How much of a lifestyle change? + Other beginner questions

[MantisFTW]

Hello all!
Few questions here!

Let me start off by saying that I dont currently have any birds. I've been looking at this beautiful young Jenday conure for a couple of months now. He has the best personality I've ever seen in a "pet shop" bird, from cradling on his back to cuddling, etc. We are assuming its a "he" for now. Im super interested in getting him (or daydreaming, rather), but not without some research, of course, and I figured I would start here first.

It has been a while since I've owned a bird (I was 17, still lived with parents that didnt keep him, now im 22 and have my own place) and I want to make sure I do it right-- that being said I am starting from scratch on everything I know about birds.

My main event is, before I think on it too hard and get my dreams crushed, I want to have a solid idea of what a "lifestyle change" it will be like having a conure. For example, what sort of products am I not allowed to use? Bleach, candles (specifically soy, lead free wick), wax warmers, smoke? (I dont smoke but for things like incense, the stove etc)
I have heard that teflon nonstick pans are dangerous as well. What about anything with a scent to it? How have you guys adapted, and what have you substituted? Is it possible to use these while owning a bird, taking proper precaution?
Not that I cant live without the use of these products, but gotta know what I can and cant use or do and clean with, weigh the pros and cons. Im wondering if theres a list out there with all the toxicities.

I have other animals as well, such as cats, a dog, various reptiles, and rats. Not that they would ever be interacting, but prey-drive is a thing I worry about. Things can get smelly sometimes too, and Im wondering about any scent-masking alternatives to, say, litter boxes, if birds are sensitive.

Also, can a Critter Nation Double habitat be converted to use as a conure cage?

That is all I have for now. Nothing is set in stone yet, if I dont get this Jenday a bird may still be in the future for me. IF I do miss the chance on the Jenday, what species are recommended that are really interactive and preferably can be kept singly? (Not limited to just conures)

As I await replies for this, I will start my googling!

 

[plumsmum2005]

Hi and welcome.

I have enclosed a lot of links for you to read in readiness for your new addition. One thing concerning mixing pets, they all have to be safe from harm, germs, and not stressed by each others presence. Bird normally live with other birds. Such a list is going to cause problems. IMO they need to be separate or maybe wait a few more years. Undue stress can cause a lot of unnecessary problems with a parrot. We have had a fair few deaths on here because of injury from a cat or dog, a scratch or bite even if not fatal at that point can introduce bacteria that the parrot never recovers from.

FYI

http://www.parrotforums.com/new-mem...friendly-warnings-keep-your-parrots-safe.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/449-toxic-list-our-birds.html

Read through this section please (who needs Google LOL)

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-health-care/

 

[LordTriggs]

well it all depends on what your life is like now. If you got out every night, smoke, use a self-cleaning oven, constantly keep your windows open, use candles and live in a near perpetual mess then yes it's a 100% lifestyle change.

The links Plum has posted are great places to start. Read them until your head hurts, then read them again! They give the best idea of the kind of changes you need to make.

Incense and any candles are dangerous for them. Also IMO with all your current pets I don't think a bird is right. They're extremely demanding and will eat up your time. Also owning all those pets how will you make sure that your bird gets good, safe time out of the cage? One second you could have a very happy dog/cat/reptile and no more bird.

Lastly no, only specifically made parrot cages are good. Many different cages will contain metals that are toxic to parrots or substandard bar strength to put up with a parrot's beak

 

[Flboy]

Hi, on that cage, possibly! Looks good, I would post a question with the Dr.Foster site. They are well respected!
Small Pet Cages & Pens: One- and Two-Level Critter Nation Cages

 

[MantisFTW]

Thanks for all those resources!
Ive been reading and doing research nearly ALL day, and I think I've determined what will need to get changed around the house in order to accommodate a bird...

That being said, I dont believe the animals I have should be much of a worry. They will never interact with each other. They all get put away in rooms or kennels when no one is home. Cats otherwise roam and dont need a whole lot of attention, reptiles need little to no attention other than habitat maintenance, rat is geriatric and doesnt get taken out a whole lot these days for safety reasons, and that really just leaves the dog which does get ample attention and the occasional trip to the dog park. She will just have to deal with the new addition.
Im also a dog trainer/animal behaviorist, the dog and cats I have are trained enough to know not to go after smaller critters, and I can read body language in the event of a risky situation. The bird will never be set down unattended, that would just be irresponsible in my situation.

Ive done some looking into with the Critter Nation cage I have, and it looks good to go!
Im thinking about waiting until the end of the month to browse the local bird show thats coming up....

 

[Flboy]

With that cage, go with clamp on style food/water bowls like these.
https://www.chewy.com/proselect-sta...YSlDobHmfiCBgBfwFORoCye8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

The plastic clip on types will be thrown around by your new monster!

 

[plumsmum2005]

One more thing re the cage it needs complete deep cleaning to be on the safe side. Have you heard of F10 (used by vets)? Steam is also good and daylight/sunlight