File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
Hey /an/;

I'm getting a parrot for the first time (excluding a cockatiel that I had a few years ago) and I've already put a deposit on a baby Cockatoo I found at this real nice exotic bird store after visiting it a few times (it won't be weaned and ready to take home for about a month or so). However, the deposit can be transferred to any different bird in the store if I happen to change my mind during that period, and after reading up on different parrot species I'm not so sure if my decision was the correct one. Cockatoos are said to be as loud as Macaws, even though the store clerk (who seems to be a pretty honest guy and everything, plus it's not like he's loosing money if I get a different bird) says the sound is much more pleasant and not a big problem with the species. I was also thinking of getting an African Grey instead since they are said to be very smart, easy to train to talk, etc, but the clerk said that they tend to attach to only one person, which isn't condusive to me living with my parents and sister.

So, my question to YOU is this: What species of parrot would you recommend? Also, are Cockatoos noisy or troublesome in any sort of way?

Pic related, it's the kind of bird I'm considering (an Umbrella Cockatoo).
>> Anonymous
All parrots have the potential to be very loud and noisy depending on how they are cared for. The smarter the parrot, the easier it is to train against bad behavior. However, it also means you would need to spend an average of 4-5 hours a day interacting with the bird. Cockatoos are not as smart as African Grays, so they are not as needy.

It's common for parrots to become possessive of one person, but like dogs, they can be trained to socialize with others. If the other members of your family are not interested in helping to care for the bird, it would not be a good idea to get a parrot.

Parrots are a pretty big investment in terms of money and time. Some species can live past 70. I would do more research and think about it some more before you adopt.
>> Falco
I agree. If you really want a bird, I'd start out with a parakeet, or a cockatiel (less poop, smaller bird just as cool)
>> Anonymous
Cockatoos are fucking LOUD. They have the most annoying screech, imo. Something like an Eclectus may be better, they're not nearly as loud, are around the same size, and are very sweet and loving.

African Greys are extremely intelligent and do not screech like Cockatoos do, easily a better pick than a Cockatoo. They do require more work, interaction, and dedication because of their intelligence, however.

>>286107
OP said they had a Cockatiel previously. And Budgies...they're as loud as Cockatoos but not as ear-piercing. Messy, too.
>> Anonymous
LOL all large birds are "noisy and troublesome" in many ways. 'Toos are supposed to be some of the hardest to care for because they need constant attension from you like 22 hours a day or they pluck themselves bald. Macaws tend to be more independent and thus less likely to self mutilate. They're all unbearably loud, though.

I'm surprised that this supposedly 'good' bird store didn't already inform you of this.