First Time Parrot owner

[misssarcasticb]

Hi all
Ive been doing so much reading. Ive made a few toys.
My question is, Hahns macaw, Grey, or Caiques for first time owner.
As of right now i only want the one Parrot. They would be out for an hour with me in the morning in by 7:30 am Out again by 5:30 and out till bedtime
Ive had small tiels and buggies as a kid and always wanted a Parrot

[brdfvr]

Have you considered a smaller parrot such as a green cheek, sun, or black capped conure?

[tvymola]

I am glad to hear you are doing your research first! Kudos to you for not making an impulsive decision. My honest opinion, I would get one of the smaller breeds such as a caique, a quaker, or a conure. Macaws and Greys can be a bit more demanding than the smaller breeds. It is always better to start small. Even a caique or conure is a huge responsibility. Many people discover after getting a pet that they are not really ready for this huge responsibility. Please take my advice and start SMALL.

One thing to consider before you make that leap, is how much it costs to keep a bird. Annual vet visits, grooming, emergencies, proper diet, and the cost for enrichment are just a few things to count on. Most of us here at BirdBoard spend more on our parrots' diet than our own!

Another thing to consider is noise level. Do you own your own home? How close are your neighbors? All birds have the ability to be loud no matter what the size. Are you planning on moving in the next 10 years? Will you be able to take your feathered friend with you if you do?

[Astrid660]

^agree. Also, budgies and cockatiels are parrots too.

Consider adopting a parrot that needs a home and a second chance - I'm sure there are lots on your local kijiji/craigslist. I adopted a 15 year old quaker (coincidentally when I was 15 also) that soon became quite bonded to me and she was a great bird that said many phrases and sneezed/giggled.. Before that I had never considered owning a quaker! She was loud though... lol

Good luck in your search.

[Shutterbugmom]

Good for you for doing your homework. I agree that it's a good idea to start small.

I have to admit that I am just fascinated by the little caiques. They are just too adorable and very funny, imo.

Just as an fyi, you might want to consider these birds, as well:

Crimson bellied conure
Green cheek conure
Sun conure
Red bellied parrot
Senegal

Some of these birds are much louder than others, in general, so do your research carefully if you have an aversion to very loud noises. :) I met a red bellied parrot recently that was such a clown and spoke very well, and his owner said that he wasn't extremely loud. I just fell in love with him.

And my crimson bellied conure is packed full of funny bird attitude. She's very, very active in her cage playing with her toys. She even plays with her toys while on her back. Very funny! And we spoil her terribly, but so far she isn't acting spoiled. :)

[Emmilyy]

I like the green cheek suggestion! They're awesome birds! They have so much personality and are so entertaining to watch... Very loving, too :)

I have to disagree with the start small thing.. Its something i did, but any parrot you get is going to be with you for a long time, no matter what size it is. You should pick the parrot you like, just make sure you do your research first so you know what you're getting into!

[hollyhawkz]

There are so many wonderful parrots. It's difficult to guide a person as to what they should get. May I suggest reading through some of the different forums where you will find the pros, cons and challenges. Then you can ask specific questions in each when you find a parrot that interests you. That way you can find exactly what you are looking for. Happy searching!

[misssarcasticb]

Thank you all for the great info
Like i said i like the 3 but am open to suggestions. my next home will be the one i buy so my baby will becoming to ive rescued a Ball python 2 years ago and she was a mess when i got her now she is puppy tame.I love a taking on something big i just want advice on what parrot does ok being alone for the time i said.

[hsmoscout]

Originally Posted by brdfvr

Have you considered a smaller parrot such as a green cheek, sun, or black capped conure?

VERY GOOD SUGGESTION!!! No offense, but with large birds like the ones you SAID you want, you'd be WAY in over your head. Go for the GCC (green cheeked conure) and you WON'T be disappointed.

[Jag]

I know that Greys can have some issues. *Some* can be neurotic about things, and a little emotionally overwhelming. I worked with a nurse who had one, and it had a nervous breakdown... had to go to the vet for an injection of Ativan for its nerves! I love the talking ability and look of Greys... but I couldn't deal (I don't think) with the emotional issues.

Suns are LOUD. When all the boys get going, it's deafening in here, LOL! (Although I know you said you were interested in just one). Also, if you're going to be gone where the bird will be alone 8 hours a day, maybe you should get 2 (in seperate cages) for company...although that would be twice the time, work, etc. for you as they may not get along. Placing in the same cage has its own set of problems, though.