

[becca623]

Both of the two you've narrowed it done to should fit what you want. Pois even more so than pionus in my opinion. Although I second loyallyroyal, ekkies are great! No dust, like most people, smart, gorgeous, and just about perfect in every way.

[Ringneckmom]

Hmmm....
A Green cheek conure might work, not overly loud, like to play and can be handled by most people, not small like a budgie around Tiel size.

Pi's are nice birds, but I don't think they are the most active - will have to wait for Pi owners to answer that one.

Indian ringnecks that are handfed can be very nice as well. Larger than the GCC and quite active - not always real cuddly but they can be quite sweet when they want to be, pretty independent, can learn to talk, not too loud most of the time and well you can't beat how pretty they are.
However, I am a little biased on the one.

Ekkie are going to require a little bigger cage than a ringneck, Pi or GCC - something to keep in mind and will be much more expensive as well.

So budget might be another thing to think about as well. What is a comfortable amount to spend on the purchase of the bird..

[Shutterbugmom]

I don't have my bird yet, but I could have written your list of requirements, except that the bird will be more for me instead of my husband! Same allergy situation, cage situation, want the bird to be friendly with everyone, etc.

I've decided on a green cheek conure. There's some "fancier" green cheeks now, if you are willing to pay more. Check out some of the different colors here:

GREENCHEEKCONURE.COM

I know NOTHING about this breeder, so this is NOT an endorsement. I just did a search for color variations and that's one site that showed up on google!

Good luck with your choice.

[Shutterbugmom]

Just wanted to add that if I could have afforded a crimson bellied conure, I would have loved one of those, and I think it would have fit my requirements. Maybe any owners of crimson bellies will respond. :)

[RoughCollies]

I've had a Green Cheek before and am not sure I'd want another. I loved her dearly but she was not what I am looking for now.

I'm pretty sure I want a Red-Bellied. I go back and forth over and over and always seem to arrive at that conclusion. I'll have to talk to my hubby a little to see if he will go for one.

[Ringneckmom]

I love the red bellies - they are gorgeous. You might also look at the brown head I think it is in the same family also the Jardines are nice birds though I really don't know much about them.

Senegals are nice birds, but I don't really know their dynamics with family etc.