Can I get a Sun Conure as a student?

Hi, I think I’m probably one of the best people to answer, because I am a university student with 3 parrots. There are pros and cons to every situation, but I will list some of my experiences, and then some of my opinions on the topic.

when you have a parrot, your whole life revolves around him or her. As a student, this is challenging, because not only do you have your studies to focus on, but also your social life to consider. I have adjusted my schedule for my birds. I do 50% of my lectures online (I go to a uni where they are all recorded) and therefore I spend at least half my day at home, usually more because of the structure of my schedule. During that time I do my work with my birds out of the cage, and I also give them cuddles and play games when I take breaks. My friends all spend all day at university, and so I don’t see them as much as I could because I spend a lot of time at home. My birds are my priority, but I still take my studies seriously and have been lucky to adjust my schedule to suit my birds. I also spend most weekends with them, and only really have the opportunity to socialise at night. Even then, I have to be up early, so I have to go to bed at a reasonable hour. I am also lucky that I live in a flat on my parent’s property, because my mom loves my birds and spends time with them when I’m out.

the cost of owning parrots is quite significant. I have to set aside a certain amount of money every month to pay for cost of my birds - food, toys, cages, vet etc - it can get very costly, and again it’s something you really need to consider. As well as this, there is a lot of responsibility involved. Parrots are very messy, and you have to make time every day to clean up. Again, something that takes up time.

It is also very risky of me, or any other student, to bring long-living pets into our lives. We don’t know where we’ll be in 10 or 20 or 30 years time. Keep in mind that conures can live up to 30 years, even longer. I am 21, and my budgies have a lifespan that less than my cockatiel. They will live for 8 to 10 years, but my cockatiel will live 15-20 years. I spent 4 months deliberating on whether I wanted to bring Berry, my cockatiel, into my life, because she will most likely still be alive when I am in my late 30s. This may seem very irresponsible of me, but it is a risk I am willing to take. What I’m getting at is that you need to make sure that you are TRULY prepared for this massive responsibility over a quarter of a century if you are getting a conure.

There are many success stories of those with birds as young adults moving into mid-late adulthood. The unfortunate thing is that this doesn’t always happen, and you have to be absolutely sure about your decision.

I would continue researching. Look into birds that require less attention than conures, like budgies or lovebirds, but always keep in mind that ALL parrots need A LOT of attention, even the aforementioned species - especially when kept alone. Parrots are social creatures, and you are their whole world, their flock - and you have to be present in their daily life, otherwise they will get very depressed and live very unhappily.

Good luck with your choice! As someone with a lot of experience with this, feel free to ask any more questions.


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I think there's one big concern above all else you need to think about ESPECIALLY with a Sun. When it comes time for you to move to your own home you'll almost certainly be in an apartment which of course means thin walls between you and neighbors. who statistically won't appreciate a 6AM rendition of the Conure national anthem



trueeee. Unfortunate though. I think the screams are hilarious [emoji23] I guess it would get old really fast


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Wow... thank you so much for all the information! When you went to university, did you have to live in dorms for your first year? If you did, how did you keep your birds? Also, if you only had one bird (or one pair) do you think your life would have more freedom? Thanks so much!


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I am glad you are researching and asking so many questions. I will say that a sun conure scream is no joke. Even if you were in your own detached home, the screaming can be an issue. They are amazing little birds and I love my little monkey to bits, but they are sadly one of the most often rehomed parrot due to their scream. They are also super needy and bond to you very strongly. All parrots bond to you, but the bond of a sun conure is like no other. They want to be a part of your body. Hopefully, one day you will be in a situation to experience this, but as a student I think it is a bad fit. Especially if you will be living in a dorm or apartment then for sure I'd say please wait. Good luck:)
 
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I am glad you are researching and asking so many questions. I will say that a sun conure scream is no joke. Even if you were in your own detached home, the screaming can be an issue. They are amazing little birds and I love my little monkey to bits, but they are sadly one of the most often rehomed parrot due to their scream. They are also super needy and bond to you very strongly. All parrots bond to you, but the bond of a sun conure is like no other. They want to be a part of your body. Hopefully, one day you will be in a situation to experience this, but as a student I think it is a bad fit. Especially if you will be living in a dorm or apartment then for sure I'd say please wait. Good luck:)



Thanks so much! Hopefully I'll be able to get one someday! Until then, I guess I should try my hand at a smaller, easier bird so I can still live in an apartment in the future. Any suggestions?


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Budgies, parrotlets, lovebirds, cockatiels and green cheek conures are all wonderful small parrots. Sun conures are very loud, and I wouldn’t want to own one for that reason. If you want a conure, green cheeks are much quieter than suns and some are even quieter than cockatiels. My green cheek is the loudest of my four birds, but I have an exceptionally quiet cockatiel (the males are much louder than females) and the budgies’ chatter isn’t really that bothersome. I also love parrotlets, and I would get one in a heartbeat if they weren’t known to be aggressive towards other birds. Do some research on these species; I’m sure you’ll find on that’s right for you. I would recommend a green cheek if you want a more rambunctious, but needy parrot, a cockatiel if you want a sweeter, more docile bird, a budgie if you want a more independent bird that will spend time with you but doesn’t like to be touched, or a parrotlet if you want a teeny little parrot with a ton of attitude.
 
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Budgies, parrotlets, lovebirds, cockatiels and green cheek conures are all wonderful small parrots. Sun conures are very loud, and I wouldn’t want to own one for that reason. If you want a conure, green cheeks are much quieter than suns and some are even quieter than cockatiels. My green cheek is the loudest of my four birds, but I have an exceptionally quiet cockatiel (the males are much louder than females) and the budgies’ chatter isn’t really that bothersome. I also love parrotlets, and I would get one in a heartbeat if they weren’t known to be aggressive towards other birds. Do some research on these species; I’m sure you’ll find on that’s right for you. I would recommend a green cheek if you want a more rambunctious, but needy parrot, a cockatiel if you want a sweeter, more docile bird, a budgie if you want a more independent bird that will spend time with you but doesn’t like to be touched, or a parrotlet if you want a teeny little parrot with a ton of attitude.



Ooh okay! Thanks!


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Wow... thank you so much for all the information! When you went to university, did you have to live in dorms for your first year? If you did, how did you keep your birds? Also, if you only had one bird (or one pair) do you think your life would have more freedom? Thanks so much!


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I didn’t stay in dorms so I can’t speak for that experience. It probably wouldn’t work so well, just because it really doesn’t work in a communal living environment because of the noise and mess and what not. So if you are staying in dorms in first year I recommend waiting a year until you are staying elsewhere to get a bird if you decide to! :)
 
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Wow... thank you so much for all the information! When you went to university, did you have to live in dorms for your first year? If you did, how did you keep your birds? Also, if you only had one bird (or one pair) do you think your life would have more freedom? Thanks so much!


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I didn’t stay in dorms so I can’t speak for that experience. It probably wouldn’t work so well, just because it really doesn’t work in a communal living environment because of the noise and mess and what not. So if you are staying in dorms in first year I recommend waiting a year until you are staying elsewhere to get a bird if you decide to! :)



Yeah... you're probably right. If all else fails, would it be wrong to let my bird(s) live with a close friend or family member while I'm in dorms and then I could take them back when I have my own spot? I feel like it's irresponsible, but if it would work?


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Eventually in your studies you should learn the difference between possibility, permission, and advisability (ie. can versus may versus should). You can get a bird as long as you have the legal means and resources; however, whether you should is another matter.

I consider becoming a bird owner similar to adopting Judaism: a competent sage will try to dissuade you before he will ever help you.
 
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Eventually in your studies you should learn the difference between possibility, permission, and advisability (ie. can versus may versus should). You can get a bird as long as you have the legal means and resources; however, whether you should is another matter.

I consider becoming a bird owner similar to adopting Judaism: a competent sage will try to dissuade you before he will ever help you.



Hmm okay. I mean, usually when I say can I'm referring to "can I do this while properly caring for the bird" which I guess kind of makes it a "should I?" Thing, but I see what you mean. I'm really trying to stretch to all possibilities here [emoji23] In Hawaii not many pets are legal, so I don't exactly have another animal I'm interested in. While it might be a good idea to step away from adding any new pets into my life, it's always such a wonderful experience and if there's a way to make it happen, I would so deeply appreciate that.


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Wow... thank you so much for all the information! When you went to university, did you have to live in dorms for your first year? If you did, how did you keep your birds? Also, if you only had one bird (or one pair) do you think your life would have more freedom? Thanks so much!


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I didn’t stay in dorms so I can’t speak for that experience. It probably wouldn’t work so well, just because it really doesn’t work in a communal living environment because of the noise and mess and what not. So if you are staying in dorms in first year I recommend waiting a year until you are staying elsewhere to get a bird if you decide to! :)



Yeah... you're probably right. If all else fails, would it be wrong to let my bird(s) live with a close friend or family member while I'm in dorms and then I could take them back when I have my own spot? I feel like it's irresponsible, but if it would work?


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I wouldn't do that myself, but it is up to you. You would want to be the closest to your bird, and a lot of disappointment and confusion can arise if your bird bonds to someone else, like a family member or a friend. That means upset from your side because it is your bird, and also upset for the bird when moving away from their chosen human.
 
Eventually in your studies you should learn the difference between possibility, permission, and advisability (ie. can versus may versus should). You can get a bird as long as you have the legal means and resources; however, whether you should is another matter.

I consider becoming a bird owner similar to adopting Judaism: a competent sage will try to dissuade you before he will ever help you.

Very well put.
 
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I didn’t stay in dorms so I can’t speak for that experience. It probably wouldn’t work so well, just because it really doesn’t work in a communal living environment because of the noise and mess and what not. So if you are staying in dorms in first year I recommend waiting a year until you are staying elsewhere to get a bird if you decide to! :)







Yeah... you're probably right. If all else fails, would it be wrong to let my bird(s) live with a close friend or family member while I'm in dorms and then I could take them back when I have my own spot? I feel like it's irresponsible, but if it would work?





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I wouldn't do that myself, but it is up to you. You would want to be the closest to your bird, and a lot of disappointment and confusion can arise if your bird bonds to someone else, like a family member or a friend. That means upset from your side because it is your bird, and also upset for the bird when moving away from their chosen human.



Okay... thank you! I hate to say it, but you're probably right. That being said, by any chance do you know if there are colleges that allow pets in dorms?? I know policies are usually pretty strict :/
 
Yeah... you're probably right. If all else fails, would it be wrong to let my bird(s) live with a close friend or family member while I'm in dorms and then I could take them back when I have my own spot? I feel like it's irresponsible, but if it would work?





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I wouldn't do that myself, but it is up to you. You would want to be the closest to your bird, and a lot of disappointment and confusion can arise if your bird bonds to someone else, like a family member or a friend. That means upset from your side because it is your bird, and also upset for the bird when moving away from their chosen human.



Okay... thank you! I hate to say it, but you're probably right. That being said, by any chance do you know if there are colleges that allow pets in dorms?? I know policies are usually pretty strict :/


i know that at my university it isn't allowed, but it probably is at some places, probably not that common though! Just continue researching, if your desired college doesn't allow it, then consider off campus living or just waiting a couple years until you are in a better position to have a bird.:D
 
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I wouldn't do that myself, but it is up to you. You would want to be the closest to your bird, and a lot of disappointment and confusion can arise if your bird bonds to someone else, like a family member or a friend. That means upset from your side because it is your bird, and also upset for the bird when moving away from their chosen human.







Okay... thank you! I hate to say it, but you're probably right. That being said, by any chance do you know if there are colleges that allow pets in dorms?? I know policies are usually pretty strict :/





i know that at my university it isn't allowed, but it probably is at some places, probably not that common though! Just continue researching, if your desired college doesn't allow it, then consider off campus living or just waiting a couple years until you are in a better position to have a bird.:D



Thank you so much for all the help!! I unfortunately this is probably the most thought I've put into college so far, so I don't even have a desired university in mind, but I'll look into that in the future. Thanks so much for taking time to reply!


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Okay... thank you! I hate to say it, but you're probably right. That being said, by any chance do you know if there are colleges that allow pets in dorms?? I know policies are usually pretty strict :/





i know that at my university it isn't allowed, but it probably is at some places, probably not that common though! Just continue researching, if your desired college doesn't allow it, then consider off campus living or just waiting a couple years until you are in a better position to have a bird.:D



Thank you so much for all the help!! I unfortunately this is probably the most thought I've put into college so far, so I don't even have a desired university in mind, but I'll look into that in the future. Thanks so much for taking time to reply!


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No problem! I am happy to help! :grey:
 
I own a green cheek conure and I am currently in college. It worked for me because my family was willing to take care of her while I was at school. But I'd be lying if I didn't have concerns on where my future is going, and if that future will work for my parrot. She's here now, so I'll make decisions I feel are best for her, but I suspect college age wasn't the best time in my life to take a new feathered friend. It impacts what kind of mobility & travel-time I'm considering in jobs
 
I met a lovely girl about 6 months ago. We had so much in common, got on great, everything was more or less perfect. She didnt like the Parrot though so it was a big problem for me and i had to end things.

If your gonna get a Parrot then you have to treat it like having a child. They will change and effect your life. Id say wait till you have your own place and career and your comming home to him/her every night and you will have a much stronger bond. If there is gonna be times when you wont see your bird for days or weeks then its pretty pointless. They have emotions very close to human and can self harm pretty bad too from missing you.

I know the appeal of wanting one though. Maybe a pair could be an option but they would bond to eachother. I read that Parrotlettes do great as pairs but they may not do much with you like a single parrot would but they wouldnt be lonely when your not there either. They really are like having a real 2 year old in every way. Except they dont wear nappies :) x
 
Eventually in your studies you should learn the difference between possibility, permission, and advisability (ie. can versus may versus should). You can get a bird as long as you have the legal means and resources; however, whether you should is another matter.

I consider becoming a bird owner similar to adopting Judaism: a competent sage will try to dissuade you before he will ever help you.



Hmm okay. I mean, usually when I say can I'm referring to "can I do this while properly caring for the bird" which I guess kind of makes it a "should I?" Thing, but I see what you mean. I'm really trying to stretch to all possibilities here [emoji23] In Hawaii not many pets are legal, so I don't exactly have another animal I'm interested in. While it might be a good idea to step away from adding any new pets into my life, it's always such a wonderful experience and if there's a way to make it happen, I would so deeply appreciate that.


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"Can I help you?" = Is it (physically) possible for me to help you?
"May I help you?" = Do I have your permission to try and help you?
"Should I help you?" = Is it a good idea for me to help you?

"Can I get a bird?" = Is it possible for me to acquire an avian species?
"May I get a bird?" = Mommy, please, I will take care of it.
"Should I get a bird?" = Get a cat.
 

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