Which parrot is right for a University Student?

Question

I have just graduated High School and I'm registered for University in the fall.

I'll still be living at home, and week days during the school year I'll be gone half the day and at home the other half, roughly. I'll also be living at home during my four months of summer, and on weekends. I'll be taking biological sciences and animal sciences (I'm very interested and dedicated to animals -- working towards an animal profession), and I'm also thinking of volunteering at an avian vet's office.

I'm interested in owning a bird as a companion pet.

I've done research on many different varieties, but I also have specific questions I want answered before I consider getting one. I'm looking for a small companion bird who isn't very noisy (or messy but messy I can live with). I know I can dedicate AT LEAST two hours a day to the bird, either before or after school. What bird is right for me?

Answer 1

seems to me that your going to be a vary busy person and any bird can be messy and need love and attention.

And any bird can develop some kind of issue's if you don't have adequate time so it may be better to think about waiting until your finish school so you and your bird can have that special bond that make you over look the problems of having a bird like their messy, and loud because they all can be sometimes but the thing they do make you laugh , make you smile and make you forget and love them even more.....

My macaw makes so much mess sometimes l wonder if its worth it.......             But then he does his I'm to cute look at me now and l forget about the work it takes to make him happy and not be destructive since he is not caged and never has been because when he is bored or unhappy he plucks. But long as I'm always making toy and swings and perches he stays their and leaves the rest of the house alone but his p**p is something else too. not trying to talk you out of getting a bird only make sure large or small now is the right time .................

Also you may try going to pet shops and getting the feel of the different types of birds and if possible handling some to see the differences in some of the different birds too.

Answer 2

Considering your age, and assuming you’ve already done the research (but keep doing more) and have at least two hours a day for your bird as you said, you’re pretty much suitable for nearly any small to medium sized bird: anything from a lovebird to a conure. But keep in mind that parrots live long lives, even a healthy budgie can live up to 20 years. So plan ahead and think that will you have time for the bird when you’re working and raising a family, or having a baby? Pet parrots, no matter how small, are not disposable creatures and just because of this mentality many people miss out on the great fun they can have with their parrots. And USUALLY the bigger the bird is, the harder time it has being abandoned by its owner.

And never buy a parrot from a breeder or pet store, since there are so many good birds out there that need good homes already in the nearly 100 parrot sanctuaries across the country. Visit www.avianwelfare.org to locate your nearest parrot shelter.

Answer 3

Have you ever owned birds before? Do some research on the following birds and see what you think, then come back to Yahoo and ask specific questions you have about each bird. It is good to get those owners stories and view points. Research these:

Quaker Parrots

Conures-  many different kinds

Caiques

Senegals

Meyers Parrots

Cockatiels

Lorikeets

Indian Ringneck Parakeets

Pionus

Answer 4

Either a non-talking one or definitely one that doesn't cuss or swear!

Answer 5

Of all the birds I have owned, with the amount of time you are willing to dedicate to it and based on noisiness I would recommend a cockatiel. They are the least noisy, though they still make noise it is more tolerable than other birds. As always, its better to get one from a breeder that is very young however you will need one that is weened since those need fed about every 4-6 hours.

I wouldn't go with a conure because they are VERY loud and VERY messy! They are my favorite birds to own because of their personality, however if you don't have the time for a conure (and anything larger than that, really) then they will not be happy birds and you will probably become annoyed with them. My last conure demanded my attention about 5 times a day, and I did have to vacuum every day, after he ate. And you know as soon as I finished he went right down to his food bowl and started spitting pellets all over the place. I think he just did that to get my goat.

With all birds, it will take an initial amount of time for them to warm up to you. You want to try to spend as much time with it as you can getting it used to you in the beginning so that getting it in or out of the cage isn't a hassle in the future.

Answer 6

a cockateil or a senegal parrot....i have both and love them to death.....the senegal is a little more personable....but make sure that u get a bird at a young age so u can train and raise then to ur liking

Answer 7

When you say "companion", I think parrot rather than finch.  Any parrot will be messy - it's their job.  They're also noisy to various extents.  I've heard people complain about noisy budgies and cockatiels, though compared to some large parrots they're barely audible.

Another consideration is how long you want the bird for.  Most small parrots live 20+ years.  Budgies don't usually live as long.

Small parrots you might consider include budgies, cockatiels, caiques, senegals (or any of the poicephalus), lovebirds, parrotlets, pionus, and conures.  Budgies are the cheapest and most common.  They're moderately aggresive, socialize well, and often talk well.  Cockatiels are also cheap and common, and often considered the ideal "beginner bird".  They're mellower than most parrots, socialize well, and males can talk well, but they may be bad for people with asthma or allergies. Cauiqes tend to be hyperactive clowns.  They're not beginner birds, though, and seldom talk well.  Senegals are social and often talk well; I like them.  Lovebirds seldom talk much.  Parrotlets are less common; some talk well.  Pionus parrots are relatively quiet and gentle.  Conures are a miscellaneous bunch (not all related), but many tend to be loud and shrill.

Which is "better" depends on what you're looking for and how much you want to spend.  Remember that the descriptions of breeds are only generalities;  there are mellow budgies, aggressive cockatiels, and in any species some birds won't talk.