New to the Forum and Looking for Advice

[amandaleigh328]

Hello! My name is Amanda.

I have decided that I want to become a bird parent. However, I am having trouble deciding what type of bird would be best for my family. I would not say that I am an expert bird owner, but I am no novice either. I grew up with a fairly large flock as a child. We had a Senegal, cockatiels, lovebirds and my mother also bred budgies. In a previous relationship, I also shared a home with a Sun Conure. Most of my adult life was spent living in apartments with no guarantee of permanence and I had a job that kept me out of the house about 50-60 hours a week. I knew that was no healthy environment for a bird. Now I am finally settled in a permanent residence, I only work part time out of the house and feel I'm finally ready to fill that void I've had since leaving my childhood home.

So far my heart is mostly set on a Senegal. I loved the playful, cuddly, mischievous, talkative Senegal (Floyd) that we had when I was growing up. He was my little clown. I also know that they can be more independent than some species and capable of entertaining themselves if necessary. As I am out of the house 3-4 days a week for 4-8 hours (and my SO has a full time job that varies between working at home and the office), this is important. The only hang up I have is: in doing research I read that they don't like chaotic environments and loud noises scare them. While our home is not especially chaotic and noisy most of the time, my SO and I have 3 daughters between us. Two 6-year-olds and a 5-year-old. So when play gets hectic or squabbles happen, there can be some occasional screaming and throwing of things. Lol. As we both have split custody of them, all 3 of them are only here for 2 evenings and half the day Saturday. None of them are here from Saturday afternoon until Tuesday afternoon. However, I remember growing up, there were 5 of us kids and my father was the type to scream at his children frequently and Floyd never seemed to mind any of it, so I'm thinking if I get one young enough, it will grow up used to the occasional chaos. (However, I FULLY understand that every individual bird is different)

I thought before I make my final decision, I would seek some advice from more experienced bird owners.

I definitely want a bird that loves being out of the cage and hanging out with people. One that likes head scratches and kisses. One that can learn to talk is definitely a major plus, though not completely necessary. While I understand all birds are noisy (especially if they are neglected), I would like a bird that doesn't have a high level of noise (like a Macaw or Sun Conure) as we do live in a half of double. One that will bond with more than one person would be a plus, also, though not necessary as I'm sure I will be the primary care taker. However, my daughter built a bond with the Sun Conure I previously mentioned (she was very good with him) and I know she will want to have one with the new family member as well. :) I have the perfect spot picked out for the cage in the living room where most of the action happens but still out of the way of the occasional chaos.

Any input or advice would be very much appreciated. Thank you! :)

[PlaxMacaws]

Hello Amanda... thanks for joining us :D

To begin with, it appears you are quite familiar with many of the important aspects of keeping parrots. I think you've covered much of the advice that we generally give to prospective new parrot parents. I was glad to read of your awareness in this regard :)

As to a species with a relatively low noise level, I think a Senegal may indeed be a good choice. Certain Conures as well enjoy a reputation for lower noise emission - but I must say that I've met some rather loud ones! I think the Green Cheek Conure may fit the bill as one of the lowest noise producing, as well as one of the most cuddly Conures. I'm unsure if you've considered one of those little guys.

You're certainly correct that each bird is an individual... which is why even a member of a species that carries a reputation for low noise and cuddliness may end up not fully conforming to expectations. I've found that most parrots are playful and mischievous in their individual ways. As I'm sure you know, a bird's talking ability/inclination can vary, even among species noted for their superior talking skills. When possible, I think getting to know a bird before a decision to adopt it is made can prove quite helpful.

Hopefully some of our other members will chime in with their opinions. I think you're on the right track as far as your considerations. Keep it up :)

By the way, here's an article on species noise level comparison: [Users must be registered and logged in to view attached photos or hyperlinks]

[spiritbird]

Hello! My name is Amanda.

I have decided that I want to become a bird parent. However, I am having trouble deciding what type of bird would be best for my family. I would not say that I am an expert bird owner, but I am no novice either. I grew up with a fairly large flock as a child. We had a Senegal, cockatiels, lovebirds and my mother also bred budgies. In a previous relationship, I also shared a home with a Sun Conure. Most of my adult life was spent living in apartments with no guarantee of permanence and I had a job that kept me out of the house about 50-60 hours a week. I knew that was no healthy environment for a bird. Now I am finally settled in a permanent residence, I only work part time out of the house and feel I'm finally ready to fill that void I've had since leaving my childhood home.

So far my heart is mostly set on a Senegal. I loved the playful, cuddly, mischievous, talkative Senegal (Floyd) that we had when I was growing up. He was my little clown. I also know that they can be more independent than some species and capable of entertaining themselves if necessary. As I am out of the house 3-4 days a week for 4-8 hours (and my SO has a full time job that varies between working at home and the office), this is important. The only hang up I have is: in doing research I read that they don't like chaotic environments and loud noises scare them. While our home is not especially chaotic and noisy most of the time, my SO and I have 3 daughters between us. Two 6-year-olds and a 5-year-old. So when play gets hectic or squabbles happen, there can be some occasional screaming and throwing of things. Lol. As we both have split custody of them, all 3 of them are only here for 2 evenings and half the day Saturday. None of them are here from Saturday afternoon until Tuesday afternoon. However, I remember growing up, there were 5 of us kids and my father was the type to scream at his children frequently and Floyd never seemed to mind any of it, so I'm thinking if I get one young enough, it will grow up used to the occasional chaos. (However, I FULLY understand that every individual bird is different)

I thought before I make my final decision, I would seek some advice from more experienced bird owners.

I definitely want a bird that loves being out of the cage and hanging out with people. One that likes head scratches and kisses. One that can learn to talk is definitely a major plus, though not completely necessary. While I understand all birds are noisy (especially if they are neglected), I would like a bird that doesn't have a high level of noise (like a Macaw or Sun Conure) as we do live in a half of double. One that will bond with more than one person would be a plus, also, thought not necessary as I'm sure I will be the primary care taker. However, my daughter built a bond with the Sun Conure I previously mentioned (she was very good with him) and I know she will want to have one with the new family member as well. :) I have the perfect spot picked out for the cage in the living room where most of the action happens but still out of the way of the occasional chaos.

Any input or advice would be very much appreciated. Thank you! :)

Hello and welcome Amanda. I can tell you are not a novice bird person and that is good. What I read in your post is that you want a bird that will fit in with your family dynamics. I think many bird species are sensitive to a noisy environment until they feel secure. Do some research on a green cheek conure. They are the quietest of the conure family. They love people and can act as clowns. Of course they love to be the only bird because they are the boss. Cockatiels are good around children and sweet as candy. I would go with a male because the females can be heavy egg layers. There are so many choices of bird species I hope you decide on one that will be perfect for you and family.

[Mare]

Hello and Welcome, Amanda! I can totally relate to your dilemma but only in the way of having a first bird. I think that you are the deciding factor in whether a bird works, or not. Do you click?..can you handle the stress?

My first was an Umbrella Cockatoo and Lord Almighty, he was not easy,, nope, not by any means! Today, I prefer him to most people I know :)

[Lady]

Hi Amanda,
:pp_welcome:~ Choosing a new family member sure isn't easy, but it is exciting! Have you mentioned the possibility to any of the children just to hear what they think? I know you mentioned your one daughter will want to build a bond with the new baby, what about the other two? It might also be a good time to start talking to them about what is allowed and what isn't allowed since they are so young.

As far as the squabbles that sometimes happen in the house, maybe if you limit the time the new baby is in the room with the children, or only allow short visits if the children are sitting down, till the little one gets familiar with their sounds it might be easier. But being a Mom, I know you'll do what you need to ensure things work out.

I sometimes believe in going with your first instinct, so if it's a Senegal you've done your homework on, then it's a good chance you will chose that species. But if you have time and would like to find out what other birds come close to what you are looking for, how about taking a visit to a rescue or place where you can have some contact with any of the ones you are considering. I like to believe that we have plenty of time to research and make the best informed decision for us as well as our forever friend.

Have you also found and maybe even made a visit to who may become your birds avian veterinarian? So much to do and consider.

It will be great to see which one steals you heart.

[amandaleigh328]

Thanks for your input everyone. I know it's been a few days, I've been doing some research on trying to find some breeders and rescues that handle birds in my area. Unfortunately, there's not many options. :( I did find one of each. We have been considering possibly trying to foster a bird in need to see how it works for our family, without making a permanent commitment.

As for the other species of birds you guys mentioned, I do like cockatiels, but I don't think that's quite the type of parrot I'm looking for. And I have known a couple nasty ones, though I know those were probably not raised and handled properly. As for the Green Cheek Conure, I had a very bad experience with one once. I got one from a Petco and it seemed sweet enough in the store until we got it home. It would literally seek us out and then bite us to draw blood. I figured it was from poor handling and made the commitment to try to gain trust and retrain it but one day I was holding him on the couch and my daughter was sitting at the other end and it made a beeline straight for her and bit her hand and drew blood. She was sitting calmly, watching a movie and it happened faster than I could stop it. So we ended up taking it back and found out that their "small animal Specialist" had pet dander allergies and never handled any of the pets. Anyway, my point is, while I know it was not the bird's fault, and not exactly typical of the species, my daughter is scarred from it and has specifically requested I do not get another GCC. Though, now that I found a bird breeder that handles many different species, I may be able to take her to see some GCC's that are raised and handled better.

We have not made a definitive decision yet. Thanks for the advice!

[Lady]

Hi Amanda,

It is wonderful to hear that you are still looking for that special bird. I know you will find just the one for your family. I think it is a great idea to go visit the breeder to see the birds there. How exciting. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the birds there let's you know that they would like to go home with you guys. Can't wait to hear how your visit goes.

[spiritbird]

There are hundreds of birds in need of good homes. Pet store birds are likely to have issues but not always.