NEED HELP CHOOSING PARROT!!!!!

[Sparkypatriot15]

If anyone on here can help me pick out a parrot for me, I would greatly appreciate it! My family is very strict on what type of bird I get, and so am I as I will be living with it for the next 30+ years. I am a freshman in highschool and want a smart, intelligent bird to be my best friend for as long as possible- on that can be with me for at least 30 years. I am willing to spend 1-2 hours per day with it during school days (3 on some occasions) and 4+ hours per day with it on weekends, along with many hours during school breaks. I want a medium to large sized bird- I am not particularly fond of budgies and cockatiels. It would live in the second story of a big house, but it will still need to be fairly quiet because my parents room will be right next door. I want to be able to teach it at least some tricks (aka words, commands, potty training, ect) and it needs to be friendly with other people, especially the rest of my family but still bond with me. I am not an expert bird keeper except with poultry, waterfowl, and game birds but I am willing to take the time and patience to become one. Right now my expertise on parrots would be beginner/intermediate, but I have read lots on the birds and am willing to commit to it. My top choices are Green Cheek Conures and African Greys. I don't know as much about Greys as I do Conures, but I do know they are extremely smart and Expensive. Can someone please help me find the right bird? Thank you!!

 

[Naunnie]

I just had to chime in here...

I would go for the African Grey, most definitely. Try to find a young hand-fed baby, preferably of the opposite gender of yourself, so that would be a baby boy. In my experience, this helps with bonding, but not is not absolute necessary. Greys are excellent talkers and highly intelligent. Conures can be VERY loud.... and they will just for the fun of it. Many Conures can talk/mimic but prefer to just scream/squawk. They tend to be kinda independent....IMO.

I'm sure, you have read in your research, having a parrot is a lot like having a child. Adequate space and entertainment is essential when you are not there. All Parrots are chewers, so please keep that in mind. I only allow my birds out when I I can interact with them. Our play area is "baby-proofed"...lol No ceiling fans on, no cords exposed,....you get the idea. I tend to be a little obsessive about their safety.

.

Another suggestion is look at the rescue places here in GA. A Google search will pull up several for you. These folks know what they are doing and can help you make the right selection. In this kind of situation, the bird has a chance to pick you.

and the reward of giving a baby another chance is just.....awesome! You might even wind up with a soul mate you did not expect. (Cockatoo, Macaw....)

I am just tickled you have this interest! When you find your perfect match, you won't be able to remember what life was like before..

 

[Sparkypatriot15]

I just had to chime in here...

I would go for the African Grey, most definitely. Try to find a young hand-fed baby, preferably of the opposite gender of yourself, so that would be a baby boy. In my experience, this helps with bonding, but not is not absolute necessary. Greys are excellent talkers and highly intelligent. Conures can be VERY loud.... and they will just for the fun of it. Many Conures can talk/mimic but prefer to just scream/squawk. They tend to be kinda independent....IMO. I'm sure, you have read in your research, having a parrot is a lot like having a child. Adequate space and entertainment is essential when you are not there. All Parrots are chewers, so please keep that in mind. I only allow my birds out when I I can interact with them. Our play area is "baby-proofed"...lol No ceiling fans on, no cords exposed,....you get the idea. I tend to be a little obsessive about their safety.

. Another suggestion is look at the rescue places here in GA. A Google search will pull up several for you. These folks know what they are doing and can help you make the right selection. In this kind of situation, the bird has a chance to pick you.

and the reward of giving a baby another chance is just.....awesome! You might even wind up with a soul mate you did not expect. (Cockatoo, Macaw....) I am just tickled you have this interest! When you find your perfect match, you won't be able to remember what life was like before..

Oh come join my other "help me find a parrot thread" I didn't mean to make this one and the other one has more information about how much dedication I would put into it and some changes in where it would live- lemme go get the link! And do you have an African Grey? I am not an expert and I would really like some advice from an African grey owner to tell me what they're like and if I'm capable of properly raising one

 

[Sparkypatriot15]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/800574/need-help-choosing-parrot#post_11562483