Aloha Cockatoo by Mordy Steinfeld
From time to time someone who is thinking about getting a parrot asks me what my opinion is. Should I get a cockatoo? Or do you think an African grey? Wow. Those are two very different species. And if I don’t know you, I probably don’t have a very valid opinion. It’s all about your personality.
Honestly, there is no best parrot suited for the life of a pet. They all have major challenges if having a pet that isn’t perfect bothers you from time to time. Is noise an issue in your house? Get tired of cleaning? Hate dust? Then you better make sure that the species you choose is the one that appeals to you the most, because all parrots are going to have their drawbacks.
So choosing the best species of bird for your home (and hopefully for the next several decades) is a very personal decision. Cockatoos are wonderful birds for the right person. Not for me. That ‘too voice makes me jump out of my skin, especially when I’m trying to write. And I’m not a constant cuddler. I work best with birds that are happy with interaction and don’t mind that I’m not hands-on all the time. I love to visit with my friend’s Mollucan, but I’m very glad I don’t have her in my home. Although, she sure is pretty!
Don’t be seduced by the package either. The parrot you choose should be one that you think is gorgeous, of course, but find out which species best fits your personality. Talk to people who love that species, breeders, experts, long-time owners. Then also talk to folks who have had bad experiences with the species or would never have one in their home. There is no one best species, but there may be a particular type of parrot that’s the right one for you.
