What bird is an all around total package?

[chickenlittle]

What bird is an all around good pet for a bird? I would like to get one that is a decent talker, likes to be played with and also doesn't mind it's cage too. So what kind of bird & why? Thanks Angie

[chapala]

Ask 10 people, you'll get 10 different answers! We're all different, so it's not surprising that there are many favorite bird species just like dog breeds. One doesn't fit all and it's very hard for someone else to know what you will like!

What size bird do you want? That depends partly on your inclination, but also if you have the space for a large cage, and can afford all the chewing toys that large beaks require.

The best thing to do is visit with people who have birds, visit a rescue center, a bird store, a bird show, - see lots of different birds and get to know something about their personalities. Also, you can read a lot about the different species on-line, and that will give you a good start.

[becca623]

Well, Unless you get a bird that is speaking currently, there is no guarantee that any bird you get will speak. Before anyone can suggest a species that typically fits the description we would need to know more about you and what you want. First of all, do you have any bird experience? What size bird are interested in getting? They vary from a very inches to a few feet. How much money are you looking to spend? How much space do you have for a cage? Do you suffer from any allergies? Some birds have more dander than others. Do you live in an apartment or a house? Some birds are much, much louder than others. How much time are you willing to spend preparing food for the bird? Some birds have more particular dietary requirements than others. However, they all need a well rounded diet. Please don't think I'm being mean. I just want to help you the best that I and the others can. We all were beginners with lots of questions at one time. I'm just trying to find out more about your particular situation so we can better help you decide what species may fit best into your life. Unfortunately many of us had to learn through trial and error which then can lead to heartbreak for both us and the bird who we decide we cannot keep for whatever reason. With access to internet and other people who have more experience we are able to communicate and learn so much more than ever before. Thus, hopefully leading us to make more informed choices for ourselves and these magnificent creatures.

[LoveMyBeak]

Originally Posted by chickenlittle

What bird is an all around good pet for a bird? I would like to get one that is a decent talker, likes to be played with and also doesn't mind it's cage too. So what kind of bird & why? Thanks Angie

I found the best all around bird for me.............the one that chose me

[Newticus]

I totally second LoveMyBeak's comment! Go out and meet as many birds as possible and find the one that really clicks with you.
There are some great books out there that give general descriptions of commonly kept parrots, try there too?

Melanie

[girly]

I've read in several different sites that in general, the blue front amazon is the best pet. I had one for 30 years and I have to agree that it was a great pet.

Now I have a CAG - it's not at all like the blue front-not that easy, but I love her so much that I don't care!

[ThreeX]

Not wanting to rain on anyone's parade - but..
*Decent talker - A lot of species fit that description, only there are specimens among well known "talkers" that may never utter a word.
*Likes to be played with - 'Toos are IMO the most cuddly and Amazons Caiques and Poicephalus the most playful though i wouldn't really recommend any of them as first bird for various reasons.
*Doesn't mind it's cage too much - Again IMO that's a raising/socialising issue, if you have to keep the bird caged at certain hours like when you're not home, don't let the bird get used to tons of "flying time" in the beginning just to be forced to restrict later.
A good sized cage doesn't seem to bother my birds (or anyone i know/of for that matter)
Reading/studying loads *before* buying is a must. Hanging out if possible with different species and their keepers help a lot too, you don't want to be stuck with a Saab 9-3 when it really was a Buick Park Avenue you wanted even though a lot of people recommended the Saab (silly metaphore, i know.. :)

Originally Posted by girly

I've read in several different sites that in general, the blue front amazon is the best pet. I had one for 30 years and I have to agree that it was a great pet.

Now I have a CAG - it's not at all like the blue front-not that easy, but I love her so much that I don't care!

And in my case it was just the opposite, i had a male BFA who went stir crazy and attacked my girlfriend (he hated her from day one) but after attacking me as well i traded him with a breeder friend of mine for a Senegal. Spoke to the breeder last week and the amazon is now a father :) (And still, he has to keep him off with a broom when entering the aviary for food and water changes)
Guess that only goes to show the difficulty advicing anyone *sigh*

[girly]

I think we're just talking generalizations. There are always exceptions.

Let's face it - everyone's going to have a different opinion on topics like this!

[usamma]

I'm pretty happy with my conures! :) They are not great talkers but two of them have sounds/phrases.

I saw some adorable Hahn's Macaws at the rescue place that were great little talkers, friendly, very small so probably lower maintenance as far as food/cage goes, and they seemed happy enough in their cage together. I have an on-line friend who has a Hahns and she's very happy with it, and it also tolerates her young children.

[Phaerie]

Perfect answer!!