Budgie or Parrot?

[porfavour]

I have had several budgies over the years and really enjoy their company and antics. However, I was recently bought two for my birthday, from different sources. One was 2 months old and female, the other approx 2 years old and male. I didn't stand a chance. They hated me and fought with each other, yet went beserk if they were separated.
I have passed them on to a friend with an aviary where they are happy.
I am now considering whether I should get a baby budgie (which the aviary man has offered) or try life with a parrot.
I know they are more expensive to purchase, which isn't an issue, I would like to know if they are as lovable and friendly as budgies. I also realise they chew bigger holes on the tops of doors and picture frames etc.
Are there any parrot owners that would be prepared to advise me of the disadvantages of keeping a parrot?
Or are there any budgie and parrot owners willing to share their judgement to help me make my decision?

[foxyflugel]

Hi porfavour - I have owned both. They are both as loveable as each other really. The only disadvantage of course is that the parrot eats more, poos more and needs a much bigger cage than a budgie. They also need special toys that are sturdy for their strong beaks. There is also the matter of life span as budgies only live to about 8/10 years old whereas parrots live a hell of a lot longer. I have an African Grey who was hand reared. The only advice I would give if you decide to have a parrot is that I would buy an african grey if you want it to talk and mimic you, they are superb, and also more importantly get a hand reared one as it is well worth the extra money as they are soft as a brush and you wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of one of those beaks. Just make sure you get its birth/hatching certificate and ,preferably, make sure it is tested - think it is feather and beak test. I would also buy yourself a book or two for guidance because as far as discipline/behaviour goes it is like the difference between owning a rotweiler and a chihuahua!! Good luck

[burnhal]

Budgies- the problem from my experience is whether you have one or two. If you have one you can tame it and they become very friendly. If you have a pair generally they are more interested in each other to the exclusion of the owner- and one is usually dominant- usually the female -and you do get loads of scraps!

[hammerman]

As said above....females can be down right nasty so either keep a female on her own or a pair of males (most unusual in the animal world)

Another thing that you might have to considder with a parrot is the noise. Budgies tend to "chatter" all day whereas parrots are prone to fits of ear piercing screeches.

Why not considder something inbetween....a cockatiel, a lorikeet or a conure. I had a senegal parrot and he was small and a joy to have.

[yummymum]

I would also say an African Grey I have had mine for about 2 years now although he can be noisey at times he is the best pet i have ever had. He can be naughty at times and they do as much damage with their beak as a dog could (mine as pecked though plaster and brick etc} although bad behaviour is usuallly an attention seaking thing and can easily be prevented. Mine is very talkative but if he gets too much ( like at 5am ) I simply get him back in his cage with a treat and cover him over, like with most birds he will sleep then, now i cover him when i go to bed and uncover in the morning. I think if you do get a parrot you have got to be prepared for a bigger cage, more mess and they cost a bit more to keep ( the toys are expensive and need changing about once a year depanding on how your parrot treats them) plus they are like having a child they require a lot of attention, mine likes to come with me a lot and if I dont take him he follows anyway. I guess there are pro's and con's to both xx

[kaylamay]

dont forget parrots can live as long as a human if not longer so you will have to make arrangements in a will as far as care goes no matter how young you are as they will likely outlive you. Parrots also need a lot of attention and get very attached
to their "parent" so be prepared to spend A LOT of time with them. If you are gone a lot or dont have the time then i wouldn't suggest a parrot. They can also take a dislike to someone and can cause serious injury with their beaks. They are magnificent creatures and need and deserve great care so if you have any misgivings at all dont do it. They and all the equipment, toys and food they require is very costly. It is not easy to find care for them either if you go on holiday, a stranger may distress the bird causing emotional scarring and feather pulling.
Mikala

[porfavour]

Based on all of your sensible and well-informed advice, I have decided to get a budgie. A male one, because yes, the females are spiteful, and they have sharper beaks.
If you don't mind helping out again.......
as I will be getting a baby straight from the nesting box (in the Spring) do you have any tips for identifying its gender?

[burnhal]

not at all easy at that stage- the general rule of blue cere for a male and tan for a female isn't apparent in baby budgies- as a rule of thumb if the cere in a baby looks like its going to be a male then its a female and vice versa..... but no guarantees!!