How Many Should I Get?????

[HumanWings]

So I read an article that said it's better to get more than one conure because they are so social. It sounded great to me because I want more than one anyway. But how many should I get? I was thinking of getting 3 but now I am considering 5.

Does anyone here have more than one conure? What's your experience with it? How many do you suggest and why??

Thanks in advance

 

[ZoeS]

I think it depends entirely on you. If you are looking to get a huge cage and set them up half-wild, then get several. They will mostly entertain themselves. But if you are willing to devote many hours per day to your bird, one is sufficient. I have two and they are just as demanding of my time as when I just had one. Ultimately there is no right or wrong as long as they get lots of love and attention from someone, plus all their other needs (food, cleanliness, space, etc).

 

[Autumn]

My neighbor bought 5 conures 2 adults a pair, and 3 baby conures. I have only 1 but if you want you can substitute another costly conure with a cockatiel or parakeets or congos to mix it up a bit. I have them all in the same cage and he loves being with many other birds.

 

[Sulphiria]

Are you wanting a bird to be a companion for you?? or are you wanting a bird to keep around for looks? (for lack of a better word)

 

[vicky2200]

5 conures! I've never had one, but I had 6 parakeets. They were loud and messy. If you have the space and don't mind the noise and want to deal with the huge mess, 5 would be fine. But if you have more than 1 they are less likely to bond with you as well.

 

[HumanWings]

Are you wanting a bird to be a companion for you?? or are you wanting a bird to keep around for looks? (for lack of a better word)

I want them as companions. But was wondering if they would be less demanding if they had several others to keep them company?

 

[IcyWolf]

Most of the time when birds are kept in groups(or even pairs) they will bond to each other rather than their human companion. There are always exceptions to the rule but generally speaking, this is the case. If you keep them caged separately and give them individual time out along with group time out, it would be possible but if you work a full time job or have an active social life, I don't see it happening. If you are planning on keeping them in the same cage you are going to have an even bigger challenge ahead of you. Do you have any bird experience? If it was me, I would just start with one. Don't let their size fool you, these little conures can be a handful

 

[HumanWings]

Most of the time when birds are kept in groups(or even pairs) they will bond to each other rather than their human companion. There are always exceptions to the rule but generally speaking, this is the case. If you keep them caged separately and give them individual time out along with group time out, it would be possible but if you work a full time job or have an active social life, I don't see it happening. If you are planning on keeping them in the same cage you are going to have an even bigger challenge ahead of you. Do you have any bird experience? If it was me, I would just start with one. Don't let their size fool you, these little conures can be a handful

Thank you for your advice!!!

No I have not had a pet bird before. This is why I am going to volunteer at my local avian rescue before I bring my birdies home. Yes it does sound like a lot of work but I am up to the challenge . Right now I am just trying to get my plan straight.

I am thinking they will get along better with each other if they are siblings and come to my home at the same time. I don't want to get one now and worry that bringing in another later that they wont bond well. Well this is not an easy decision. Do you see my dilemma?

 

[HumanWings]

And I forgot to mention that I work from home so that helps too.

 

[Rio Mom]

Since you have never had a bird before, I would only get one to start with. Also, if you get siblings, you need to make sure they are DNA'd and only have one sex so they don't breed.

 

[cdog]

I own three but co-own two more with my parents because they don't want the full responsibility. I have a breeding pair in one cage, their two handfed son's in one cage, and their handfed daughter in her own cage because I don't want inbreeding. But the three babies(10-11 week old) cages right next to each other.
If you were to get 3 or 5, which I'm not saying you should beacuse ti's your first bird you should only get 1-2, you should get an even number so one wont be left out. You want them all to have their own buddy. Unless you got several handfed/well socialized ones and played with them everyday multiple times I think you would end up with semi tame ones that would rather be with other birds than with you.

 

[Mozzie]

I have 3 conures. Two of them I bought at the same time (about 2 years ago). They are not siblings, but were housed together and had become such good friends that I didn't want to seperate them. They are both females and stay in the same cage. They are best friends, but are still very bonded to me. It has worked out really good. The third conure I have only had for a few months. He has his own cage and doesn't really interact with the other conures. Good luck with figuring it all out. Conures are a lot of fun.

 

[RescueMe]

Honestly I would not choose to have multiples as your first birds, especially conures, I can understand wanting them to get along, but a parrot that you want to have as a pet that is housed with other parrots is a difficult task, not for a beginner. I'm glad you are taking the time to decide before you make the leap.

 

[HumanWings]

I will be getting more experience from a bird rescue I am going to volunteer for before I get my birds. So even though it will be my first birds it wont be my first experience.

What I've got so far...
- adopt an even number of birds so no one is left out unless I am only getting one
- spend lots of time with one and spend one on one time with them so that they don't become un-tamed or bond to each other more than they bond to me
- get all of one sex if possible so they wont breed or separate the boys from the girls

Great!! I've learned so much already!! Am i missing anything?

 

[Remy]

5 sounds like a lot!! Start with one, and see how that goes, haha. I have one bird, and he is plenty! I've considered getting a second one, but I haven't. Puck is definitely more than enough to keep me and my friends and family entertained.