Parrot Advice

[BarryBarr]

I was thinking of getting a parrot or two. I was hoping for a bit of advice. What would be the best way to go about it?

 

[SilverBirds]

What type of parrot are you thinking of getting?

 

[BarryBarr]

What type of parrot are you thinking of getting?

I was thinking either macaws or lovebirds. I'm open to others as well though

 

[Patiocoturnix]

I was thinking either macaws or lovebirds. I'm open to others as well though

Definitely not a macaw

 

[Patiocoturnix]

Definitely not a macaw

The chances of it outliving you are super high. As with most parrots.

 

[Pampered chicken girl]

I say none because at your age they have a very high chance of outliving you and we wouldn't want that

 

[Patiocoturnix]

The chances of it outliving you are super high. As with most parrots.

I would also suggest doing a ton of research on any parrot or animal you want to get as all parrots are a ton of work.

 

[Somewhere_In_The_Clouds]

Macaws definitely have extremely long lifespans and that needs to be seriously considered beforehand. There are almost always older birds looking for homes but these birds often, but not always, require more commitment due to behavioral issues, trauma etc.
Also the space requirements between macaws and lovebirds is huge. It's easy to provide exercise to a small bird and a nice decent sized cage never costs too much, at least compared to those required for a macaw.
Macaws are very destructive, are you prepared for that and thought about the changes you will have to make to your home? Not just for macaws, a lot of common household items can kill your bird. Cleaners, candles, perfumes, teflon cooking equipment etc.
So my advice to anyone wanting a bird is to do as much research as you possible can. On general care and then closer looks into species that interest you. Find out EVERYTHING, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Then find somewhere you can meet and interact with those species that interest you. Rescues, petshops ect. This exposes you to some of their behaviours but also to their vocalizations. Some people prefer the calls of macaws, and can't stand the constant chirping of say, a lovebird.

 

[townchicks]

Consider a cockatiel. They are smart, personable, small enough to be convenient, and some do learn to talk, if you put the time in. Average lifespan, about 15 years but some can live into their 20s.

 

[Granny23]

I was thinking of getting a parrot or two. I was hoping for a bit of advice. What would be the best way to go about it?

I've had a few different large birds over the years that were rescues or ones people gave me.
Some adult birds who are awesome, friendly, talking etc and for sale in a pet store or by a private citizen is one way to get one.
If you get a pair they will choose each other over you. Sometimes but not always, if a bird was raised by a man it may only like men and vice versa.
Unless you have owned large birds before having two parrots would be a real handful unless you are willing and able to keep them entertained and train them.
Buying them as babies together may make it more likely to get along later, it's all about how you raise & train them.
Getting ONE, as a hand fed baby, it would bond to you and whoever you allow to be part of raising it.
If there is no one else then that bird will create a bond with you that will last a lifetime.
If you want a parrot that will talk there's a few that are excellent talkers. African Greys are not all that big but they are highly intelligent.
Some of the Amazon's are prolific talkers too.
If you have never had big bird, like the cockatoos you may want to start with something smaller...a cockatiel or a ringneck parakeet. They both talk but aren't as demanding as the bigger birds.
I rescued a blue and gold macaw from an old boss years ago and Oz disliked everyone at my house. He wanted no one but me. Being a male macaw I wasn't surprised.
It was not a fun time. I worked and when I got home he demanded my immediate attention which I couldn't always give him. Screaming always happened and my family was not impressed.

Cockatoos. I've had 2. A sulfur crested and a Salmon Crested aka a Molucccan both rescued and both were great with everyone.

I've had a red lored Amazon for 37 years. She loved my deceased husband and she loves me. She "allows" my one grandson, his dad, and my granddaughters husband to put food in her cage but won't let them touch her or pick her up. For some reason she doesn't want my granddaughter anywhere near her cage. And mind you no one has done anything to her!!
Now if she gets startled and winds up on the floor just about anyone can pick her up and put her back on her cage.
I have 6 birds right now and I am definitely not an expert. This is just from my personal experience. I hope it helps.
Do your research and ask lots of questions until you decide what will work for you. One bird would become your best buddy where 2 could cause a rivalry.
Good luck

I was thinking either macaws or lovebirds. I'm open to others as well though

Lovebirds are cute little birds.
Macaws on the other hand are big, LOUD and can be very demanding.
Cockatiels are a little bigger as are Ringneck parakeets. Both can be taught to talk.
Word of advice. Take your time, research each breed you are interested in.
The larger birds live 50-75 years. The small ones maybe 12-20 yrs.
Good luck.