What Parrot is Right for Me?What Parrot is Right for Me?
One of the most oft-asked questions in our store is: I want a parrot, but I'm not sure which one is quite right for me.
Many times the customer wants us to suggest one particular parrot as a “starter.” We don't believe there is a right or wrong answer for a "starter" parrot. Nor do we don't believe in the term "starter" to begin with. We believe that with enough research, hands on visiting, and soul-searching, the parrot you would like to adopt as a companion is the one you eventually will. That does not include if you are lucky enough to have one “pick” you.
There are some exceptions that we absolutely do not recommend to new owners and that is Moluccan Cockatoos or large Macaws. The care of Moluccan Cockatoos or large Macaws should only, in our opinion, be undertaken by experienced owners.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Sometimes the customer is still perplexed, and it is at this time we try to narrow down their research. So, if you're reading this and are wondering also, ask yourself the following questions about yourself and your lifestyle:
- Is your lifestyle chaotic, lots of noise?
- Lots of visitors in your home?
- Do you have a quiet home? Regular comings and goings?
- Do you like quiet?
- Do you have children?
- Will you have children visiting?
- Are you planning a birth of a child?
- Will you be able to tolerate messiness?
- Will you be patient for the five o'clock calling in of the flock?
- Does occasional destruction of personal property bother you?
- Does your work take you out of town often?
- How much time can you realistically commit to your new companion?
- Can you prepare the fruits/veggies/sprouts/cooked beans, etc. on a daily basis?
In our opinion, Parrots that generally tolerate a lot of action in the home (i.e., a noisy home, small children, TV, radio, teenagers, visitors) are Amazons, mini and large Macaws, Cockatoos, Conures (all species), Caiques, Meyers, Senegals, Indian Ringnecks (rated #3 best talker), Parrotlets, Lovebirds, and Cockatiels.
Of course, there are always exceptions to this as each bird is an individual too. Keep in mind, that they too tend to be quite noisy themselves, especially Conures and Cockatoos. Most species of Conures can be quite loud with the exception of the pyrrhura conures (Green Cheeks, Maroon Bellies, etc.). But there is no substitute for the affection, beauty, devotion and silly antics of the aratanga species (Sun Conure, Jenday, Gold Cap, etc.).
A Word On Large Cockatoos
It is this author's opinion that MOST people who initially start out desiring to purchase a large Cockatoo (Umbrella, Moluccan, Sulphur-Crested) have no idea the incredible commitment it takes to make living with one a harmonious experience.
Most customers who request a baby Umbrella Cockatoo or Moluccan have no idea what it sounds like when they scream, or that it is completely normal for them to scream at certain times of the day. We always invite those customers to stick around for the five o'clock 'calling in of the flock' time.
Nor do some prospective Parrot owners realize the amount of shredding and chewing these birds must do to be happy. Or the vital exercise routine that must be maintained every day to satisfy these cuddly creatures. Or the fine line the Cockatoo and the owner must keep between independent co-existing playtime vs. 'cuddle time.' Meaning, the Cockatoo can and is encouraged to play with its own toys whilst you and your family are in the same room.
Remember this: There is nothing more challenging than a Cockatoo that has not been taught or, if it has been taught, then not reinforced by the owners, to play by itself with healthy shredding, chewing, puzzle toys and activities.
Quieter Parrots
Parrots that generally like a quiet, set household (again, there are exceptions to this rule also!) are 
Eclectus, (especially males), African Greys (an exception to this rule is my own African Grey whom adores being in the core of the action and roams from tree to tree “checking” on his flock to make sure “everything is as it should be” throughout the day), and Pionus. This doesn't mean these species want you gone all day and night and are not social. They are extremely social, playful species, and certainly their lives are enriched with interaction from different people, places and things, they are just a little more “suspicious” and “cautious” in general.
Our Advice: Do Your Research
Our advice to most new would-be owners is “research!”
We tell our customers to pull in as much information as they can: Internet, bird stores, other bird owners, library, books, etc. They must make an INFORMED decision as to what kind of parrot would fit into their lifestyle and their family's lifestyle. Because every human being is so different, it is hard for us to suggest the perfect parrot for their life. It is therefore largely up to the new owner to make an informed decision.
Do not allow a breeder, pet store, bird store, friend talk you into THEIR favorite parrot. Everyone's experience with a particular parrot could be as different as night and day with yours.
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