parrot

[BA]

im looking to get a parrot. i was thinking of either a conure or african grey but am open to macaws or cokatoos. does anyone know of any for sale? or any breeders? thanks guy!
Bobby

[aprilmayjune]

There is a bird expo that goes through the live oak civic center every few months, you might want to check their website to see when the next one is scheduled. You can get one directly from the breeder, its SO much cheaper, sometimes a third the price than at a pet store. I think they sell cages and toys too. Just be careful and check around cause lately there have been wholesalers trying to rip people off. There are some dirty vendors there too but I think those are a little obvious.

[RayAllen]

Id also suggest you do a ton of research. You basically said you are open to most speicies but they are all very diffrent and some very very demanding. The bird expo os where I got my wifes Green cheek conure 4 years ago and hes a healthy fiesty bird.

[BA]

does anyone know of the birdexpo website? or where to search for breeders? usually for a dog i can find tons of ads in the paper but not really any for parrots... thanks yall for the info

[captexas]

you can find the Live Oak events schedule here:

http://www.ci.live-oak.tx.us/a0300077.htm

Looks like there is an exotic bird/pet expo in November.

[BA]

thanks for the site!

[aprilmayjune]

Definitely research, that is a huge and long investment. Cockatoos require a ton of attention and can start plucking if they are too stressed. African grays are more of one person birds. All of them are really great if you are a bird person though. I'm really jealous. Check out amazons too. I've worked with pretty much every kind of bird and the amazons are by far my favorite. Look at this one: http://www.flixxy.com/bird-opera-singer.htm

Good luck!

[Bill S]

My daughter (adult) just got a Sunday Conure, which she absolutely loves. She had a cockatiel for 13 years before this. She says it can be a bit loud - as Conures are known to be.

[Mr Cob]

I've had a couple Amazons in the past when I lived in Panama and ended up getting rid of them every time because they were too smart. They would mimic all kinds of sounds and wouldn't shut-up. The phone ringing was the most irritating. Sounded EXACTLY like the house phone. And the ambulance sirens would drive me nutts!!! Was super cool when he first learned the sounds but.....

I think African Greys are the most inteligent though I've never had one. I've had blue and gold macaws and scarlets. Scarlets are my fav!!!

I also have had a cockatoo and she was super sweet, loving, and very trusting. She did require attention hourly though and started plucking when I was in school, problem solved when a blue and gold was added in a cage across from her. They would chat all day.

Have fun selecting, exotic birds rock!

I seriously reccommend a local breeder and a hand fed baby.

[Freak On A Reef]

We have an African Grey and they are truely a unique bird. They pick up many sounds and ours only takes 3-5 days to learn a phrase. Sounds include but not limited to:

Steven Tylers KAKAKA COW! COW! COW!
The Ramones "I want to be sedated" verse(One of my favorites)
Texas Tornados " Hey baby capaso"
Every ring tone our panasonic phone has incoming and outgoing
sexy woopie whistles
doves, cardinals, dogs
actually whistles and calls our dog
tells the cat "Here kitty kitty kitty.. SHOOO!"

And many many more...

Our bird is not too fond of our teenage daughter and 11yr old boy but definately likes me. My wife teaches him the phrases along with her goofy sense of humor.

The breeder we got him from was in Tow. Her name is Gloria but I think she is out of the bird business now. However, she does own and run the Tow country market up on lake Buchanan. She was a breeder for almost 20 years so I bet she would know someone in your area. Give her a call.

Good Luck!

Cliff

P.S. And do your research! Just like the fish hobby all birds are way different and you need to know what to expect.