decision made - well almost

[goodshep]

Still have a couple of questions.....After much reading and talking with various owners, breeders and rescue people and my SIL who owns two Senegals and a CAG, we've decided the best choice for our family in terms of a first bird is a poicephalus.

We've had budgies in the past but nothing larger. I've visited both a breeder and a rescue in my area to get a feel for the different species and get some hands on time with the birds. The rescue recommended two of their cockatiels to us. They were tame sweet birds. They said that there were other breed options (the poicephalus family) that would probably work out well for us but the ones they get often have behavioral problems to the point that they might have a tough time adjusting to our large family. They said once we got our feet wet with the cockatiels we'd probably be back for a bigger parrot (the man there actually said he thought with a little experience, we'd do well with a big macaw!). The trouble with this thinking is two-fold imo. It assumes that I will want or be able to accomodate a number of birds (the Lay's potato chip mentality of you can't have just one). And secondly, there is something to be said I think for getting the bird one really wants and is motivated to work with (as long as the choice is reasonable for our situation and our homework has been done) rather than settling for a "stepping stone" bird that doesn't truly spark your interest. Whatever bird we get, it will need to be a part of the family for its lifetime. That is a serious committment. We're all attracted to the poicephalus (well, we also all like the African Greys but despite the advice from my SIL that we would love one and be able to handle it, I'm not sure if that would be the right choice for us) SO.....we've decided that getting a baby would be the way to go. We'll work hard at socializing it with all family members and the big wide world to ensure that it remains outgoing and happy. I've heard nothing but good from my SIL who has Senegals. The Meyers was recommended by a couple of people as a good choice. The Cape parrot really has my interest but seems hard to come by and more $$$. Jardines and Red bellies are also interesting to me. If anyone has input regarding one over the other (or are they pretty much similar?) I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts. We are looking for a playful, intelligent bird and would love one that could learn to talk or mimic.

Our situation is as follows:
DH and I and our 7 kids (ranging in age from 18 mo-17 yrs) are all on board with this decision. The kids and I are home 90% of the time as we homeschool. We have dogs but no cats in the house. We live in the country on a small farm and all of us are familiar with the work and time tending animals takes. We are experienced with training dogs and feel our background here will translate well to raising and training a bird. Our household is not chaotic but it is active (people coming and going). Children are respectful of all our animals and young ones are well supervised to ensure everyone's well being.

Of the following parrots which do you think would work best? Senegal, Meyers, Jardine, Cape? I've sent inquiries to various breeders in my region but have yet to hear back. I understand that the time of year may not be best for finding babies. I'm willing to wait. My main concern is to find a reputable breeder who emphasizes early socialization and produces well adjusted, healthy babies. I'm located in northern IL near the WI and IA borders.

One last question and that has to do with bird fairs. There is a big on in the Chicagoland area this weekend. What do you all think about getting a bird this way? To me it seems like you might not be able to learn as much about the babies/parents/raising of the birds. Any thoughts there? It may be a way to make contacts however.

Amy in IL.
goodshepherdfarm.net

[Bright Eyes]

I've been doing a lot of research myself on getting another bird. I currently have two cockatiels. I'm waiting on a Meyers right now (the parents haven't laid the eggs yet, but I'm hoping) from the research I've done they seem to be the best match for me and my family. They are good talkers, love to play and be around bunches of people/kid and are more easy going than a lot of parrots are, assuming they where raised properly.

[goodshep]

talked to a breeder of cape parrots. They sound wonderful. They are wonderful talkers (almost on par with the greys) and very playful and fun loving. Although both sexes make great pets, she recommended a female for a situation with children as not they are especially gentle and not inclined to bite. She said if you get bit by a female cape its because you ignored the ample warning signs she gives you beforehand. She felt the senegals were a might nippy in comparison. The capes cost quite a bit more than the senegals or meyers. I'm still very interested in a meyers for the reasons you mentioned. I've yet to find a breeder to talk to about them.

[goodshep]

just when I thought my decision was made...turns out that we'll be getting a green cheek. AFter talking to my younger kids I think the smaller bird (and one they've met and liked) appeals to them more. Its important to me that they not feel intimidated by what we get. This little girl is very pretty and sweet and I think we'll all like her. Some day we may get a poi.