Best 'beginner' conure

[bird.lover]

Hi, so me and my sister are planning on getting birds. I m really attached to the idea of getting a conure, so I was wondering what type would be best for me as I am a first time bird owner. A thing to add would be that no one is home from 7:30am to as late as 6pm 4 days a week. I saw a blue pineapple conure which I adore but I m unsure if it will be well suited to my situation. I m also looking for a relatively cuddly bird. I dont really mind the noise level but on the middle would be fine. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated


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[Flboy]

Hi,
Something to consider, most GCC are quiet-ish at times, but!
If you set the tone wrong, prepare for.........
[ame="https://youtu.be/Poa-cbsSyZs"]SCREAMING GOAT 10 HOURS - YouTube[/ame]

 

[GaleriaGila]

Oh, thanks, Fl! That set the Rbird off on a screaming jag!

But seriously, Green Cheeks are immensely popular, and for good reason. Still, birdsonalities can vary widely even within species. I would say... spend some time with prospective birds and see what clicks. Also, for opinions and stories, the SEARCH tabe above is helpful. There are existing threads on various species.

Good luck.
And good for you for researching and reaching out.

 

[EllenD]

Good advice from both above...Most people will tell you that Green Cheek Conures are the "Beginner Conures", I guess because they are the smallest and while they're not quiet, they're not as loud as a Sun Conure, Jenday Conure, Crimson Belly, Patagonian, etc. I've had 2 Green Cheek Conures, I now have a male that is a little over a year old. Both of mine were hand-raised and hand-fed by their breeders and they love scratches and are generally very snuggly. They are called "Velcro Birds" because they always want to be with you, on you, stuck to you during everything you do. I love my little guy, he's a sweetheart. A "Pineapple" is a type of Green Cheek Conure, it's a color mutation, and is called a "Pineapple Green Cheek Conure", I'm not sure what a blue pineapple conure is as you said you're looking at, it could be a "Pineapple Turquoise Green Cheek Conure", but if it's not a mutation of Green Cheek Conure then I'm not sure what it is you're looking at. But no matter the color mutation all Green Cheeks are pretty much the same personality wise.

Keep in mind that birds are individuals just like people are, so you may get one that is nothing like I've described, it may not like to be touched or it may be very loud, but in general that's what they are like. I agree with Abigail, it's best to go and interact with some different birds to see what individual birds are like. This is the only way to know for sure if the bird will fit what you're looking for.

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[Skittys_Daddy]

I've never owned a green cheek conure- but from all the stories I've read and videos I've seen- I'd say they are most likely to be the best choice for a 'first conure'.

With conures, suns in particular, its not the noisiness that can be the issue. Suns aren't normally a very 'noisy' bird- especially compared to other species. They are however, very LOUD, and their shrilling screech can drive even the most patient of bird owners to the brink.

I'd had birds for nearly 24 years before I got Skittles and it was still quite an adjustment for me. I would never recommend suns as a first bird (or even a first conure) to anyone unless I knew them personally and was able to know if it was something they could handle. I've just seen way too many get rehomed.

Too often people get sucked in by suns beautiful colors and clownlike behavior without doing proper research and learning of the drawbacks. Suns are a very high maintenance pet. That being said, I did my research before getting him and even so, there were still a lot of trying times. But having said that, I don't regret getting Skittles one bit. Things are sooo much better now than they were the first few years I had him. Plus, the 'high maintenance' factor is actually an asset for my situation, whereas with many it would be a drawback. For me, its a health benefit.

But the key is, setting limits and boundaries from the get-go. Regardless of whether its a sun or a green cheek.

From what I know, GCC are just as lovable, cuddly and affectionate as suns, without the loudness factor. So that would be my suggestion, going with a GCC. There are many different kinds to choose from (whereas with suns, there are really only two --normals and red factors).

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

@Flyboy I am going to have to bookmark that video. I have a neighbor who I'd love to use that on! lol

 

[chris-md]

Funny story my cousin actually created the screaming sheep video.

 

[snowflake311]

Green cheeks are awesome all conures are awesome. They love to play, Love LOVE, cute, funny, cuddle bugs, make cool sounds, and nippy.

I love all conures. The green cheek size makes them good first bird because they have a smaller beak thats it.