Can't decide -- which bird for pet??

[iamded]

conure, Quakers, or Hahns Macaw.

I would like a playful, intelligent parrot, affectionate, & can talk.
One that wouldn't need constant companionship, however -- as MOST days someone is home part of the day but a few days/week we're went
8+ hours. Small to medium sized. Equally important even temperment & perhaps can learn tricks. Despite that aND not more than $500.

As everyone would like to interact with the bird, I also need one that's not too prone to become a one-pesron bird. Not territorial.
Also VERY low on the 'immediately biting' scale--LOL! As an illustration and not TOO messy!

Household currently consists of: Mom (me), my daughter (23), son (7),
2 small housedogs, & 2 rats. Dogs are NOT terrier types & would not be trying to constantly 'get' at the bird.

We have previously had 'tiels & once a double-yellow head for several months 'babysitting' it. So we know of the needs of pet birds.

I know everyone has their favorite. I need suggestions or input as to what would be best for us. Thanks.

[adniL]

I had a yellow collared macaw that was great. I liked that she wasn't destructive. Very devoted to me and somewhat indifferent to others but not hostile. I think the macaws are a bit prone to being one person birds, especially the blue and golds. The small macaws don't talk a lot.

I've had my eye on sun conures, because they seem to embody the kind of bird you're talking about. Likes everyone, playful and able to entertain itself. Anyone have thoughts on sun conures?

Some of the small African parrots might be worth checking out. Meyers Parrots have caught my eye recently. I think they're maybe more cuddly than clownish. Beautiful birds, but supposed to be able to keep themselves entertained when you're not around.

The best bird I ever had was a male budgie, though. Just your garden variety parakeet. He was a hand fed baby. When my daughter insisted on a budgie, I insisted on finding a good breeder. He loved everyone, was a total clown, talked, pestered the dogs. Budgies are great birds! I never would have thought it, since they're usually put in a cage and forgotten. I wonder if some of the larger parakeets, like the Indian Ringneck, have a similar temperament.

[adniL]

Suggestion to control messiness factor here. I give my birds fresh foods out of their cages. That way, you don't find everything in their water the next day. Broccoli gets stinky amazingly quickly in parrot soup. They can't throw too many pellets around. Back in the olden days when we gave them seeds, that made a terrible mess!

[Silent Shawnda]

I want to set my avatar as the picture of my pet dog... how can i do this?

[ParrotLady]

I think PJames79 has some great information!

I would like to add my 2 cents on some Conure suggestions.

Most people I know that have two Green Cheeks don't have a problem with them liking just the other bird. They usually still like human interaction. That doesn't mean it can't happen though.

I have two GC's and they even share a cage. They still both beg to get on us and to get our attention. Like I said, I don't even know of someone that has two hand fed GC's that live together that don't like their humans too.

As far as talking goes, the Blue Crown has much more possibilities. Many BC's that are hand fed are talking before they are weaned. They are complete clowns too! But they are MUCH louder than GC's. Both make a bunch of noise, but the BC's do it much louder.

If you would like to read stories about different birds that people own and read about different bird personalities, visit the site below. I will leave a link to the conure page. At the very bottom of the page there are pictures of people's birds. Just click on a picture and it will take you to their story.

Also, we have a Parrot Species Comparison Chart too. Look for the button on the left on any page on the site to go there.

http://www.parrot-and-conure-world.com/conures.html

[ParrotLady]

Oh, I can't believe I left out information about our male Budgie Parakeet!

We have a hand fed male Budgie that talks a blue streak! He is the most fun bird we have. If you don't mind a small bird and can find a Budgie breeder that is willing to hand feed one out for you, that would be great!

Also, Lineolated Parakeets are even more naturally tame than a Budgie. They are harder to find, but definitely in your price range. They are beautiful birds!

If talking is important, then you will want DNA the bird to see if it is a male before bringing it home. The males have a much better reputation for talking in Budgies and Linies.