Puberty and mating season

LordTriggs · Jun 12, 2017

So I just want to know as a just in case but do all birds suddenly go nuts when they hit puberty? Specifically do green cheeks change so drastically?

I've seen a hand reared green cheek who's just far enough away for me to want to go take a look. The original buyer suddenly decided they didn't want it anymore so it's the last of a clutch with no home to go to yet. I've heard very recently some bad things about birds going through puberty and I don't want to have a sweet little bird suddenly become a monster

SilverSage · Jun 12, 2017

They do go through a drastic change just like any creature at that age. The key is to set up healthy training and boundaries as a baby to carry you through that time.

Some people are shocked when they shouldn't be. They ignore advice on healthy boundaries, teaching to play independently, etc and then blame the bird for their natural consequences.

If you touch a bird in a manner they see as sexual for their whole lives, when they reach sexual maturity, whose fault is it that the bird sees you as a sexual partner?

If you never teach a bird proper behavior, whose fault is it if that bird doesn't know how to behave?

If you teach a bird they will always be entertained by their humans, whose fault is it when the bird expects not to have to entertain himself?

But this also brings up a great point; why it's often a REALLY GREAT IDEA to adopt an older bird who has already gone through puberty!

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LordTriggs · Jun 12, 2017

yes this has been my plan to adopt a bird that's a little older, but I feel so bad for this baby I've seen

and after speaking with the rescue I would adopt from today they seemed very disinterested despite telling me that they find it hard finding people who want smaller birds

snowflake311 · Jun 12, 2017

LordTriggs said:
yes this has been my plan to adopt a bird that's a little older, but I feel so bad for this baby I've seen

and after speaking with the rescue I would adopt from today they seemed very disinterested despite telling me that they find it hard finding people who want smaller birds

Interesting that people don't look into rescue for smaller birds. Thats sad.

Birds will be birds. They are crazy. My little guy is a year old and he is getting horny. I just have to keep him active and entertained. distractions are a good way to get through these times.

LeaKP · Jun 12, 2017

A varied and interesting environment helps with the growing up highs and lows. Also, having birds around natural lighting is really helpful. Nigel sometimes gets testy but we have boundaries, I.e., no shoulder time when he is trying to take my place in the pecking order, and he is making the journey well.

Adoption is amazing as well. GCCs are some of my favorite birds. They are big birds in a small little body. I had an adopted GCC who was rejected because original owner wanted a bigger bird after having him for 3 months!

Whatever scenario you choose, boundaries and healthy environments and routines are key.

SilverSage · Jun 13, 2017

I'm confused; you wanted an older bird from the rescue but are getting a baby because they didn't seem enthusiastic enough?

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LordTriggs · Jun 13, 2017

nah there's a baby I know with no home to go to not too far from me which was my main thinking of puberty as my previous bird was a sweet baby but didn't last until puberty.

The rescue I talked to just seem disinterested about rehoming birds. Their website never seems to be updated and foster homes have been complaining that they never get contacted over new birds rescued. All I got from the place when I said I have some slight experience with green cheeks was "you're aware they're nippy"

I'm going to call the rescue this weekend and talk to them, maybe I just had one person who wasn't bothered

SilverSage · Jun 13, 2017

Oh that makes much more sense.

Actually parrot rescues are notorious for not getting excited about adopters since so many of them don't work out. It's a vicious cycle.

What kind of bird did you have previously? What is making you look at green cheeks specifically?

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LordTriggs · Jun 13, 2017

my previous bird was a green cheek. He was the sweetest thing going, especially with the start in life he had. Not abusive but just not good experiences with the breeder. His only human interaction before me was the breeder pulling him from his family once he fledged and weaned and placing him in a small cage to wait for me. Where he was then grabbed and put in a box.

But he was really good with me, only bit if he got carried away with nibbling. He would fly over to me if I asked him to and even learnt a couple words before he died. I've got no idea what killed him, I went through every possible thing in my head and I've got nothing. Of course I knew about the biting stage they can go through but it's suddenly started weighing on my mind now that i'm thinking about a second conure especially as I'm aware of my own issues

scotty1204 · Jun 13, 2017

snowflake311 said:
LordTriggs said:

yes this has been my plan to adopt a bird that's a little older, but I feel so bad for this baby I've seen

and after speaking with the rescue I would adopt from today they seemed very disinterested despite telling me that they find it hard finding people who want smaller birds

Click to expand...

Interesting that people don't look into rescue for smaller birds. Thats sad.

Birds will be birds. They are crazy. My little guy is a year old and he is getting horny. I just have to keep him active and entertained. distractions are a good way to get through these times.[/QUOTE

how old are conures at puberty? Have a pair of very AMOROUS unsexed Conures.

Thanks

Bob

LordTriggs · Jun 13, 2017

when I talked to the rep at this show I went to they said most people want the bigger birds like the greys so small guys like Cockatiels, Conures ETC all get over-looked

from what I have read between 1 and 2 years of age. I know to keep them active and I can assure toys are never an issue, I've got so many I've had to dedicate an entire drawer to them. My biggest concerns are attacking me, so flying or running over to bite and screaming. I have no issue with a little scream every now and then but to do it constantly all day would drive me and the neighbours crazy

scotty1204 · Jun 14, 2017

Our Sonny and Cher are 6 months old and are doing great. They just moved into a newer home. Much larger King cage so they have lots of room and are usually let out for at least 4 hours or longer. They are friendly and like their treats. One peculiar thing though/ we can get them both to take a seed from our mouth when on top of the cage but will not step up from there. They run away every time. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
As well they are very amorous, when does puberty occur in Conures? We are thinking of getting a mating box and setting it in the cage but not sure if this is a good idea. Would really like to have a couple newborn. Any help on this would be welcome as well.
One is a Green Cheek Pineapple and the other is a Yellowside

Thanks

Bo and Jane

SilverSage · Jun 14, 2017

Bob, you have asked this question in a couple of places now and I urge you NOT to breed your birds.

I am a breeder myself and if I may be straightforward with you; even your questions show you do not have the necessary knowledge to undertake such a task. For example your birds are extremely young and you would most likely end up with dead birds trying this young. Also human saliva can sicken and ultimately kill your birds so why would you be putting their seeds in your mouth? Breeding parrots is something that takes hundreds of hours of research, hundreds of dollars in equipment to do right if you care more about the birds than your own interests, and should not ever be undertaken "for fun"

Also there is an EXTREMELY HIGH chance that your birds are related.

Conures are cuddly. Just let them be; no need to bring babies into the mix outing everyone at risk.

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scotty1204 · Jun 14, 2017

Okay, thanks for the reply Silver

Exactly the kind of answer I was looking for. I thank you. Was not sure about BREEDING when we know nothing about it. The wife thought it might be nice/ I was not really for it.
As well will stop feeding seeds from the mouth. We certainly do not want to hurt the little guys.
Any help you can pass on to new parents I would aprec it and I am sure our Conures/ Sonny and Cher would like it as well.

Take care and thanks again.

Bob

SilverSage · Jun 14, 2017

Yeah I'll be straight with you; I thought it would be fun, too. And I did all the wrong things and a lot of birds died. I didn't know any better and no one was willing to be blunt with me.

I would really suggest getting your birds sexed. It's cheap and easy and really important in case of a medical emergency it could be life saving to know their sexes.

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LordTriggs · Jun 15, 2017

I would definitely say not to breed. Not sure but I'm assuming yours have been hand-reared which if they are would mean they don't know how to care for young like a parent-reared bird does so could kill them or mutilate them easily. Definitely too young, should be about 2 years old before they have young. Also another reason not to breed is there are so many birds in rescues looking for homes, the rescues are bursting at the seams

scotty1204 · Jun 15, 2017

Okay/ thanks for the reply :green1:

.

scotty1204 · Jun 15, 2017

SilverSage said:
Yeah I'll be straight with you; I thought it would be fun, too. And I did all the wrong things and a lot of birds died. I didn't know any better and no one was willing to be blunt with me.

I would really suggest getting your birds sexed. It's cheap and easy and really important in case of a medical emergency it could be life saving to know their sexes.

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will look into getting them sexed and thanks again. will start reading Conure info on this sight. Sure is a lot of info available. Sonny and Cher were hand raised by the breeder.

Bob

simulation_over · Jul 18, 2017

Hi first time poster...on anything.
I have a little pineapple conure called ramòn. (Named after ramen, the japanese noodle soup, but said in a south american way, in respect to his heretage). He is a lone bird with myself and my partner. He is cheeky affectionate and playful (and soo cute when he sleeps in my hand). He is going to have his 2 hatchday (bird birthday) in october. I am assuming he is becoming a man (bird teen) and noticed some changes in his behavour. One in particular is his adoration for the washing machine in his room. When we wash clothes he is out of contact for the duration of the cycle. He sits behind it on the cables and gently caresses his beak on the side of the washer. Its funny but im now a bit curious. Is this washer now his...girlfriend? As a parent naturally i dont condone this relationship. Plus i am jelous. Is it natural for a bird to love a machine? And am i out of touch with modern relationships, should i give my blessing?

LordTriggs · Jul 19, 2017

simulation_over said:
Hi first time poster...on anything.
I have a little pineapple conure called ramòn. (Named after ramen, the japanese noodle soup, but said in a south american way, in respect to his heretage). He is a lone bird with myself and my partner. He is cheeky affectionate and playful (and soo cute when he sleeps in my hand). He is going to have his 2 hatchday (bird birthday) in october. I am assuming he is becoming a man (bird teen) and noticed some changes in his behavour. One in particular is his adoration for the washing machine in his room. When we wash clothes he is out of contact for the duration of the cycle. He sits behind it on the cables and gently caresses his beak on the side of the washer. Its funny but im now a bit curious. Is this washer now his...girlfriend? As a parent naturally i dont condone this relationship. Plus i am jelous. Is it natural for a bird to love a machine? And am i out of touch with modern relationships, should i give my blessing?

you should make your own thread about this as it wont get noticed as readily.

In simple terms I wouldn't let your conure hang out on the cables, if he decides to chew he could start a fire and kill himself.

In direct answer to your question, maybe. You only really know if they regurgitate and/or they try to get to "business" with it

Puberty and mating season

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