Bad news for Mango and Me...

SEsporthorse · 04-18-2008, 10:00 PM

So my fiance is taking a job in FL, and I am going to be alone for the next three months

I am looking for a new pet. Preferably a bird.

I have owned cockatiels in the past, and I really like them a lot. I was thinking about getting a hand-raised, young male one so that I could teach him to talk. BUT my apartment complex has VERY VERY thin walls, and I am worried about having a loud bird.

Are cockatiels extremely loud birds (I was very young when I owned them before)?

Is there a particular type of bird breed known for being quiet?

kehlyrsmom · 04-18-2008, 10:06 PM

I have a Timenh African Grey, medium size parrot a little smaller then an African Grey. He does talk, but when he wants to. All in all he is a fairly quite bird, he does talk a bit first thing in the morning and maybe a couple of good morning screaches but not overly loud. He says both of my kids names, calls for the dogs and cats, ask the kids if they are ready to go to bed, calls me by my name and several other words. He has not mimicked the microwave or phone or anything. We have had him for 9 years, he is a little dusty but not as bad as a Cockatoo. I highley recommend them, they do not have as large as a voculaberly as the African Grey, but normally are a little cheaper.

SEsporthorse · 04-18-2008, 10:08 PM

I would LOVE to have an african grey BUT...

I guess I forgot to mention that I am on a bit of a small budget.

farmergal · 04-19-2008, 04:09 AM

Small budget requires small birds.

sorry bad joke. How about a canary or a finch. The gouldian finch is a pretty bird.
http://www.efinch.com/species/gould.htm

Iwasbornonahorse · 04-19-2008, 05:37 AM

The smallest inexpensive bird that can talk is really the cockatiel. Ours is pretty quiet. He screetches sometimes but a quick "SPIKE shut it!" usually works

He says "Come to Mama" "Kisskisskiss" "Spiker" "Hello" "Pretty bird" and he mimics the phone. He's pretty good.

carlagsd · 04-19-2008, 06:40 AM

A hand raised Cockatiel would be an excellent choice for an apartment. I know the female Tiels are quieter than the males. You can't tell males from females at weaning. I think it takes almost a year before the coloration comes in to be able to tell them apart, maybe six months, but I do know for sure you won't be able to tell at weaning time.

I see Cockatiels for sale on Craigslist almost everyday. Most of the time they're reasonably priced and include the cage too. You could visit several to see which ones are hand tame. I think it's a good idea to let the bird choose you if possible. For some reason they seem to bond better that way.

Our little female was hand raised and she's the sweetest cockatiel we've ever had.

If your budget ever allows, the African Grey's are pretty quiet too. Another parrot I'm interested in that is supposed to be quiet is the Pionus, but I've never had one. They're pretty pricey too, but something to save up for.

paso_lover · 04-19-2008, 06:51 AM

I have heard some pretty loud cockatiels but they are my favorite of the talking birds. Canaries can go on forever if you get the male but they aren't too loud and sound pretty. I also really like the finches, fav being the cordon blue (so pretty) and the nun finch. I think with the finch family they should be kept as a pairs. These (canaries and finches) are pretty quiet birds but can't usually handle them.

recklesshoundog · 04-19-2008, 08:00 AM

I'm a parakeet lover. Small, relatively quiet and mine was quiet a mimic. Would meow like that cat and copy noises from TV shows.

farmergal · 04-19-2008, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carlagsd

A hand raised Cockatiel would be an excellent choice for an apartment. I know the female Tiels are quieter than the males. You can't tell males from females at weaning. I think it takes almost a year before the coloration comes in to be able to tell them apart, maybe six months, but I do know for sure you won't be able to tell at weaning time.

Yes the females are quieter but they also don't talk.

But they make up for it in their sweet nature.
Yes they can be sexed at and before weaning. It's not 100% accurate but it's pretty darn close. They can be feather sexed.

Any hook bill has an ability to scream. Their favorite time to do this is in the am but are capable of doing it to get attention at any time of day. Even the little parakeet has a loud voice as other members can attest too!

And contrary to belief canaries can become tame. They just are more independent than a hook bill and like to flit about.

beezwing · 04-19-2008, 09:10 AM

There are no quiet birds, if you have fussy neighbors.

Cockateils are lovely and whistle not screech.

but not underestimate a parakeet, budgie, just because they are "starter" birds, they make a really cute sound and some do learn some words.

Canaries are fun, live longer if you have a pair and sing less..

I have no experience with finches, there beeping noise drives my hubby mad.
k

kytrailrider · 04-19-2008, 09:14 AM

you might try a diamond dove they are quiet and make a cooing sound and about the size of a parakeet.

carlagsd · 04-19-2008, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by farmergal

Yes they can be sexed at and before weaning. It's not 100% accurate but it's pretty darn close. They can be feather sexed.

:

I knew about the feather sexing, but thought it was only for juvenile/adults that were hard to tell otherwise. Learned something new today, thanks!

SEsporthorse · 04-19-2008, 10:20 AM

Yeah I'm kinda set on a male Tiel. I had a female when I was young, and she was such a good bird...except when she laid eggs. You didn't DARE go near that cage when she was protecting them. I really want something that will lean words which is why I was going to go for a male.

My neighbors are so obnoxious it might be a nice revenge to have a bird chirping at 6am. Since they have no problems being drunk and stupid at 4am and keeping us awake.

A member of my family has a small parrot that she had sexed as a weanling via a DNA test.

I had a wonderful cockatiel at the local pet store "choose" me about a month ago. He literally jumped up on his branch in the tank they keep them in, and chirped at me asking to be pet. I have never ever had a bird do this. I couldn't get him that day, went back a week later and he was gone

Does anyone know any breeders in NC?

beezwing · 04-19-2008, 12:17 PM

I have a male rescue teil, that you can have if we can figure a way to get it to you...but I think shipping and or gas would be more expensive then just buying one. He talks, my son taught him to say "nevermore" as the bird lives outside his "chamber door" I haven't clipped his wings to find out how hand tame he is though.

some color mutations you can tell gender without a dna test. Lutino is sex linked.
k

kanoo32 · 04-19-2008, 12:53 PM

Hands down a Pionus is the quietest, mildest bird i have had. I had a breeding pair and the only sound they made was an occasional low pitched one, if they made any sound at all. they are perfect for an apartment or condo.

SEsporthorse · 04-19-2008, 09:38 PM

Ok, so I went bird shopping today due to bad weather.

And...came home with a sun conure. His name is Mango, so incredibly sweet and affectionate. The folks at the store said that he was not too noisy and could be kept in an apartment. He has made a semi-loud chirp once since he has been here from 5pm till now.

Now, after doing some more research on them.....

Did I make a HUGE mistake?????

Iwasbornonahorse · 04-19-2008, 09:43 PM

SCs are nice birds, you'll be ok

SEsporthorse · 04-19-2008, 09:46 PM

He is the sweetest little thing I have ever met. He says "I am mango."

Im just worried about getting evicted.

PaintsQH · 04-19-2008, 09:53 PM

You could have always brought home a chicken. That way if it didnt work out, you would have a nice dinner

Im kidding, good luck on your new pet and dont forget to post pics

carlagsd · 04-19-2008, 10:01 PM

Okay, I just want to be the first one to get in line for Mango. I absolutely LOVE Sun Conures. I have two right now and would take them all if I could. Seriously though, Suns are considered to be quite loud and you might have a problem in your apartment. If you decide you can't take it anymore, I want him. Okay? Deal? I'll pay for the shipping. Don't worry, I'll take really good care of him.

Not to be a downer or anything but Suns can be quite loud. That's not to say Mango will be, but they do tend to have what I call a big voice. They are pretty good "watch birds" in the sense that they call out every time someone comes in the door. Also, like most birds, they have a cycle during the day of talk time and quiet time. My birds usually get to chattering twice a day. Once in the morning and once around 3-4PM. That's when they are loudest. They talk other times too, but not quite as much.

I don't want to scare you or anything, but I can hear my Conures in my driveway when I come home from work, when I'm still in the car. Honest truth.

I hope it works out for you. And, I really do want him!

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04-18-2008, 10:00 PM
SEsporthorse Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: O-town Posts: 571	Bad news for Mango and Me... So my fiance is taking a job in FL, and I am going to be alone for the next three months I am looking for a new pet. Preferably a bird. I have owned cockatiels in the past, and I really like them a lot. I was thinking about getting a hand-raised, young male one so that I could teach him to talk. BUT my apartment complex has VERY VERY thin walls, and I am worried about having a loud bird. Are cockatiels extremely loud birds (I was very young when I owned them before)? Is there a particular type of bird breed known for being quiet? __________________ http://southeastsporthorses.com "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Confucious Last edited by SEsporthorse : 04-20-2008 at 04:28 PM.

04-18-2008, 10:06 PM
kehlyrsmom Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Washington, IL Posts: 677	I have a Timenh African Grey, medium size parrot a little smaller then an African Grey. He does talk, but when he wants to. All in all he is a fairly quite bird, he does talk a bit first thing in the morning and maybe a couple of good morning screaches but not overly loud. He says both of my kids names, calls for the dogs and cats, ask the kids if they are ready to go to bed, calls me by my name and several other words. He has not mimicked the microwave or phone or anything. We have had him for 9 years, he is a little dusty but not as bad as a Cockatoo. I highley recommend them, they do not have as large as a voculaberly as the African Grey, but normally are a little cheaper.

04-18-2008, 10:08 PM
SEsporthorse Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: O-town Posts: 571	I would LOVE to have an african grey BUT... I guess I forgot to mention that I am on a bit of a small budget. __________________ http://southeastsporthorses.com "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Confucious

04-19-2008, 04:09 AM
farmergal Seasoned Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 4,807	Small budget requires small birds. sorry bad joke. How about a canary or a finch. The gouldian finch is a pretty bird. http://www.efinch.com/species/gould.htm __________________ God Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change what I can And the wisdom to know the difference.

04-19-2008, 05:37 AM
Iwasbornonahorse Started Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: GB, WI Posts: 2,225	The smallest inexpensive bird that can talk is really the cockatiel. Ours is pretty quiet. He screetches sometimes but a quick "SPIKE shut it!" usually works He says "Come to Mama" "Kisskisskiss" "Spiker" "Hello" "Pretty bird" and he mimics the phone. He's pretty good. __________________ The Midwest horse welfare foundation needs help! http://www.networkforgood.org/pca/Ba...BadgeId=112727

04-19-2008, 06:40 AM
carlagsd Yearling Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 730	A hand raised Cockatiel would be an excellent choice for an apartment. I know the female Tiels are quieter than the males. You can't tell males from females at weaning. I think it takes almost a year before the coloration comes in to be able to tell them apart, maybe six months, but I do know for sure you won't be able to tell at weaning time. I see Cockatiels for sale on Craigslist almost everyday. Most of the time they're reasonably priced and include the cage too. You could visit several to see which ones are hand tame. I think it's a good idea to let the bird choose you if possible. For some reason they seem to bond better that way. Our little female was hand raised and she's the sweetest cockatiel we've ever had. If your budget ever allows, the African Grey's are pretty quiet too. Another parrot I'm interested in that is supposed to be quiet is the Pionus, but I've never had one. They're pretty pricey too, but something to save up for. __________________ Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.

04-19-2008, 06:51 AM
paso_lover Seasoned Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Sudbury Ontario Canada Posts: 4,546	I have heard some pretty loud cockatiels but they are my favorite of the talking birds. Canaries can go on forever if you get the male but they aren't too loud and sound pretty. I also really like the finches, fav being the cordon blue (so pretty) and the nun finch. I think with the finch family they should be kept as a pairs. These (canaries and finches) are pretty quiet birds but can't usually handle them. __________________ "I wish I was half the rider she thinks she is" \"Some people feel compelled to cut off the heads of others in order to make themselves appear taller\" ---Paramahansa Yoginanda

04-19-2008, 08:00 AM
recklesshoundog Started Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NY Posts: 2,464	I'm a parakeet lover. Small, relatively quiet and mine was quiet a mimic. Would meow like that cat and copy noises from TV shows.

04-19-2008, 09:10 AM
beezwing Coming two Join Date: May 2007 Location: louisiana Posts: 1,739	There are no quiet birds, if you have fussy neighbors. Cockateils are lovely and whistle not screech. but not underestimate a parakeet, budgie, just because they are "starter" birds, they make a really cute sound and some do learn some words. Canaries are fun, live longer if you have a pair and sing less.. I have no experience with finches, there beeping noise drives my hubby mad. k __________________ “Preach the gospel at all times, if necessary use words.” St Francis

04-19-2008, 09:14 AM
kytrailrider Halter broke Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: kentucky Posts: 138	you might try a diamond dove they are quiet and make a cooing sound and about the size of a parakeet.

04-19-2008, 10:20 AM
SEsporthorse Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: O-town Posts: 571	Yeah I'm kinda set on a male Tiel. I had a female when I was young, and she was such a good bird...except when she laid eggs. You didn't DARE go near that cage when she was protecting them. I really want something that will lean words which is why I was going to go for a male. My neighbors are so obnoxious it might be a nice revenge to have a bird chirping at 6am. Since they have no problems being drunk and stupid at 4am and keeping us awake. A member of my family has a small parrot that she had sexed as a weanling via a DNA test. I had a wonderful cockatiel at the local pet store "choose" me about a month ago. He literally jumped up on his branch in the tank they keep them in, and chirped at me asking to be pet. I have never ever had a bird do this. I couldn't get him that day, went back a week later and he was gone Does anyone know any breeders in NC? __________________ http://southeastsporthorses.com "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Confucious

04-19-2008, 12:17 PM
beezwing Coming two Join Date: May 2007 Location: louisiana Posts: 1,739	I have a male rescue teil, that you can have if we can figure a way to get it to you...but I think shipping and or gas would be more expensive then just buying one. He talks, my son taught him to say "nevermore" as the bird lives outside his "chamber door" I haven't clipped his wings to find out how hand tame he is though. some color mutations you can tell gender without a dna test. Lutino is sex linked. k __________________ “Preach the gospel at all times, if necessary use words.” St Francis

04-19-2008, 12:53 PM
kanoo32 Started Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 2,424	Hands down a Pionus is the quietest, mildest bird i have had. I had a breeding pair and the only sound they made was an occasional low pitched one, if they made any sound at all. they are perfect for an apartment or condo. __________________ Even if your on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there!

04-19-2008, 09:38 PM
SEsporthorse Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: O-town Posts: 571	Ok, so I went bird shopping today due to bad weather. And...came home with a sun conure. His name is Mango, so incredibly sweet and affectionate. The folks at the store said that he was not too noisy and could be kept in an apartment. He has made a semi-loud chirp once since he has been here from 5pm till now. Now, after doing some more research on them..... Did I make a HUGE mistake????? __________________ http://southeastsporthorses.com "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Confucious

04-19-2008, 09:43 PM
Iwasbornonahorse Started Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: GB, WI Posts: 2,225	SCs are nice birds, you'll be ok __________________ The Midwest horse welfare foundation needs help! http://www.networkforgood.org/pca/Ba...BadgeId=112727

04-19-2008, 09:46 PM
SEsporthorse Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: O-town Posts: 571	He is the sweetest little thing I have ever met. He says "I am mango." Im just worried about getting evicted. __________________ http://southeastsporthorses.com "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Confucious

04-19-2008, 09:53 PM
PaintsQH Started Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 2,442	You could have always brought home a chicken. That way if it didnt work out, you would have a nice dinner Im kidding, good luck on your new pet and dont forget to post pics __________________ My treasures do not clink, they gleam in the sunlight and neigh in the night

04-19-2008, 10:01 PM
carlagsd Yearling Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 730	Okay, I just want to be the first one to get in line for Mango. I absolutely LOVE Sun Conures. I have two right now and would take them all if I could. Seriously though, Suns are considered to be quite loud and you might have a problem in your apartment. If you decide you can't take it anymore, I want him. Okay? Deal? I'll pay for the shipping. Don't worry, I'll take really good care of him. Not to be a downer or anything but Suns can be quite loud. That's not to say Mango will be, but they do tend to have what I call a big voice. They are pretty good "watch birds" in the sense that they call out every time someone comes in the door. Also, like most birds, they have a cycle during the day of talk time and quiet time. My birds usually get to chattering twice a day. Once in the morning and once around 3-4PM. That's when they are loudest. They talk other times too, but not quite as much. I don't want to scare you or anything, but I can hear my Conures in my driveway when I come home from work, when I'm still in the car. Honest truth. I hope it works out for you. And, I really do want him! __________________ Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.