Best type of bird?

[B1n]

So...
I have been doing research on getting another bird, and I was going to go with a caique, for their personality, however I have been told they bite hard and scream loud. I was also interested in lorikeets, but not sure about the poop. What bird is best for me? I want a bird like a caique, but it needs to not be super loud, (I'm ok with some noise, if it's not all of the time)and I would like strangers to be able to hold it,(such as my kids and my parents)without worrying about it biting others. Any suggestions?

[Albert]

Look at Brotogeris, ie bee bee parrots. Small body, big personality, they actually seek out human company, can talk, tho not great talkers, more whistlers ( mine did Star Wars, William Tell overture, you get the idea). Mine learned a few tricks. Good luck.

[lolsavannahh]

Well if you don't want a bird that's loud... don't get a bird XD

JK but really, all birds can and WILL be loud, and all birds can and WILL bite hard!
Caiques are known for their hard bites, and I wouldn't suggest them as a first bird, personally, but if you're willing to put in the time ( several hours a day, every single day ), and money ( $20-100+ ) each month for toys, I say go for it! Just know what you're getting into.

I always suggest starting smaller, and if you can handle that no problem, and can provide adequate care for another bird plus the one you have ( and somewhat of a personal life ), you could get one in the future!

Lorikeets do have about the same beak as a caique, but tend to be USUALLY less aggressive, but a good starter bird for someone like yourself would be maybe a senegal. They tend to be on the quieter side, but every bird can be loud, and every bird will be loud. You have to understand that. The species in general tends to be quieter though. They train easily, and are a good starter parrot in my eyes, but everyone has their own opinion.
Another good starter is a Cockatiel, or a Budgie. These are on the smaller side of what you're looking at, but are way less aggressive than a typical caique, and quieter too. They are FANTASTIC birds, and I would recommend it to ANYONE looking into a bird. They can learn tricks and are very affectionate usually. They tame easily, and do great with lots of people!

You can never guarantee a parrot to not bite someone new, even if they're just testing them. A very trained parrot could bite someone for reasons unknown one day, and you'll honestly never know why. Parrots tend to bond with one person, but if raised and socialized correctly can be handled by new and old people perfectly! It's all in how you do it.

I hope this helped you in some way, and I'm sure other people will be on this thread soon too to help you out(: I can always try to answer any more questions you have :P

[Robyn]

Get one of those digibirds because that's the only thing that fits what your looking for. Birds are loud when they want to be. You will always have to be concerned about your bird biting someone because most people don't know how to read body language of a bird. I have had baby cockatiels draw blood before and they aren't big at all. You have to put in work to socialize your bird it's not going to automatically go to strangers.

[spiritbird]

Good advice Robyn. She is right, all birds can be loud and bite if they feel threatened. I have Linoeated Parakeets. They are as a species quiet, sweet, small and very easy to care for. Are you prepared to take on a huge commitment? Do you have the finances to provide toys, medical care, food, proper cage? Birds are messy too so daily clean up is necessary. We try to paint a reality when it comes to bird care for people interested in birds for the first time. You write "another bird" though so that must mean you have one already. Is this the case?

[B1n]

I didnt mean to sound ignorant, I just diddnt want a super loud bird. I like parrotlets, but they are small. And I also am ok with being bitten, but not very frequently, and I want to keep my fingers, and if my kids hold it, their fingers. Any other species sugestions?

[lolsavannahh]

Small birds like parrotlets are just as rewarding as medium and larger birds honestly. They have huge personalities, but cannot break a bone on you like say a macaw could. They can be taught tricks and also taught how to speak somewhat. I know big birds seem cooler and all, but for the things you're saying, a smaller bird would suffice. It's a lot more care than a dog most of the time, and a lot of people don't realize that.

[Lady]

Hi B1n,
I find it very difficult to suggest what type of bird would be best for someone. No matter what is known about a species their personalities are just that, theirs. If it is possible maybe you should go visit a breeder or even a bird rescue. Live and up close has plenty to say for itself. Maybe you could visit where ever it is you are considering on purchasing your bird from.

[Robyn]

I have a couple cockatiels which are small birds they get loud and often. Most days Riley is loud enough for long enough that it causes my ears to ring. You keep whining about small birds but they are the only ones that can not bite the fingers off of kids. Fact of owning a bird is YOU WILL GET BIT A LOT especially when you first get a bird. IT WILL BE LOUD.

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

As suggested above, make a visit to a rescue centre where you may find a bird that suits and it will be a win/win situation, but be prepared for seeing some heart-break casualties of uneducated owners. It will give you a good insight into what can happen if you don't treat a bird properly. And the staff there should be able to give you lots of help and guidance in selecting your next family member.

[plax]

B1n: I don't believe that any of our members meant to criticize you. It's just that we have seen so many companion birds literally discarded by people who weren't aware what they were getting themselves into. A tremendous number of parrots end up with uncertain futures and emotional issues, all because of inadequate prior research and the consequent poor decisions stemming therefrom. These birds are forced into lives of uncertainty and suffering... far too many will remain without loving homes for the rest of their lives. That said, I think you are demonstrating some good judgment by asking the questions you've been asking ahead of acquiring a bird. Please don't let the strong feelings that some of us hold deter you from further research! If you have additional questions, please post them.

[94lt1]

My suggestion is..spend some time around birds....they make noise when you want to sleep...or if you have company over ..late at night if they get woke up..but just try to find one you love..and spend lots of time with it...if you don't, a loving quiet bird will start to scream for no reason...

If you have non stick pans..you should consider getting an iron skillet..if you accidentally burn nonstick..it will cause the poor bird a terrible death...

Read up on birds then go see what calls to you..of all my birds..my nearest and dearest friend is a rescue from a pet shop..she chose me, and we've been together ever since..sometimes its even hard on my marriage..but my baby girl needs me more than my wife does.lol...I just got punched....roflol

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

If B1n is still here after all the negative vibes we have been sending then they may be suitable parrot guardians.
We found out that Casper knows exactly how hard to bite depending on whether he wants to draw blood or just "make a point". It now takes a really unhappy Casper to break the skin, most times he is quite satisfied with making us go ouch. We do tend to find when we undress sometimes unexpected little round bruises around our shoulder areas where he has pinched skin through our clothes.

[94lt1]

I wasn't intending to sound negative..apologies if I did..

[B1n]

That would be why I am trying to find the best bird for me. I want to be able to keep it for its whole life. So, what bird matches these traits;
I would like the bird to be able to sit on my shoulder as I run erands, sit around, or whatever. A bird calm enough to not bite my ear and nag for play, but instead hang out as my partner in crime. When my parents visit me I want them to be able to hold it, as well as curious children, so it can't be mean to other people (rrelatively speaking) and it needs to not have constant screaming. It can be as loud as it wants as long as it isn't all day, a couple minutes here and there is ok. A senegal? Some amazon? A meyers?

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

African greys are supposed to be very temperamental but there is one in our local garden centre that seems to cope with members of the public. It is very young so perhaps that helps.
There are Amazons and there are Amazons, some are supposed to be calmer than others. Casper is a Blue fronted Amazon and will quite happily sit on our shoulders outdoors and will do the same for some other people. But others he just wants to kill - like our poor UPS delivery guy who would love to be Casper's friend.
Whilst different types of parrots are generalised into catagories, a lot depends on the individual bird, and how it has been brought up. I think that if you are calm and laid back then your bird will react accordingly. They also have moods and you get to know them over time. So you will probably find that a bird that is friendly most days will be a bit tetchy when it is moulting or hormonal. You learn to live with it. What you can't do is get angry with them - they are just being parrots.
We haven't had a picture yet in this thread so here's one of Casper in our magnolia tree last summer. :th_smile:
3607

[B1n]

Ok guys I will look into a parrot rescue and make sure I spend time there before getting my first freind, but I wanted to know what species I should be looking for. Any suggestions? Thinking meyers, anything like that, or an amazon. The number of birds out there is overwhelming so I wanted to narrow down the couple of birds that will be most enjoyable and have the best experience in my care. Which of the amazons? What might best fit the description of " not super loud and demanding (relatively speaking), great companion, will sit for hours on your shoulders, and not vicious towards unfamiliar people, cuddly, will make you laugh, basically a cool sidekick. Thanks everyone for tolerating me!

[B1n]

Oh and don't think I'm ignoring what people have said, im taking it all into consideration

[94lt1]

Green cheeks are great birds..but they can be bad if they feel they're being ignored..and that could be a clingy bird..not even your fault...

Sun conures are clowns and will be very friendly..but can get loud and nippy too...really all birds can get that way...

Love birds, Indian ring necks..all great birds...if you find the one that's for you :)

[spiritbird]

Bin you can name many species and think about them however when you see the bird that responds to you in a positive way your heart strings will pull you to that bird no matter what the species. Important to remember if you bird shop in a pet store birds do not always act the same when you get them home. Have you talked to breeders yet? One of my dream birds was a Meyers and I saw one at a pet store. They had too high a price on them. Have you read about a Jardine? [Users must be registered and logged in to view attached photos or hyperlinks]

[lolsavannahh]

Every bird species can have birds that are nice or mean. Honestly I just think you should go to a rescue and look at every single bird and see what you think would be best. We have had macaws come in that will let you hold them like a baby, and some that would rip your arm off. Same with budgies even. It really depends on how much they trust you and how they have been raised. ANY bird can learn to be trusting, tame, and able to do tricks if they trust that human enough. I say don't have a closed mind and just go at it, knowing you might not find one at all your first time looking. Larger birds are a tough starter, but anywhere up to an amazon I believe can be a good starter bird depending on how much time you want to put into it.

I hope I have never sounded rude or trying to get you to not get a bird, I am just trying to let you know how demanding they can be if not treated with respect(: Not like a cat or dog at all! haha

Good luck on your adventure and I hope you save a great bird!!

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

You will probably find that you have no choice in the matter - the bird will choose you. :th_smile:

We didn't know we were going to have a bird in our life until Casper made it very clear that he wanted to live with Margaret.
It was like this, my father had just died and my mother had to go into a care home because she is paralysed down one side by a stroke. There was this parrot that my mother had got some years before, that was kept in a small cage in the kitchen. The first thing we did when my father died and my mother was still at the house with 24hr carers was to get the bird a sensible cage. Then we were moving it around various peoples houses so that they could have it for a couple of weeks to see if they wanted to keep it. We went to see how it was getting on at the third house and when we arrived Casper was sitting on the top of his cage. He flew across the room to land on Margaret and made it very clear that he was delighted to see her.
So it was Oh, I suppose we had better take him home with us then. Not at all prepared, we knew nothing about parrots and were convinced that everything we did was going to kill him. But we learned fast, found an excellent vet who gave us a lot of guidance and moved all my hifi stuff up to the top of the house so there was room for Casper's cage in our tiny living room.
It took nearly a year for Casper to accept me as a friend, probably because he thought I was going to be like my father who was not nice to him and used to tease him horribly. But despite our ignorance we didn't kill him, came close on one occasion when Margaret cleaned his cage with an unsuitable spray cleaner whilst Casper was still in it. He was at the vets for a week recovering and having the empty cage in the corner of the living room was horrible. But, as the vet said, he knew Casper was well again because when he went to check on him Casper said "Can I help you?". He must have been listening to the receptionists whilst he was convalescing. :th_smile:
Anyway after a twenty year prison sentence in that tiny cage at my parents house with just a bell to play with we are now trying to give him the best possible life that we can. His cage is left open all day and is more a sanctuary for him than a prison.
I do worry about his future though, he will probably outlive us.

[Mare]

Agreed, Jean-Pierre..sometimes circumstance will step in and choose a bird for you. I would NEVER say best type of bird to be an Umbrella Cockatoo...but for me, it was. First bird, thrown into my world, adapt/adapt/adapt...and before I knew it!!..he turns into the "best type of bird" EVER!

[Albert]

You will get out of any parrot what you put into it. Put time, patience and love ( and wood toys, healthy food and treats) into a parrot and you will likely get the kind of bird you are describing. Kind of like playing a musical instrument. Dont put the time in, and Eric Claptons guitar will never sound anything like good.... put the above effort in and a cigar box violin can be made to sound like a Stradivarious. Only difference is that these are living,breathing and feeling souls .

[Sucre]

I'm relatively new to parrots, so take everything I say with a grain of salt! I may or may not know what I am talking about!

I love the chatter of my lovebirds, and think they are some of the most beautiful birds on earth. They chatter amongst each other all day, and sometimes we have to turn up the tv a bit, but I love their background noise. They are still young, and we're working on their social skills, but only 1 out of 4 bites, and she isn't overly serious about it. She's just my problem child. Well, one of my problem children...

My parrotlet is also very young, and joins in the chatter with the lovebirds all day long.

My Umbrella Cockatoo needs an exorcism. He's a 6 year old rescue who came from neglect and inhalable drug exposure (meth). He's a work in progress. He was allowed to run loose in his former home 24 / 7 - his cage wasn't even assembled. So, we're working out the kinks right now. He can be VERY loud, and when he gets agitated, it's as if he has multiple personalities. His voice deepens and gets louder and we spend a lot of time calming him. He's a work in progress, but we see improvements in his behavior every day. We have no delusions that the noise level is always going to be high, though. We're just learning along with Sucre how to keep it to a minimum.

I guess what I am getting at is more of a question than an answer...Are hand raised babies more adaptable to what you want than getting adults who are already set in their ways? Would this be a better idea for someone who wants to keep it to a dull roar? Are their mannerisms and behavior learned?

[B1n]

Casper sounds like a very cool bird. So, I might get a senegal, but do you think there are a couple of species that fit this description?
Will sit on my shoulder
behave nicely around strangers and unfamiliar places
Not super loud

I want the bird to be able to sit on my shoulder and be good, outside when I go for walks or when my parents are over, but also cuddle and maybe talk.
(The ultimate sidekick)
Can anyone list some species names?

[Albert]

Son, you are just not getting it are you. What you want is a bird made out of wood because you've gotten some good advice from some very experienced people and you're just going to ignore it.

[94lt1]

Best types of name or species..is THE ONE YOU WORK WITH AND FORM A BOND WITH.
No bird that is bought and taken home..will just say. I'm going to learn to like this and require very little of whomever ..birds require time and understanding. Even then can be a pain one if its not

Typos...wow..i seem illiterate on here at times...geez

[plax]

Casper sounds like a very cool bird. So, I might get a senegal, but do you think there are a couple of species that fit this description?
Will sit on my shoulder
behave nicely around strangers and unfamiliar places
Not super loud

I want the bird to be able to sit on my shoulder and be good, outside when I go for walks or when my parents are over, but also cuddle and maybe talk.
(The ultimate sidekick)
Can anyone list some species names?

Hello again, B1n. Allow me to pose a scenario and ask you a question (a few, actually). Lets assume that the general consensus from your sources is that a certain species of parrot will be most likely to meet the requirements you are describing. Lets further assume that you acquire one of these birds. Now lets add in the following: despite that this bird may have seemed to show great potential before it came home with you, the situation turns out that the bird starts to bite you on occasion, begins to scream quite a lot, and maintains some apparent fear toward you and perhaps toward some of your family members and friends. How will you handle the matter? What will become of the bird in the event you aren't able to change its undesirable behaviors?

The questions above should mostly be answered for yourself. But I am interested in your answers, too. And that's because the described scenario is always a possibility, no matter which species you may select. Parrots are individuals and each one has the potential to turn into an unfriendly and difficult being in response to its environment and the treatment from its care provider(s). Sometimes a bird will simply decide that it doesn't like a particular person, even when that person is its primary care provider. It can happen for no apparent reason and out of the blue. Beyond that sad truth, I will also tell you that while remotely possible, it is probably not very likely that you will be successful in finding a bird that meets your precise criteria for the combination of attributes you have been describing. You are more likely to merely find some of those qualities. And you will be fortunate to do only that.

So, again, what will you do if the bird you ultimately acquire falls short of your hopes? Will you still keep the bird and care for it? And if so, for how long? Or will you be more prone to give it away or sell it? These are important concerns. While I'm not trying to sound harsh, we are talking about the life of a sentient being who deserves an enjoyable and secure life. I hope I have made some sense here. If you truly intend to bring a bird into your life and to forage a great relationship with it, please consider my questions and the feedback from our members herein.

[Mare]

Good questions, Tony. They are ALL different and you've got to experience them to know what you are getting into..PLUS!..there is a commitment you have to make when you take on this little, feisty being. Take good care with it, love it and try to be it's friend :)..no matter what!

[BirdWhisperer]

How about Budgies? Even then sometimes they make sounds, but I don't consider them loud. All birds are going to make some kind of noise, but to be honest my Amazon isn't as loud as my budgies. :O Well okay he was loud one time when we took him to the vet, other than that he is a sweet heart who only makes soft sounds. If you don't want a loud bird I would suggest either getting something small like a Budgie, or if you want a medium sized bird look around for a tame one who is not a screamer. Just be forewarned that birds are a huge responsibility it's not something that you can toss away, a bird needs a permanent home. So consider that any bird you get could eventually become loud, just think things through before you rush in. Also birds can cost a hefty penny, not only does the bird cost money, but the seeds / pellets, the toys , the cage, and the vet bills! :P

[Bird Mom]

I always suggest cockatiels, because I think they are perfect pet birds. But they won't have the rolling on their back play like Caiques. So, how about a green cheek conure? Online they are called the quiet conure. They can be nippy, but will probably have the play factor you're looking for.

[B1n]

Thanks guys! I think I will go to a rescue and just find a bird that is nice and likes me.

[spiritbird]

That is a good decision.