i need advice!

[featherduster]

I suggest a Timneh Grey...:)
(females tend to be more cuddly)

Good luck!!

[karen22]

everyone is being so helpful!i totally agree with homebird-sometimes it's hard to get acccurate information on the internet because the breeders want you to buy their birds. that's why it's great to hear from people who own these birds and know lots about them!

[svolk]

Originally Posted by karen22

everyone is being so helpful!i totally agree with homebird-sometimes it's hard to get acccurate information on the internet because the breeders want you to buy their birds. that's why it's great to hear from people who own these birds and know lots about them!

You've come to a great place to experience different species through everyone here, everyone is so helpful.

In addition, I would try to look around and spend time with various species and see if anything "fits." Ideally, I believe that the best situation is when the bird chooses YOU. There are some situations where there is an instant connection and you've been chosen.

I know that in the future when we plan to add to our flock I want to look into a bird who needs to be rehomed for whatever reason, there are so many out there now that have been tossed around from home to home and just need a forever home.

[karen22]

unfortunately,i can't spend time with too many different types of birds as all we have here are the typical petco and petsmart stores.

[The Outlaw]

I think that a grey, either congo or timneh will fill the bill nicely for you. They are fun, a nice size, very intelligent and quiet. Even an noisy grey can't begin to match the volume of most conures. Greys love to make noise, but they just aren't screamers.

Eclectus parrots are also and excellent choice. They can scream if their needs aren't met, but its pretty unusual. My female was extremely well behaved and the only time I ever heard her scream was if she was really frightened. It takes a lot to scare a female ekkie. If you do choose an eclectus, most people would recommend the males. I had no problems with my female as far as being sweet, but she did ultimately decide to pluck.

Unfortunately, the greys and the ekkies can be prone to plucking, so do your homework and make sure you understand what you need to keep them happy and entertained.

Frankly, you just sound like a grey parrot person to me.

If you have your heart set on a larger bird, don't start with small birds. Get what you want. Too many budgies, tiels and conures wind up given away after a few years.

[karen22]

i think i'm leaning more towards the eclectus.they are so cute! does anyone own one and can tell me more about them?also, can anyone tell me what bird shows are like? i've never been to one.

[homebird]

Bird shows can tear your heart out & leave you weak. I love them but the last one I went to I was convinced that a Lesser Too was it for me or the Severe Macaw I saw too.

Do a search in your area - what area you in? - for bird shows - they are mostly in the fall but a few Bird clubs have early summer shows. A BB member who lives near me did a few threads about local breeders & showed off their flocks & facilities. One of those breeders takes in re-homes too once in a while. Bird Clubs can also be an excellent intro as the members often bring their birds to the meetings.

I also agree that if you pick a type of fid - be very careful - one of our members wanted a medium sized bird, got a Budgie because she enjoyed our discussions & ended up re-homing him, luckily to a friend. [Buzz has some interesting threads to read if you look.]

I was in a terrible state the day I went to get Laker - I was filled with doubt & so worried he's cause some problem at home. Thankfully everything has worked out perfectly.

[karen22]

i live in memphis,tn.there's a bird show coming up nov.25. i've only lived here a couple of months, so i don't know about any bird clubs around here.

[homebird]

I'd probably go to the show if it was me.
But if you've never been to one please take a friend who can stop you from going ahead & getting a bird right away. Take paper & pencils instead so you can write down the names & numbers of the people selling. If you look you'll see some threads in the Lounge section about members coming back from shows & how they handle it - pretty crazy sometimes.
There does seem to be a trend right now that fewer birds are being shown. The shows will sometimes have interesting toys etc so that's good too.

Check out the internet for Bird Clubs in your area. Our area Clubs also have Classifieds. We also have a Provincial Parrot Assoc. - maybe you have a State one or an East Coast one?