Answer please!

[safarichick101]

I just wanted to say that I am STILL in the process of choosing a bird. :( I need to make a FIRM list of the birds I need to visit before I drive there because well, the bird stores are all over 2 hours drive away. So for my parents sake I need to limit it to as little trips as possible. They agree that its important for me to pick the bird i want. And I have firmly stated that I absolutely will not buy a bird from petsmart/petco, the only pet supply stores in our area. So... Can you please evaluate me and help me make a short list of the birds i need to visit.

-I go to school 7-8 hours a day.
-I'm 13
-I've had loads of other pets.
-I LOVE birds, always have, I've fulfilled this love by having chickens. But I want a parrot for something.
-I love all animals.
-I'm a slightly quiet person.
-I have to go to irish dance all day on sundays
-My plans for careers etc. A. I want to become a conservationist, I've wanted to do this since I was 4, there's no changing it. I have dreams to make as big a difference for all wild animals as I can. I hope to save the rainforest and solve the global warming issue. B. If I choose to have the more laid back, normal life, I want to be an avian vet or a professional art teacher.
-I want a companion, something that will be a good friend to me all the time, especially when i'm having hard times at school with certain people.
-I love to research and I realize the pros and cons of owning a parrot.

I'm sorry I just explained my shallow life goals but I thought it might make a difference in my options because I realize birdies live a long time.

I have a long list of the birds I have my heart set on....

-cockatiel
-green cheeked conure
-painted conure, I've already found a breeder
-senegal
-hahn's macaw
-blue headed pionus
-meyer's parrot
-goldie's lorikeet
-caique

- I want a bird that is playful, but also laid back in terms of my schedule. cuddliness preferable, nippiness avoidable. I can handle a nippy stage though.

[hsmoscout]

From what I've heard, you might want to rethink the whole Hahn's macaw thing...

[Emmilyy]

Haven't we went through this.. uhh, many times already? LOL .

One question: You said you have dance ALL day on Sundays.. will your parents be willing to interact with the bird when you're not there?

I really dont think anyone here can tell you what bird to get. You need to make your own choices, not let other people make them for you. "You are the driver of you're life, not the passenger" (the seven habits of highly effective teens) bahahaha, quoting PD class.

buuuttt, i see you have a little smiley heart thingy next to painted conures.. AND You already found a breeder... hmmmm... xD

If i were in your shoes, i would probably go with the painted conure of green cheek. I used to want a senegal, too, before i got Cookie, though..

just remember *you* have to make the decision! don't let somebody else, you're the one who'll be spending your life with the bird!

[shellbeme]

I have known cockatiels to be very versatile birds, I wouldn't recomend anything else especially with your age, and I would only recomend this if your entire family will be involved with the bird :) They can be just as cuddly as any other, I have had them in the past and they all have their own unique personalities when you take the time to really get to know them. Good luck with your decision and keep us posted! :)

[Emmilyy]

why wouldn't you recomend any other bird? I got Cookie when i was 14, and i've had no problems.. i dont think you should pick a bird because "its good for your age," birds live long, and you won't always be young.. pick the bird you want for the long run, not as a 'beginner',, just thought i'd throw out my opinion again.. I'm not saying don't get a teil! i'm sure they're awesome, and i actually really like them after reading about Mel's peanut! (i never used to like em all that much...) just tryna say choose what you want (:

[safarichick101]

Originally Posted by Emmilyy

Haven't we went through this.. uhh, many times already? LOL .

One question: You said you have dance ALL day on Sundays.. will your parents be willing to interact with the bird when you're not there?

I really dont think anyone here can tell you what bird to get. You need to make your own choices, not let other people make them for you. "You are the driver of you're life, not the passenger" (the seven habits of highly effective teens) bahahaha, quoting PD class.

buuuttt, i see you have a little smiley heart thingy next to painted conures.. AND You already found a breeder... hmmmm... xD

If i were in your shoes, i would probably go with the painted conure of green cheek. I used to want a senegal, too, before i got Cookie, though..

just remember *you* have to make the decision! don't let somebody else, you're the one who'll be spending your life with the bird!

I know its just I don't want to go to austin to visit 1 store with cockatiels, and then 2 in houston with green cheeked conures. Now i live in Bryan/college station, you do the math. :) They are both about 2 1/2 hours away, but in opposite directions. I PROMISE THIS IS THE LAST THREAD.

This does count as research.

[Emmilyy]

haha, i know! its all good if it helps you choose your bird! what are your thoughts? What are you leaning towards?

[safarichick101]

I'm truthfully leaning toward a gcc/painted. But teils and senegals are also options. ") I like hahn's but from what i just read, they seem LOUD. I can handle loud but can my parents? Lol. :)

[T.W.]

I vote for a senegal. Sennies are a quieter bird (though mine talks all day) they are not big screamers, and they can entertain themselves quite nicely. In the end, it is your choice, and obviously, it must fit in with your whole family, I must admit, I do not know alot about painted conures. Keep in mind, you can have a general knowledge of different bird species, and what their mannerisms are, but they are all individual, there is no textbook bird, good luck!

[hsmoscout]

Originally Posted by safarichick101

I'm truthfully leaning toward a gcc/painted. But teils and senegals are also options. ") I like hahn's but from what i just read, they seem LOUD. I can handle loud but can my parents? Lol. :)

Hahn's are not only lud but WAY to much trouble! I would say to keep away from a Hahn's until you get your own house.