Questions about buying a parrot?

Question

Im looking for a cheap, but good species of a parrot, that can talk, and has good personality and such. Im looking for a parrot that is less than $300. Anyone know what kind I can get?

Answer 1

If you want a cheap bird, you are barking up the wrong tree.  A good talker may cost $1000 and that is only the beginning.  The cage is another $1000 then the toys, cuttle bones, food, dishes, more toys.

The best you could do is by a young African Lovebird - peach face lovebirds are sweet IF hand raised and hand tamed.  I sell mine for $100 each. They can be taught to talk - IF you teach them.

If you want a bird that CAN talk - look at African Grey parrots and begin with a $1500 fee just to buy one.  Do research and then decide why you want a bird and what it entails.  

Answer 2

Parrots really aren't cheap (except for ones such as budgies, but they don't talk well).  Also make sure you're prepared for a lifetime commitment if you want to get a larger parrot that talks well.  They can easily live 50+ years and you're responsible for taking care of them for that amount of time.  Parrots also aren't pets that you can just give away if you don't want them anymore as they often get depressed when this happens.  So make sure that a parrot would fit into your life plans for the next 50 years or so before you decide to get one.

Answer 3

a quaker is a good talking cheapish bird but they are mainly a one person bird but if you work with them the can be more than a one person bird but they talk pretty while you can probably buy one for cheaper if you look on they internet

here are some websites on them and some that sell them

Answer 4

You need a cockatiel who is hand tamed.  

Answer 5

A Quaker Parrot is an excellent talker, have HUGE personality, and are not expensive to buy. You can get a green one for about $100.00 from a breeder, mutations cost significantly more. That being said they DO cost a lot. You will need to provide:

1. 20" x 20" (minimum) cage $150.00

2. TIME (at least an hour per day) priceless

3. A well balanced diet $13-$20 per month per bird

4. a fund for an avian certified vet (can run up FAST)

5. Toys (change them out frequently) $5-$25 each

Start up cost is at least $500.00. Please do you research, they are a totally awesome pet. They will live 25-30 years.

Answer 6

A Cockatiel is probably going to be the best for you, given your price range. If you could got up to $500-600 you get a Quaker Parrot, Senegal, Red Bellied Parrot, or a Myer's Parrot. They all have the ability to talk and have nice personalities. I have a Blue Mountain Lorikeet who has a great personality and is learning to talk (although they aren't as clear as the ones I mentioned), but they are beautiful. Their diet is different, which makes their p**p runny and messy, but to me it's all worth it. Please keep in mind that not all birds with the ability to talk will. Conures are also good birds. If you have never owned a bird, then I would go with the Cockatiel or Quaker. I am sure you know this already, but you will need a cage of appropriate size and bar spacing, toys, perches, and cuttlebone or a mineral block. The cage should be fully cleaned weekly. Fresh food and water daily. They also require fresh fruits and veggies in their diet. DO NOT feed it avocado, chocolate, caffeine, onion, etc. There are complete list on the internet, as well as a  list of household products to avoid or be cautious with. Hope I was helpful. Oh, and find an Avian Vet. You can find Cockatiels at most local pet stores. I wouldn't recommend buying one at a big store like Petco. Breeders are the best way to go. To see if they are any Cockatiel breeders in your area you can go to www.birdbreeders.com, www.birdsnways.com, or www.birdchannel.com.