Cockatoo as a first bird... I know, I know.

[GabeCast]

I don't like the term "Starter bird" either. I just put that in the poll as a way of showing that the cockatoo being my absolute "dream bird".

 

[GabeCast]

I think i'm leaning towards conures. I like cockatoos for their big personalities, and it seems like conures pack that personality in a smaller, and less demanding fashion.

 

[GabeCast]

Seems like green cheeks are best for what I want. Although I really like the turquoise mutation. Does anyone know if there is a difference in personality between a regular GCC and a mutation?

 

[birdashes]

Seems like green cheeks are best for what I want. Although I really like the turquoise mutation. Does anyone know if there is a difference in personality between a regular GCC and a mutation?

As far as I know, no. All the same have you gone to the Conure forum here on AA? I would reccomend checking it out. there is a pinned 'good bad and ugly' of GCCs. I'd give it a read

EDIT: I don't know if you talked about rescuing vs buying when you were debating a cockatoo but I'd recommend that you go to a rescue. My rescue gets surrenders for birds a lot- and GCCs are decently common.

2nd EDIT: reflecting on what @SpecialistElbru said below me- when I said 'all the same' I was referring to the fact that the blanket species traits ( this is where I differ a bit in opinion from his point of view- while they are all different birds, from reading experiences, there do seem to be traits shared among species. After all, why do we say cockatoos are so much more difficult than other birds if not bc of that? anyway..) they do not depend on mutation. What he said is correct- each bird is really an individual

 

[SpecialistElbru]

Seems like green cheeks are best for what I want. Although I really like the turquoise mutation. Does anyone know if there is a difference in personality between a regular GCC and a mutation?

You must realize that each bird is an individual, there is no blanket statement based only on species. There is nothing you can read on a message board that can give you a feeling of what the bird is like. We often recommend visiting a rescue organization so that you can see the personalty of many different birds.

 

[GabeCast]

Of course each bird is and individual. I do plan on rescuing a conure. birdashes, i'll be sure to check out the pros and cons list on AA, thanks. Because this is basically about conures now, I figured i'd get it off the cockatoo thread. Here is a new thread I made, where hopefully I can get some answers from the "conure experts" Conures with the biggest personality | Avian Avenue Parrot Forum Thank you to everyone who helped me out on this!

 

[rocky'smom]

All About Cockatoos - MyToos.com

 

[doodoowmdeez]

There really isn't a starter bird. The "starter birds" have as much a chance as being a problem as any. The best thing IMO is to be an EDUCATED FAMILY(owner) for your bird. Every internet search will give you numerous sites all with slightly different "facts" about a bird breed. Each and every bird is an individual that may well fall outside the normal. I apologize for not looking in the replies whether you're near a rescue or not, but that is a good way to meet and spend time with your potential bird and get to know each other. At the rescue I volunteer at there is such a diverse bunch of personalities for the potential adoptee to witness and fall in love with. But again "starter bird" is better replaced by caring, knowledgeable family. Good luck

 

[jmfleish]

Just so you know, you do not need a permit for a bird just because it is listed on CITES. You need a permit for a bird if it is listed on the Endangered Species list and you are buying it from an out of state breeder and even then you have to be a breeder yourself and even then, some species do not need the permit. If you want to know which species you would need that permit for, you can read up on the Endangered Species List. Most breeders of birds on that list will not sell to you if you are out of state as there are pretty good penalties for doing so.

 

[Bokkapooh]

I recommend VISIT a rescue and not a store or breeder before purchasing your baby bird. Why? Because at rescues they have adult birds. You'll get to know the ADULT personality of the species you interact with. Most of the rescues population are normal AVERAGE birds who's owners gave them up. So the personalities you meet will not be due to baggage but those are the real attitudes and adult birds you'll meet.

At a breeder or bird store you'll only see the babies. ALL babies are cute, soft and cuddly. Barely make a peep! This gives majority of people inaccurate impressions and so people rehome their birds at adulthood. Its a bad and sad thing Being rehomed jist because you became an adult and have adult personality.

 

[faislaq]

My husband and I went into a pet store for dog food & came out a couple of hundred dollars later with a charismatic little gcc clown that stole our hearts. What an engaging soul in such a tiny body! That little 2.4 oz bird, our "loveable terrorist", changed our lives. We have 3 other birds now, including a big ol' macaw, and so far none of them rule the roost quite like 'Stachi did.

I think you're wise not to discount the little guys. I've heard parrotlets described as big birds in little bodies! And while I agree that there are no starter birds as even the littles are a long term commitment, smaller birds are generally less expensive (food, vet, cages), less loud (relatively so), and are more likely to be accepted by landlords & easier to find a pet sitter.

 

[Chantilly Lace]

Oh man, I got Paco as my first bird, and I don't think I could have done it at your age. It is SO much like having a child. You cannot have guests, the bird will scream so loud you cannot think unless HE is in the middle of all the people being held the whole time. No dinner parties for you! No vacations, I have not been on a vacation for more than one night WITH my husband since we got birds. We cannot find a sitter with big bird experience anywhere. It is a huge commitment, and seriously your entire life. I personally would wait until you have a career and know how much time you can spend with the bird. So what that now you can spend time with it, these birds live for 80 years. How can you possibly plan ahead that long? It is just a lot to handle, and life happens and life gets in the way. I don't think dating, at 16, would be a great thing to do with a cockatoo. Just be a kid, be a teenager, and let the animals come later. And they will, trust me! But spend some time getting to know yourself first, minus the cockatoo. Because when you get one, you are only and always a crazy bird person. Get an easier bird, if you think you can love and adore one, a Pionus is a great bird.

 

[AvianCrew]

I've heard parrotlets described as big birds in little bodies!

Very true! When I visited the bird store, those parrotlets were not afraid to bite us!

 

[Kiwi and Mitch]

Minor, but as I said i'm and antisocial introvert who is homeschooled, so i'll have time for it. budget is $1000. My mom thinks they are cute, and my dad really couldn't care less. I've told them about how loud they can be, and i'll clean up it's messes.

Good luck in your search!

I just wanted to point something out regarding the cost of owning a bird, especially a parrot...I will use my Quaker as an example...

Cost of bird, cage, what I anticipated to be 6 months worth of toys and 2 months worth of food, as well as UV lights and heat lamps was roughly $3500 canadian dollars after taxes (about 2500 USD).

Additionally one vet visit with testing cost several hundred dollars. I honestly think someone should also keep in the back of their mind that at any time an emergency could come up and the bills coulee be thousands at a vet.

I think aside from the care, love and attention we want to give these amazing beings, one has to be realistic and understand that they could also be a massive expense. If you can cope with this financially and commit to that for 20, 30, 60 years...depending on the species...then you are on the right track!

 

[barry collins]

Most of what can be said has been said already and some great advice has been given.
The only points I could make are make sure your family back you 100% and don't just let you have a bird as long as you look after it. A bird will become a family member and as such needs to be accepted by the whole house.
Secondly..rescue,rescue,rescue.... It's a good thing! The bird will have life experience and likely teach you a few things, birds are cute their whole life.
Thirdly getting smaller less demanding birds is not a bad thing and you can get more than one and they will require far less stimulation as a pair or group, and the size of the bird does not take away it's personality.
The words starter birds should be replaced by the words more suitable birds.
You sound very intelligent and grounded and I'm sure you will succeed in whatever you choose.

My gut instinct answer would be get a couple of mature tame rescue cockatiels and decide if a cockatoo would suit you when you've been to college fallen in love bought a house got married had a couple of kids settled into a career and been around the world a few times. Then you will be ready to decide.........

 

[galah!]

i'd go for a conure now, and one day, your dreams might come true! i'm also a minor, and want a galah even though it's unlikely to ever happen, i can still dream.
I just want to point out that your parents BOTH have to be 100% behind you, cause if you end up travelling, or become bored with your bird (you seem to love'm though), they will have to care for him/her.
Best of luck!

 

[CockatooDad]

Hello, guys! I just joined this forum, and I’m a minor with a lovely sweet galah cockatoo...BUT these birds are absolutely not in any way easy!! They are extremely demanding of your attention, and need lots of outside of cage time. Before getting a cockatoo or really any bird, you need to have a plan beforehand. I have my life planned, cause I had some lucky circumstances. But please understand, if you work or are in school like me, even when your tired from working, YOU ABSOLUTELY need to spend time with Your bird. You wanna hang with your friends after school? Nah, unless your bird comes with you. You wanna hang out with ur friends on the weekend for the whole day, NAH! I spend every minute I possible can with my lovely galah. And luckily, my parents love her aswell. But You need to include these birds in almost everything you do. When I take my dog for a walk at the beach, my bird comes on my shoulder. Also, you should try to find a way to volunteer to birds, this will help you understand these beautiful birds more, but nothing can prepare you for the commitment of getting a cockatoo.

Edit: forgot to mention the fact that my galah is my first bird friend.

 

[CockatooDad]

Forget to mention, you need to be independent and very patient, as your basically adopting a child that will never grow up. Btw, if you don’t want a “starter bird” people are suggesting to you, don’t get it. Only get a bird if you 100% want it. You may need to wait before getting a big demanding brat (cockatoos)