Conures vs Indian Ringneck Parakeet

Question
QUESTION: My first choice was a Quaker (Monk) Parakeet, but, they are banned in the state (PA) I currently reside. So, I am having trouble deciding which of these two birds to purchase. I am disabled so I will have plenty of time to devote to the bird, but, I live in a studio apartment and I am concerned about the noise. The pet store owner told me that a Conure is pretty quiet, but frankly I want a bird that has a stronger possibility of talking. Which bird is the best overall choice.

ANSWER: Hello Marce,

There are several things to consider when finding that right bird that will be a good fit for you. First is researching their care needs and cost of that care. Parrots have unique and special dietary, housing, toy, vet care needs etc, and all of this costs more than the average pet.

Secondly you want to know general temperament of the species. Conures are very high energy and active! They need an owner that can match this level of liveliness.

And then of course you want to find that individual personality that you find endearing. Although many think they want a parrot that mimics - this is very low on my list of what to look for. Mimicry can be endearing, but the personalty and temperament is much more important in whether or not this will be a successful parrot human relationship. Keep in mind that a parrot that is good at mimicking human speech will be good at mimicking any sound it hears. What happens if it's favorite sound is a fire engine, the microwave beeping, or a dog barking and it chooses to make this sound all day? Will you and your neighbors still find him endearing? These are serious questions that you need to answer before taking on such a bird.

And Conures are LOUD! Parrots are loud. There is no other way to describe a parrot, even a budgie or cockatiel will be heard by your neighbors. There are quieter parrots (budgie or cockatiel) as compared to other parrots but I would not put conures in this category. A reputable source for you new pet will provide you with an honest assessment of the pet and good information on it's care.

I recommend that you look into fostering for your local parrot rescue. This way you can care for parrots without making that lifetime commitment until you are ready. Foster homes are typically given first choice to adopt.

There are plenty of parrot rescues in PA with hundreds of parrots in need of good homes;

http://pages.prodigy.net/zazubird/ppr.htm

http://www.angelfire.com/pa3/novasarc/

http://briarwood95.tripod.com/parrotre.htm

http://www.lairofdragonsbirdrescue.com/

http://www.hometown.aol.com/jeffpyr/homepage.html

Best wishes in your search,

Jennifer
www.feathersandscales.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Did not mention but FYI, I have involuntarily cared for a Cockatiel for 3 years, so, I have minimal/novice skills in caring for a bird, but, your clear and concise answers to my original question lead to me to believe that any member of the "parrot" species is LOUD and needs "skillfull" care.

Suggestive Preparation researched but out of commutable range. EXCELLENT SUGGESTION BY THE WAY...TO THE POINT

Are either of the birds afforementioned too much for a novice to train and care for?

Answer
Hello again,

I very rarely recommend or not recommend a particular species solely based on how much bird experience an owner has. (Unless it's a cockatoo - not usually a best bet for a new owner.)

Let me explain my definition of a "novice" and "expert" bird owner. Then you decide what you are.

An expert owner is one that chooses to learn all they can about parrot care, behavior, and training for as long as they have a parrot. They do this through books, magazines, reputable websites, classes, conferences, parrot consultants etc. They do this even if they have had parrots for 20 years because they know there is always something new to learn. A new parrot owner can be my definition of an expert if they choose to make self education about parrots a continuing commitment.

A novice owner does not do this self education. By my definition a parrot owner of 20 years who doesn't continue to learn all they can is a novice parrot owner.

A novice owner should stick with budgies and cockatiels. An expert is well prepared to care for most any parrot they choose as the best fit for them.

Hope that helps. Since I don't know much about you personally that is the best advice I can give.

Jennifer
www.feathersandscales.com