More Playful bird than a Cockatiel?

Question

I would like to know what bird is more playful than a cockatiel. The price range has to be under $300. I already have a male cockatiel and he just likes to play with himself and fly around. I also owned budgies and finches but all of them like to play with themselves when I let them out of the cage. Now I am thinking to buy either a green cheek (cinnamon) conure or a quaker. I cant decide which is better. I want a bird who loves to be cuddled, held and wants my attention 24/7. What type of bird can do that? A conure or a quaker???Thanks

Answer 1

I would definitely suggest a Green Cheek.  We had budgies, then a cockatiel and now just got our GCC.  I know exactly what you mean by "play with themselves" - our budgies were so boring compared to this guy!  He is hilarious and sooo much fun!  Loves to be cuddled, talked to, he plays with his toys, hangs upside down - you'd definitely enjoy them.  And ours cost $130 from our pet store.

Answer 2

maybe a red collared, or rainbow lorikeet, these will definately want your attention 24/7, are very playful, enjoy a cuddle, and will mimick a lot of noises, and words, and are very intelligent, however they can be a bit noisy, and messy

Answer 3

I would reccomend a green sheek conure, although not as flashy as a Sun conure, they are often a third of the price.  They are a bundle of personality, and if trained right will love to be held and played with.

Answer 4

Do you have the time and are you willing to give it 24/7? If you don't, there's a good chance it would start mutilating (feather picking) itself.

What do you mean "play with themselves?"Are you talking about playing with toys or ???

Could you elaborate on your definition of "cuddle?" Do you mean being held in your hand or sitting on your shoulder?

Answer 5

Conures, especially Green Cheeks and Black Caps are VERY playful and comical though most are in the $1000.

Quakers are not as playful as conures.

Honestly, just save up for a conure other than African Greys I'd say they're the most interact loving and amusing birds.

Answer 6

Not all birds will fit in that category.  When they become mature, they will have major issues if you pet them, it is very stimulating and causes hormone rushes that will cause them to be extremely agressive.  If it is female, you will end up with an egg layer and it could kill her.  

Never, Never, Never pet a bird on the back or wings!!!

Why don't you take your time to completely tame your cockatiel and teach it tricks?  My 20 year old tiel will allow cuddling, head and neck scratches and play some simple games that I have taught him.  

It is a matter of you training your bird, not finding the one in a million that likes to cuddle all the time.  

Also, where do you plan on quarantining your new bird?  Can you afford two vet visits in emergencies?  Can you keep them seperate for 30-60 days and wash your hands and change clothing between visiting birds?  What will you do if your larger bird bites your tiel causing a major injury?  What will you do with said bird if it isn't your "ideal" bird, will you rehome it causing psycological trauma, or will you just try again with yet another bird that you won't interact with?

Not to be mean, but cuddly birds are usually babies and grow out of it.  Then they are bounced from home to home, getting less tame with each new place and loosing trust of humans.  I have a rescue that took 3 years before he would even sit near me on his own terms and I hate it when people think that all birds will cuddle, since most don't.

Answer 7

I suggest that you either get a sun conure or a green cheeked conure. Talk about little loves! I have a green cheeked conure and all she does is goof around all day. As far as money goes, I got my bird from Feathered Follies in the hatchling room. She cost $200.

Post more details for further questions!

Oh! I forgot to tell you...I bought my conure this thing called a cuddle hut. Now every time that I handle her she will make me cup my hand so that she can cuddle under it. How cute is that?! Haha.

Good luck!! :)

Answer 8

love birds