Need some help with picking/ finding a bird

What kind of conure?

Hey I’m new here and I am thinking of getting my first bird, I have not currently got one..

Conures seem like a good option for me as they have lively personalities and are known to be very good companions and I can handle the mess and noise that comes with it as I’ve heard them be described as ‘a big personality in a small package’ which sounds ideal for me as the personality of a bird is the most important thing for me and conures seem to tick all the boxes, as they’re lively, playful and clownish. I have a part time job so I can pay for bird food/toys/vet fees monthly and am planning to put around £800 aside for the bird initial fees. I can be helped out with any sort of emergency if need be as I’ve heard they’re expensive.

However my main issue is that I’m a 16 year old student and I do school on weekdays for 7-9 hours including commute to and fro. However once I’m back I can spend around 5 hours with the bird out of its cage and about 2 hours from that for personal time with the bird, along with 1 hour in the morning, as I get ready for school. The last thing I want is a bird with plucked feathers so please let me know if that kind of time is okay and which conure I should ideally get, or if I shouldn’t get a conure altogether and settle for something like a jardine parrot (which was recommend to me as they are less reliant) or a cockatiel, however I’d rather this not be the case as I’ve heard both those birds have much less lively personalities than a conure, but correct me if I’m wrong. If I were to get a conure, it’d probably be a green-cheeked conure

Thanks!

Yes conures have big personalities compared to cockatiels, not that cockatiels don't make excellent companions. Never had a Jardine so I can't comment. One thing that you have to be aware of is the noise level of conures. Even the GCC, which are considered quiet, can get quite loud. While you may be prepared for the noise are your family and neighbours?

Have you considered the life span of a conure? As much as 30 years. Will you be able to maintain the same level of interaction with the bird for all that time?

Time wise you should be fine although more is always better but sometimes it's just not possible.

They can become bitey if you do something that upsets them. Like not being there for a couple of days or not doing what they want you to. Although sometimes it feels like just because they want to.

Personally I would suggest a Cockatiel or something similar. At your age life can change very dramatically very quickly so a less reliant bird may be the better choice for now. If you were to finish studying and go into full time work the change would have much less impact on a cockatiel than a conure

Thanks, I think I decided I’ll wait till after the end of school, and uni until I have a decent job, so around 5 years from now, to get a bird. Even for a cockatiel I think it’d be unfair to leave for 3 years to go to uni (college). So I’ve decided to wait, and in future I’ll see if my hours can accommodate for a conure.

Although I am going to start volunteering in a sanctuary until then. But thanks for the advice! Much appreciated!

I think you'll have a great time volunteering, it'll give a good sense of all the different bird personalities!

PiccoloSauce said:

Thanks, I think I decided I’ll wait till after the end of school, and uni until I have a decent job, so around 5 years from now, to get a bird. Even for a cockatiel I think it’d be unfair to leave for 3 years to go to uni (college). So I’ve decided to wait, and in future I’ll see if my hours can accommodate for a conure.

Although I am going to start volunteering in a sanctuary until then. But thanks for the advice! Much appreciated!

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This is a really excellent plan. And stay here on the forum in the meantime! You’ll learn tons and probably make some amazing friends.


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Smart choice. It is so hard for a student to have a beneficial relationship with a parrot, they really need every day attention, and I mean every day. That long vacation? Pffft! Hanging out after class with friends? Pffft ! Boyfriend? Pffft ! In the world of parrots these can all negatively affect the relationship with your parrot. Really smart thing you are doing, and think of all the parrots you will be helping and learning from at the sanctuary.

THANK YOU for deciding to wait!

I was 12 when I got my Jendaay Conure and everything was great until I went to college....didn't think far ahead enough. I ended up having to rehome him after only 5 years with me because my parents would not take care of him and pets were not allowed in my dorm. I regret getting him that early, it was definitely not fair for him at all. I did not get another bird until I was around 25, and now at 30 I am just now in a good place to get more birds -- stable income, no more schooling and time at home every day.

You are thinking ahead and I really think your future bird will thank you for it!

Wise decision to wait. At 16, you have so much to learn and explore. Travel perhaps as well. Volunteering sounds like a great option.

itzjbean said:

THANK YOU for deciding to wait!

I was 12 when I got my Jendaay Conure and everything was great until I went to college....didn't think far ahead enough. I ended up having to rehome him after only 5 years with me because my parents would not take care of him and pets were not allowed in my dorm. I regret getting him that early, it was definitely not fair for him at all. I did not get another bird until I was around 25, and now at 30 I am just now in a good place to get more birds -- stable income, no more schooling and time at home every day.

You are thinking ahead and I really think your future bird will thank you for it!

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Thanks, it’s really tempting to just get a bird impulsively as they’re such great companions to have. Sorry to hear that things didn’t work out with your conure however It’s good to hear your story and tell other so they don’t make the same mistake. 5 years and uni and a job etc. for me it seems lifetimes away, but in the long run, a bird would never work out. Uni’s almost never allow pets of any kind.

However I’m still going to remain on the forum (as I only just signed up as a member here 2 days ago) and try my best to help others with any of their issues or questions about birds. I’ll also continue research on birds, both online with books and with different learning resources, but more importantly through the experience and knowledge I acquire through working with the wide variety of birds they have at the bird sanctuary.

(I’ll also be sure to send pictures as I know a lot of you enjoy bird pictures , I’ll put them in the photo gallery so look out)

It also means that by the time I do get past uni and hopefully have a good job, I’ll be somewhat of a bird expert, all be it my research on various species continues, so it’ll be all for the best for my future bird

Again thanks for sharing your story and backing me up in my decision, I appreciate the warm welcome I’ve received

Dearest PiccoloSauce, you are indeed full of much wisdom at such a young age. If I were your Mum I'd be very proud of you indeed. You'd be my little Piccolo Pizza Eater with Extra Sauce (wisdom)