I'm new, need help with choice.

[lyricrex]

I'm new to the forum and need a little help choosing the right bird for my family.
Just a little info about what I'm looking for in a bird and my family. I have 2 young boys (2 and 3 1/2) they are very rambunctious kids, obviously. My wife is not really into birds the way I am but can tolerate them because she grew up with birds. We do live in an apartment.
I'm looking for a bird that's
playful
cuddly
entertaining
Likes being handled
Not too nippy, I know some go thru a phase
Won't mind being alone while I'm working
Can tolerate young kids and fast movement
Most importantly doesn't make constant loud screeching. I don't mind chattering but being in an apartment, can't have loud calls through out the day.

Here are a few birds I'm looking into:

Lilac crowned amazon
Brown-headed parrot
Green cheeked conure
Maroon bellied conure
Meyers parrot
White capped Pionus
Pionus
Jardines parrot
Lineolated parakeet

[spiritbird]

Welcome to our forum. Having a bird around young children such as yours will require quite a bit of supervision to be sure your children and the bird are not injured. Also if a spouse is not liking birds life for the bird will often not be pleasant. Those are two road blocks you should be aware and have plans on how to proceed. Who is going to clean the cage, feed the bird and make your home bird safe? Are you willing to give up the cooking pots in your home and change to stainless steel? Are you willing not to use room sprays, plug ins, candles and other aerosol products that are dangerous to birds? Are you willing to cover windows and mirrors when the bird is learning to fly? If anyone smokes in your home is that person willing to smoke only outside? Who will take the bird to the vet for routine and emergency care?
These are all something to think about.

Out of the list you have written I would choose a Meyers. They are sweet birds that are low key and not too noisy. They usually do not talk.
I have a Linnie parakeet and I can tell you they are like candy, one is just not enough. This species need a mate to relate to. They will talk, and are very good eaters. If they are having a problem they will make loud noises , but any bird species will do that. I also caution you to get a bird from a rescue or breeder, not a pet store. The pet store birds are usually mass produced and have had little human contact. Good luck in your search.

[lyricrex]

Thank you. I will take your advice into consideration. I've owned a parrotlet many years ago. So I'm familiar with owning a bird.
I've been hearing good things about Meyers. The linnie I'm a little hesitant because they seem a little skittish.

[Lady]

Hi Lyricrex,
:pp_welcome:

That's a nice size list you have there. Lots of research can be done right on the internet but nothing beats going to a breeder and seeing the species for yourself. If it were me choosing from your list I would have to list the pros and cons that suit the lifestyle of my family and of course learn all I could about the needs of the bird. This is a link from the site that might also give you some further food for thought as they say.
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I hope you keep us informed as you go about deciding what species you choose.

[PlaxMacaws]

And here's another sticky on our site that you may wish to read:

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[spiritbird]

Tony who is the author, you? Can this writing be shared with others off of this forum?

[PlaxMacaws]

Tony who is the author, you? Can this writing be shared with others off of this forum?No, I didn't write it. It's from the following webpage:

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The author's user name is "The Old Pro" ... I have no idea who that may be. There's as well a link to the website's rather comedic "fair use" policy at:

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I think it's somewhat clear that the "So, You Want A Parrot, Eh?" article is intended as an educationally rhetorical eye-opener. Generally, authors of that sort of message are seeking distribution of their work for the right reasons, rather than for personal gains. As such, my guess is that it should be safe to share the article, as long as it's used to inform. My advice would be to simply paste the URL from where you're quoting the material.