Which bird?

Question
Hi Chrys,

I eventually want to get a small to medium sized parrot, and intend to spend as much time as it takes to research properly.  I have read many books and subscribed to parrot magazines, but still feel the need of guidance.  

My circumstances are that I work on average of 3 days a week (sometimes it is one day and sometimes it can be 5 days), the rest of the time I work from home.    

My number one stipulation is that I would really like a bird who loves to be cuddled.  Number two is not too noisy - I mean that I probably would get annoyed with a constant screamer.

I am very much drawn to Caiques, but worry that they have a reputation of being quite difficult?  Jardines are also appealing but are they as cuddly?  Senegals and Meyers are also options - and I know that Meyers are very sweet.  Pionus Maximillion and Blue-Headed were other options until I read on one website that they produce dander like Cockatiels and Cockatoos - allergies got me interested in birds, as opposed to dogs and cats in the first place.  

The more I read the more confused I become with the numerous choices.  Another option is the Green-cheeked or Maroon-bellied Conures.  I realise that I need to see these birds in the flesh and am going to a parrot show in Kent on Easter Day.

I would very much appreciate some feedback.  I think I have done a pretty good job with Boo, my budgie - and he has taught me so much through the years, most importantly the quality of patience.

With my very best wishes, Roz  

Answer
Hi, Roz.  Thanks for posting.

A question like yours is extremely difficult to answer.  This is because each and every bird is as different as individual humans are different.  I cannot generalize about the behavior of specific species of parrots because of this individual difference in personalities.  For example, I could tell you a green cheek would be the bird for you, however, the particular green cheek you might choose could be the complete opposite of what you want.  Each individual parrot's personality is shaped by the environment in which it has lived, therefore, 2 birds of the same parents and same clutch could be complete opposites of each other, depending on how the bird has been raised in it's lifetime/it's experiences.  In buying a parrot, you take certain risks, and differences in personality are one of these risks.  Whatever species you choose to live with, I recommend you buy from a parrot breeder, you buy a just-weaned baby that has been handfed, and buy a baby that has been weaned to different types of healthy human food.  When you buy a just-weaned baby, you can shape the parrot's behavior the way you want, i.e., you can teach the bird the way you want the bird to be.  Sometimes, you can find great parrots in pet shops, etc., but you have to be very careful what you buy (ask for proof of age, health guarantee, etc.).  The sex of a parrot can also affect it's personality, i.e., males of some species are more vocal, males of some species are often more aggressive, etc.  

As far as cuddling goes, some birds like to cuddle and some don't.  This isn't a species-specific trait...whether a bird likes to cuddle or not depends on the bird's individual personality.  Some parrots like to be petted and some don't.  Again, not a species-specific trait, but an individual personality trait.  

All parrots make noise.  Screamers usually scream for good reason (they need something, something is bugging them, they are unhappy, etc.).  Some species of parrots are louder than others and/or have a pitch that is ear piercing.  Conures are usually known for being loud, but not all conures are loud.  However, any parrot can be loud/noisy, depending on the bird and the circumstance.  If you want to move to a medium-sized parrot, you can expect to have an increase in decibal level in your home!  You can expect on average that the bigger parrot you choose, the more noise you can expect!

It is a wise decision for you to attend the parrot show.  The more parrots you can see in person (and the more knowledge you have before purchase), the better off you will be.  Be aware though that many parrots you will see at the bird show (if not babies) have already had their personalities shaped by others.  Therefore, you will most likely see some behaviors/personality traits you might not want in your bird, but remember buying a just-weaned baby will prevent you from ending up with an undesirable parrot (undesirable for you).  

It is possible to be allergic to bird feathers, just like cat/dog dander (I'm allergic to feathers, as well as dog/cat dander).  You might want to ensure you don't have allergies to feathers before you decide to purchase.  Also be aware that the more intelligent the parrot, the more human interaction they require on a daily basis (such as cockatoos, greys, macaws, etc.).  

I own MANY birds, and I work full-time (gone on average 10 hours per day).  As long as you can devote some amount of time each day to your parrots, they will be fine.

Chrys