Thinking of buying a parrot. Advice?

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idarkphoenixi

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May 2, 2011
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So after a lot of research and general contemplation I'm strongly considering a pet parrot.
After looking at the different species, the special treatment required and their overall attitudes towards humans the species that seemed most appealing was a cockatiel. Fairly small, not too loud and they bond well to their owner.

So after looking for local breeders I got in contact with one and asked about what they had. Unfortunately, no cockatiels. I can't find anymore that are within driving distance so it could be a very very long time until they had any in stock...However, they had some brand new African Greys that would be ready in a couple of months from now (currently only a week old). So I asked them to reserve one until I gave confirmation on if I wanted that instead. From what I could gather, they're not particularly loud birds by nature (unless of course they imitate loud noises). They're medium build and food will be easy to manage, just your standard pellets mixed with a little fruit+veg.

So now I have a choice, either wait until Cockatiels are in season or get the African Grey. I know the latter is a lot more expensive but that's not the issue to me. I'm prepared to give it all the attention it needs and toys will be at the ready for stimulation. I was wondering what the general opinion would be, perhaps there are some AGP owners out there who could voice opinions on what they're like.

This will be the first bird that I will personally own. Caring for pets however is nothing new to me(have owned rats, mice, hamsters, cats, dogs, a fox and even a python at one point), I'm used to cleaning mess and providing fresh food. What does Escapist think?
 

idarkphoenixi

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SmashLovesTitanQuest said:
Dude wat

That sounds awesome. Be sure to post videos on here if you do get a parrot. But make sure your dog doesnt eat the thing (assuming thats your dog in your avatar).
lmao, ummm that's my cat :p There are dogs in the house but he wont be interacting with them, only hearing them barking occasionaly. The cat lives closer to me so he's gonna have a feathery roommate for a while. obviously I wont let him out the cage until the cats gone though.
 

idarkphoenixi

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SmashLovesTitanQuest said:
idarkphoenixi said:
SmashLovesTitanQuest said:
-snippity-
lmao, ummm that's my cat :p There are dogs in the house but he wont be interacting with them, only hearing them barking occasionaly. The cat lives closer to me so he's gonna have a feathery roommate for a while. obviously I wont let him out the cage until the cats gone though.
Damn! I was actually thinking it could be a cat, but in the picture it looks like the snout/jaw is much longer, like a dogs. But if its a cat, you have to be even more careful. Pray its lazy.
Yeah I wont let them both be together unless in close supervision but my cats a total fatass. He just likes to laze around on my pillow and get stoned on catnip once a week or so.
 

BrassButtons

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I would recommend going to sites dedicated to African Grey owners and ask the people there for thoughts. Just whatever you do, don't rush the decision. Even if it means not getting any bird at all for now. Having the right pet is more important than having a pet right now :)

...This thread has me wanting to read 'Alex & Me' again....
 

Gaiseric

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Sep 21, 2008
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My step dad has a couple African Greys and a macaw. The greys can be vicious bastards who try to bite anything within reach and whistle while the macaw screams(really f*ckin' loudly) all the time in addition to trying to bite or claw things.
 

Scarim Coral

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Oct 29, 2010
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If I remember correctly about a pet parrot is that it will be over protective to you. In another word it could be vicious and may peck your friend and family because it has a strong attachment toward you.
 

Crazy_Dude

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Nov 3, 2010
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Make sure you atleast have a few toys so they won't get bored. Remember that they should be pretty tough since Parrots can wreck a lot of things with their beaks.
 

DanielBrown

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Dec 3, 2010
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Get a nice, thick helmet.
My mother was traumatised for life after one of her birds sunk it's talons into her head.

Gehehehe...
 

Pinkamena

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Jun 27, 2011
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We've had two parrots before. They were both Kakariki Parakeets, and I can recommend them. They are very tame, and bond with the people it lives with. They're also extremely curious, and will often nibble on stuff you've got lying around, to test if it's edible :p
They're great fun, and have very distinct personalities. They're not too big either, and very pretty!
It didn't take more than a few months before our first Parakeet would eat breakfast with us, so they get tame really fast! You can't teach it to talk though, and they're generally pretty quiet, but other times it'll squawk for hours for no reason.



EDIT: Oh, and since they are so curious, be sure you don't have places it can get stuck. Our first parakeet got stuck in our chimney, behind an oven, inside a cupboard, and many other places... Eventually met its demise by poking its head into a cupboard while the door was being closed.

EDIT 2: They also poop everywhere.
 

F'Angus

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Nov 18, 2009
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You sir are a legend.. I say go for it but I can't personally recommend one parrot over the other.
 

Antitonic

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Feb 4, 2010
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Should look for a Norwegian Blue. They're a lovely bird, beautiful plumage.

Rather quiet, too.