No one is trying to discourage you from owning a bird love, they are just trying to help you decide on one that can better meet your needs so the bird doesn't end up re homed down the road after it has bonded to you. While they are very intelligent, they are still like toddlers and believe me, my conure acts like my 4 year old most days. Tiels make wonderful apartment birds, but if you have allergies, they can cause problems as they are very dusty. Macaws are LOUD...I would suggest seeing them in person to understand. Yes they are pretty, yes they can be affectionate, but their beaks are very destructive and wouldn't do well in a place you have a landlord as they can cause some serious damage, not just to you, but to everything in their path. That's not to say they are not great birds, but they are not apartment birds. African greys are wonderful, and independent, but they shouldn't be left alone most of the day either. I have a plum head parakeet and a crimson bellied conure. Both males, one is almost a year old, the other is 6 months. My plum head, Tuki, is independent and loves being by himself, playing with his toys, but will fly to me when he wants attention. These birds are not affectionate though. He loves kisses but hates to be touched. My Crimson belly, rio is a cuddle bug/monster. He bites ears, leaves marks, draws blood, but will snuggle and wrestle when he's in the mood. Every personality is different. Both of these birds have contact calls that can be loud, but they would also make good apartment birds. Most crave attention though, so you do have to keep that in mind. Both of mine come out from 6-8 (if they choose), from 11-12, and from 5-9 (sometimes they choose sleep earlier) but you have to keep their diet in mind. They need healthy pellets, fresh veggies, some fruit and occasional seed, mine get fruit in the morning, veggies at night, and nutriberries throughout the day. Their diet is important. There is also vet visits that are mandatory for the birds health as they can hide their diseases very well, and keep in mind the life span of some of these birds. Macaws can outlive humans. Do your research, visit rescues and other places to get an idea of what you're looking for. I researched for over a year before bringing Tuki home and about 8 months before bringing rio home and that still didn't prepare me for what I've gotten myself into. But I love my fids as much as every other family member and they give back so much, if you take the time and patience to give them. Just keep everything everyone has said in mind. No one is trying to discourage you, but rather help you instead.
