Green Cheek Conure or Rainbow Lorikeet?

[BridgetTracy]

I just signed up and it took me 20 minutes to figure out how to post so sorry if I seem really stupid

I had my mind set on a GCC and emailed a breeder for this one baby she had that I fell in love with. Sadly,he got sold the day before. She will have more GCCs available in 4 weeks. Today I discovered the rainbow lorikeet. They are gorgeous birds! Now I'm stuck between them.

I am a beginner and have never owned a bird. I have some experience since my aunt and uncle have a African grey, which I have spent a lot of time with. I go to college in 5 years, but the college I plan on going to for marine biology (Eckerd) allows pets. I've been researching GCCs for 5 months and feel fully prepared.

- Needs to have a good personality (friendly,cuddly)
- I would prefer it could speak, but it's alright if it doesn't.
- Needs to be somewhat quiet, or be able to be taught to be somewhat quiet. (since it would live in a dorm)
- Needs to be able to not be with me all the time because of school. I will spend the majority of time with them when I can.

Thanks!

 

[LeaKP]

GCCs are great birds indeed! Love them! Here are a few comments on your post:

1. GCCs don't speak clearly if they speak. Their voices are the cutest gravely sound I've ever heard.

2. GCCs can be loud, but mine wasn't. He would call occasionally and surprise everyone but some GCCs are very loud. Depends on the bird. Might not be a good fit for dorm living.

3. My GCC was awesome! I woke early every day to spend at least an hour with him before going to work. Then in the evening, I took him out for several hours, loved it. He played well with toys and I left music on softly for him while I was away.

4. Lorikeets require a special diet and are messy, wow, messy. All birds are messy but lorikeets bring it to another level with their poo. I would do some serious research before bringing one home so as to be totally prepared for any eventuality. But...they're so beautiful...

All the best!

 

[Puck]

I have to say that a Lorikeet probably isn't the best choice for a dorm. College is a really busy time and their diets need special preparation daily. Plus their poo is seriously messy. A GCC would probably be a better choice, although I usually tell anyone interested in getting any bird that there is no such thing as a quiet parrot. Honestly, yes, there are parrots that are quiet--but it depends on the individual so it is just best to assume that your parrot will be noisy. My sun conure is actually pretty quiet even though her type is known for being super loud--it's just her personality. And a type known for being super quiet may end up being loud. So I would go for a type less likely to be loud (aka not a sun), but I wouldn't count on the fact that it WON'T be loud and would instead seek a dormmate who loves birds as much as you do!

GCCs are super sweet, btw. I really love them! If they are what you're interested in, it's worth the wait. I waited several months for my sun to hatch and grow up because I knew I wanted a sun.

 

[GaleriaGila]

I'm agreeing with Lea and Puck... lorikeets are glorious, but... messssssssssy and there's that diet issue.
Good for you for being caring and careful!

I got my bird while I was in college... 32 years ago! Good luck!

 

[BridgetTracy]

:07:I've made my decision on the GCC! Cant wait for my baby to hatch!

 

[GaleriaGila]

Best of luck to the two of you!