Considering a poicephalus...

[anthoeny]

Hello everyone.

I've done much research, and I am seriously considering a handfed Poicephalus pet. I've read much information on each species, and have narrowed it down to three. I've had budgies in the past, but this will be my first real parrot, but I understand what is involved. However, I'm still quite torn on which species to go with, either a Meyer's, a Senegal, or a Red-bellied.
I've found a breeder that I can get any of those parrots - handfed, socialized and weaned of course :)

Rather than list characteristics of each of those species and debate from there... hehe... I'll make a list of characteristics I'd like to have in this new pet:
-Quiet, comparatively. The cage will most likely have to be placed in my room(because of the cats, etc!)... so I'm going for a normally quiet bird (thus the Poicephalus! )
-Affectionate, friendly
-Able to entertain itself during for a good part of the daytime while we're working/at school (lots of toys, etc)
-Talking ability would be nice, but not necessary
-Responds well to training
-Playful, but still mild overall
-Really would prefer a bird that will not become defensive towards all others except me (I will be the main caretaker of him/her)

I would greatly appreciate anyone's feedback or comments while I'm in the deciding process. Personal experiences and tips would be great...
Thanks alot!

[Rue]

...actually, it sounds like you're looking for a Pionus!...

[dyeman]

I have experience only with Meyers, (Elvis) and Senegals. In my opinion, these two would meet your criteria in most respects other than they tend to bond to one person if not continually socialized to others.

I would say that most Pionus and Eclectus would also meet your criteria and not be quite so one person oriented. These of course are just general traits and there are always exceptions.

Scott

[Beaks]

Meyers, red belly and sennie are pretty much the same, i have a red belly and a meyers now and they act the same and both are pretty quiet birds sennies are not much different.

But if i had to make a choice i would pick a meyers because they tend to be just a little less agressive when they get older(talking about tame well socialized birds) and love snuggle time, talk well but quietly and are very smart birds.

John

Originally Posted by anthoeny

Hello everyone.

I've done much research, and I am seriously considering a handfed Poicephalus pet. I've read much information on each species, and have narrowed it down to three. I've had budgies in the past, but this will be my first real parrot, but I understand what is involved. However, I'm still quite torn on which species to go with, either a Meyer's, a Senegal, or a Red-bellied.
I've found a breeder that I can get any of those parrots - handfed, socialized and weaned of course :)

Rather than list characteristics of each of those species and debate from there... hehe... I'll make a list of characteristics I'd like to have in this new pet:
-Quiet, comparatively. The cage will most likely have to be placed in my room(because of the cats, etc!)... so I'm going for a normally quiet bird (thus the Poicephalus! )
-Affectionate, friendly
-Able to entertain itself during for a good part of the daytime while we're working/at school (lots of toys, etc)
-Talking ability would be nice, but not necessary
-Responds well to training
-Playful, but still mild overall
-Really would prefer a bird that will not become defensive towards all others except me (I will be the main caretaker of him/her)

I would greatly appreciate anyone's feedback or comments while I'm in the deciding process. Personal experiences and tips would be great...
Thanks alot!

[Franciscus]

I like the poicephalus and the Meyer's is my favourite. If I had learned more about this group of birds before I ended up with the four I have I would have probably had one. Make sure you do have enough time to spend with the bird. It should get st least four hours out of the cage time, supervised, with at least a half hour to an hour direct attention, especially if housed in a room alone during the day. I would also suggest that if there is a safe spot out of the cats' reach to perhaps have a daytime cage in a more interresting room of the house.

[morethanrubies]

Anthoeny, did you make your decision?

[Sandra75]

I have a Meyers and they are great. Meyers are more forgiving than Red-Bellies. But Red-Bellies can talk. Meyers are also less nippy. They are affectionnate little birds. They all are great!!!

[Joel]

I too choose the Meyers over the others. I have 6 of them now, 4 Sennies and 4 Jardines - no Red Bellies but have been around them before......But they are ALL great as stated - I just love the quieter Poicephalus family.