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| Diego, pet Chestnut-Fronted Macaw (also known as Severe Macaw), Los Angeles, California, USA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
In part 2 of the "Best Parrots for Beginners" series, we'll focus on size and socialization.
Size
This factor of choice is fairly straightforward, you can select your parrot from:
-XS: parrotlets, parakeets, cockatiels, -S: blue crown conure, caique, senegal, quaker -M: eclectus, severe macaw, African grey, patagonian conure, amazon -L: blue and gold macaw, scarlet macaw -XL: hyacinth and green-winged macaws
For many, having a large bird can be somewhat intimidating, and they'll instinctively turn to tiny parrots that almost look inviting. Several larger parrots are actually friendly companions, but if you don't feel comfortable around them, don't make them your first choice, as that obviously wouldn't be a sound basis for your relationship.
Also, bear in mind that the size of the parrot you select will directly influence the size of his cage... Although I recommend buying the largest cage possible whatever the species, depending on your home you'll have to decide whether you can only accommodate a relatively small plastic parakeet cage or a large stainless steel bird cage for your macaw.
Socialization
Parrots are gregarious animals who live in groups in the wild and depending on the species you pick, your new pet will require varying degrees of attention. Likewise, some will enjoy some physical contact whereas others will avoid it. Of course, whichever species you select, you'll have to socialize your bird early on to encourage already tolerant ones or improve naturally distrustful others' social skills.
In their native forests, the most sociable birds are the demanding African Grey and the affectionate Macaw. Blue and Gold, Green-Winged and Hyacinth birds, are fairly easy-going and will usually accept every member of the family, including other pets. But keep in mind they also need constant interaction with their avian or human flock. Unlike other birds, contact and petting are welcome by these beautiful giants.
Quaker parrots demand a lot of time attention and can become little tyrants if you don't devote enough time to them. On the plus side, they accept other birds (as long as these don't invade their territory) fairly easily.
At the other end of the spectrum, Eclectus birds aren't very social, even in their natural habitat, and won't be friendly to new birds. They don't appreciate physical contact very much, but it doesn't mean they don't like human company.
If you have children steer clear of known biters, and in that regard, smaller birds can be deceptively reassuring. For instance, I wouldn't recommend the fearless miniature hahns macaw as a pet if you have young children, as this tiny parrot can be quite nippy and have very pointy beaks. Also avoid adopting a Grey, since these parrots don't tolerate children well. Parrot information for kids should primarily focus on understanding parrots and their wild instincts, and on how to approach and handle them to avoid being bitten.
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