New member. Hello !

[New Linda]

Hi everyone,
I found this forum and thought it would be helpful.
I don't have a bird but would like to get one. I want a small bird that is not to loud. I have been reading about Parrotlets and Lineated Parakeets. I don't want to rush into this because I know the new baby will be with me for a long time.
I own a cat and Japanese Chins. I wondered if it would be asking for trouble getting a bird because of this. I sure hope you will tell me that the cats and dogs will be able to live together under one roof. I thought that is why I joined, to get input from other members before I start looking for a breeder.
Hope you can help me out.
Thanks,
Linda

[kimba]

Hi and welcome! I'm new here too.

[Dollybird]

Hello, welcome to BirdBoard! My sister has a parrotlet, and she is a lot of fun, but when she wants attention she can make some surprisingly loud cheeping noises! A lot louder than I would have thought for such a little bird. We have a green cheek conure at home, and though he can make some loud sounds, too, I've heard that they are supposed to be quieter overall. Most GCCs I've met are very sweet, and the one we have at home has no problem being around our dog. We don't let them get very close to one another, though, and our dog is actually scared of the bird (you'd think it would be the other way around :). Our conure, Petrie, can actually say quite a few words, too. I'm not sure if this is normal or unusual for a green cheek, but he is a lot of fun! Definitely much quieter than other types of conures, like suns or jendays, I think. Good luck deciding!

[micki]

hi and welcome to the forum Linda

[Petie and Me]

Hi I'm new too and just got a Parrotlet (2 weeks ago). Your right, it is a big decision. I have dogs but no cat and even if I did it wouldn't matter. I don't let my bird out when the other pets are around simply because he is so small that they could unintentionally hurt him. So as long as you followed that thought, I don't think you would have a problem.

I chose a parrotlet for the following reasons:
1. I personally am nervous around the beaks of the larger birds and would not be a confident owner.
2. I didn't want a bird whose happy noises would be bothersome to the whole household.
3. I did want a bird with tons of personality.
4. I did want a bird that would want to interact with me AND others.

For all these reasons and then some, the parrotlet seemed to fit my list well. While it is important to have a bird choose you as much as you choose it, I think having a good sense of what to expect in the breed is important.

If there is a breeder in your area, go and meet their birds and see what you think. Best of luck.....my Petie is awesome!

[catschair]