Cockatiel?Quaker?Sun Conure?

Question

Omg..i am having problems deciding what to buy!But i need a parrot dat can talk and do tricks very well..well i am dedicated to train but which 1 a better choice?Recommend me a parrot too for a 12 year old Boy..African Greys Alright for a twelve year old?

Answer 1

An African Grey is absolutely NOT a bird for you or any other 12 year old. They are for very experienced bird owners. Please understand that not all birds who are known for talking will talk. There are African Greys who never talk. Don't get a bird for that reason alone. A Cockatiel or Quaker would be best. Quakers are known for being talkers.  

Answer 2

I'd say you should get a Cockatiel as they are quite gentle pets.

Bigger parrots are like children and even louder.

Aswell as this with most bigger parrots their life span is huge!

Do you really think you will be able to take your bird to university etc etc?

Cockatiels  still live a very long time.

Answer 3

http://www.parrotcentral.net/companion_p...

Answer 4

You do understand that if you get an African Grey you will have it until you are 82 years old? Where will you be in 70 years? What will happen to it when you go to college?

Talking is NO reason to buy a parrot, not all parrots talk, even African Greys. Adopting an African Grey is like having a 3 year old baby, so essentially are you ready to have a child?

Please read about Greys: http://www.greyforums.net/

They are a HUGE commitment!

Are you ready for vet bills, toys, a large cage, a large playstand and a varied diet? (they need more than just seed!)

This 3 year old child will essentially be with you the REST of your life! It is not a decision to make lightely just because you wanted a pet that could talk.

What happens if it bites and screams like all parrots do? Plucks, self-mutilates and other behavioral problems.

Answer 5

A quaker is probably your best bet for a 12 year old boy.  They talk well, are a bit more substantial in build that a cockatiel and more affordable than an AG.  I would definitely stay away from a sun conure.  They are notoriously loud and can test the patience of the most dedicated owner (and their family... and maybe neighbors).  With lots of work, your quaker can do tricks and be a great overall companion.

Edit:  I still think a quaker is a better choice for a first parrot.  AGs can be opinionated, emotionally demanding birds.  A quaker is a better place to start.

Answer 6

Of those 3 the quaker is probably your best bet (just make sure they are legal in your state) http://www.quakerville.com/qic/statelaw....

They tend to be better talkers of the 3 (they are in the top 5) and can be trained to do tricks.  However keep in mind even birds of species known for their talking ability are not guaranteed to talk, and no bird is guaranteed to do tricks.   So get a bird because you want the bird not because you want it to be able to talk or do tricks.  If that is the only reason you want it then you don't need to get a bird period.  

No I don't recommend an african grey for a 12yo.  They are high demand birds that require a lot of care and attention to be happy.  They are also powerful birds that could easily inflict a serious injury.