Cage accessories for a green Cheeked conure

[Classy]

Hello! So my cage just came for my bird, and I had some questions on what to put in it. I want everything to be good before I get my bird. I’m not going to get my bird for about another month. So I’ve read that you don’t want any hides in there because they’ll shred it. Is that true, and is there any safe alternatives? Also, what type of perches and toys should I buy? Thank you!

 

[Jen5200]

Well I can make a few suggestions based on what my GCC likes. He loves bird kabobs (yucca bits to shred), bells, smaller wood toys that he can chew. Some caution about bells - check all bells to make sure that they’re safe metal, and that there’s no way for your bird to remove the little bell ringer thing out of it. I use a variety of natural wood perches and some rope perches. It’s good for their feet to have a variety of sizes and textures for perches. Check rope perches often for chewing damage and threads (I have one conure that chews them, the others don’t at all). I would skip the hut altogether, especially if your bird isn’t used to having one. I had to take a hut away from mine because they started chewing it. They are fine sleeping on perches - and after a few nights without it, they quit complaining .

 

[Caitnah]

JEN has covered it well. Although a very broad topic, it would be beneficial if you research as much as possible.
YouTube has MANY videos on Conures, cages and toys; as well as making your own (what I do) and rotation. Just search for "bird cage tours".
Most birds love boings. I just got one and Buddy absolutely loves it.

But also use common sense as we all know that if it's on the Internet, it MUST be true.

After loading up your cage, you will soon discover what he/she likes and dislikes. My guy is only 15 weeks old and loves shredding the lightweight paper items, small wood as well as popsicle sticks.

Good luck.

 

[PickleMeDickles]

From experience, don't even get started with those cute killer bird nappies. I used them for years and had NEVER seen my birds take any interest in them but they loved to sleep in them. Then in one night, well I slept, my Suns went crazy on theirs and I almost lost them. I know they must have ingested a lot of fuzzies but that wasn't even the current emergency, I had one bird that had his head trapped in a loop of the material they had chewed and one had a leg stuck. If my birds weren't so calm it would have been a true disaster. This one just ended up being a really scary learning experience that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Don't even get started with them as it is also a hard habit to break in addition to putting your birds' life at risk. All material has been removed from my birds' cages.

As far as toys, I think each bird is different. My Suns' will happily destroy ANYTHING you give them while my GCC is much pickier about toys. She loves to ring her bell and play with millet for a treat. As far as toys, she just kind of looks at them. When she is OUT of her cage everything is a toy, lol. I think she just likes to interact with a human when she plays. Foot toys are super fun, especially for babies. It really helps them learn to use their beaks and feet together and to get over their clumsy stage faster. Look for things around the house too. We use things like hanging toilet paper rolls for them to destroy (I know, real classy). Pop tops (the plastic ones) are always fun for them.

If you are able to, in addition to toys, try to sprinkle in different "activities" for your bird during the day. Feeding time, bath time, nap time, TV time, just like a toddler. It really helps to break up long days for them. They have such busy little minds, it can be time-consuming but it is also very rewarding and will help amplify your relationship with your new bird.