Best bird for semi-experienced teen?

[kaylee]

Hello, everyone! Just had a quick question for you. I've owned several parakeets, two cockatiels, and recently got a new green-cheeked conure, Maya. My 15-year-old sister is in LOVE with her and spends every waking minute asking to come over and play with her. My parents are interested in letting her get her own bird. She's had parakeets before, but would like to try something new (and a little less flighty. She's had one that was very gentle and loving, but one that really just wanted nothing to do with her).

Before anyone gets concerned, she is very responsible and an animal lover.

We don't want a large parrot, but we're looking for something affectionate and somewhat easy to handle (I know it depends on the temperament of the individual bird, but I also know some species are better than others for a less-experienced owner). I've looked at conures (since I've been so pleased with mine), cockatiels (although she's less convinced about this one), and parrotlets (the smaller size appeals to her). I've heard love birds can be more nippy so I haven't looked into those much. Are there any types of birds that you are aware of that might fit the bill here?

So basically to summarize, we'd like to stay somewhat small (conure-size or smaller), not as difficult to handle as a larger parrot can be, and just in general a good companion for a less-experienced owner. Hoping someone can help me out here. :)

[PlaxMacaws]

Hi Kaylee. Welcome to PP.

I don't have any smaller or medium size parrots... mine are all the big guys. But have you considered directing your sister toward a GCC of her own? They seem to have a remarkable reputation as far as handling potential and personality. And I think you have proven to yourself what great pets they can be. Moreover, it sounds as if your sister already adores Maya ;)

At any rate, those are my initial thoughts. Lets see if some other members chime in with further recommendations. Best of luck to you!

[2birds]

I was thinking the same thing. A GCC as well.

[Mare]

I, also, was thinking conure. Is there a price consideration? I don't know the cost of these little guys but I'm guessing considerably more than a cockatiel. I've no experience with conures (what I've heard, though, is only good), I do have a cockatiel that isn't hands on but a fabulous little guy, none the less. I know someone with a hand raised cockatiel and it couldn't be more loving :)

[kaylee]

Thank you for the suggestions, everyone! Yes, we love our little conure so that's what I'm leaning most towards. Just didn't know if there were other great options out there that I wasn't aware of. And when I got my hand-fed cockatiel (7 years ago) he was around $120 I believe . . . our hand-fed GCC was about $200. So they're pretty close in price.

[Mare]

I have a sister-in-law that drove all the way from the tip top of Washington state, to San Diego to buy a sun conure from a reputable breeder. I spoke with her about two weeks ago and her stories definitely make me want a conure! :)

[spiritbird]

Saw your post on another forum and replied there. Gave you the link for Cockatiels and Linnies

[kaylee]

Thank you Dianne!