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!