Choosing and raising the best companion parrot to some degree is like raising children they will become what you make them. Raising a good parrot demands time and plenty of attention. Parrots can live a long time and in most cases longer than the owner. Parrots are very intelligent, they are social birds and they love company, some parrots can be very complex. So when choosing a companion parrot the first thing you should do is some soul searching and ask yourself some questions and be realistic when you answer them.

• Why do you really want a parrot? (It shouldn't be on an impulse or an emotional trip).
• Are you capable of fully committing to your pets? (Parrots require a lot of work and dedication).
• Do I have the monetary funds to have a parrot? (The cages, the special food, the Vet bills, etc can sometimes be overwhelming).
• Talking about cages they need to be cleaned every day. Do you like to clean, and can you put up with the mess a parrot can make?

All I am saying is that merely wanting a parrot is not enough, the dedication and commitment to a new companion has to be there also. Can you say that you definitely can withstand the demands of owning a parrot? Good!

Without a doubt, the companionship and the love of a parrot can build an astounding bond. There are four species of parrots that are the most popular; 

• The African Grey, well-known for his ability to talk fluently. 
• The Amazon, these birds are popular for their loyalty and beauty. 
• The other two most popular parrots are Umbrella Cockatoo for sale and Macaws.

Many soon-to-be parrot owners will choose a companion parrot for their ability to talk, whether it's a proper decisive factor or not. That being the fact; the African Greys are known to be easier to train and are known as "talkers." They are also known for their ability to adopt a large vocabulary and for their intelligence. The African Grey Parrot is also known for plucking his feathers but this is a behavior problem that can be corrected.

The Amazon Parrot as well is known for his unique ability to speak. And he also makes a devoted loyal pet. The Yellow-headed Amazon and their personalities make them extremely attractive pets, they are intelligent, funny, and can be a little stubborn at times. They actually crave interaction with their human family, but just like children look out for the "terrible twos" because they can also be temperamental birds.

The Macaw is large, loud, and colorful and they can even be a bit intimidating. They are intelligent and very social, because of their size they require larger housing, and their destructive chewing is a natural part of their behavior that would require a lot of non-destructible toys, so if you can provide for their needs they would make a good and loving companion parrot.

Cockatoos are larger parrots and the Cockatiel is the smallest of the cockatoo species; Cockatoos are popular pets because of their appearance, their talent to mimic humans, and their intelligence. They can be affectionate not only to their owner but to strangers as well. They seem to have more psychological disorders and behavior problems than other parrots. They also require a lot of attention and the upkeep of this bird can become very expensive. I am not saying they would not make the best companion parrot but an in-experience owner should think twice before taking on a Cockatoo. The smaller cockatoo for sale species such as the Cockatiel are considered to be much easier to keep as pets, and they are often considered to be good first birds. The Cockatiel is a non-destructive and less demanding alternative making them exceptionally popular as pets, and among the species most often recommended to new bird owners.

Whatever you decide, you need to consider what type of parrot you are looking for as well as what type of companion parrot you can actually afford. If you're attracted to, for example; a $1,000 Macaw, but he is not in your price range, there are other options.

Adopting a rescue bird could make a wonderful companion for about half the cost. These birds are easy to find and are in need of a loving commitment from a family. They may have found themselves there because of someone who bought on an impulse; of course, not every rescue was bought by an impulsive individual. Bearing in mind the long lifespan of parrots they may have just outlived their owners. 

Rescue birds more than likely have already been well-trained and socialized and would be very appreciative of becoming your choice for the best companion parrot for your family. You could be making a big difference in the rest of their life as well. 

When looking for a companion parrot, make sure you know as much as you possibly can about the particular species you choose. The internet is a great place to find information about parrots you can also go to your library to find some books on your soon-to-be best friend.