I'm getting a Conure baby.

[Argulor]

Hello, I'm brand new here and I'm seriously thinking about getting a Green Cheeked conure. I just have a few questions to ask.

Question 1:
I have cared for my Aunt's budgies a few times, but other than this I have no experience with birds and I can only afford one conure. I love spending time with animals and I know the responsibility that comes with a conure. Do you think a conure is right for me?

Question 2:
I am able to spend about 2-3 hours with a conure, only about 45-75 min. can be spent with undivided attention, as in talking and training without any other distractions in my house, to my bird (not including time spent feeding and cleaning.) Do you think I'll be able to give him the social interaction he needs?

Question 3:
I go on about 2-3 vacations out of state for about a week each year. Do you think that I'd be able to take my conure to a designated relative's home for the time being?

Question 4:
I am really excited to get to train my conure. How long do you think training sessions should be?

Question 5:
Do you have any tips on how to solve common conure problems, nipping, noise etc.?

Question 6:
I generally wake up at 6:30 AM and then I'm in a hurry to be somewhere. Do you think I'd need to change my wake up times for a conure?

Question 7:
I play clarinet, do you think I can still play around my conure?

By the time you get to here, it may seem like I know little to nothing about the species. I haven't been able to get my hands on any conure books, but I've done a lot of research on the internet. I have done hours and days of research, but there are some questions that I feel I can get better answers from bird owners.

Thank you for your time.
~Argulor

 

[hacatta]

If you are going the get 1 ,i would do 2.
Green cheeks are birds that needs alot of attention.
I got 4,started with one but got another a month after.
When i got her ,i let her free for about six hours .
She sticked like glue and i couldn't get anything done.
When she got her buddy she was so much more happy and i got space,but not too much
Now when they are not busy with each other the dog pile me.
But do know green cheeks are called big parrots in small bodies.
Also 30-60 min a day is not a lot,you have daily clean ups too.
Before you get one make sure you know where you are going to let them stay when you are on vacation,and they know how to take care of them.
I'm not trying to get you down but it does need to be said.
And i wake up at 5:00 am and take their cage cloths off when i go so that's not needed as long you give them their feed and water then.

 

[Argulor]

Thank you, hacatta. I am fully aware of the social needs foe the bird and I am willing to spend as much time with him as I can.

 

[hacatta]

Then i'm sure it will be fine.
And trust me,seeing 2 birds together playing,is one of the most funny''s thing you will see.
(yeah i'm a big fan of keeping 2 birds together):54:

 

[Blueridge]

1. Sure man, conures are pretty good starter birds. Of course, as with any pet, you know you gotta research first (which it appears you are already doing by being on this thread)

2. Yea 2-3 hours is good.

3. Yep, I do it too.

4. Just don't be obnoxious with it; you'll notice when your bird is getting bored. 10 minutes of training and then a break is pretty good. As you progress further, you can start to increase the duration. Parrots do enjoy training and have a blast but they'll get tired eventually, which you already know or you wouldn't have asked this question. So yea I'd say.. 10 minutes then a break..

5. Don't respond to his screaming. Instead, respond to him when he is being quiet or talking (in human). This is actually a great way to teach him to talk. My bird has learned to say his name "Rocky" when he wants to come out of his cage. Coming into the room and telling your bird to "SHUT UP!!" will make it worse, because the goal of the bird is to get a reaction from you. You telling them to be quiet is a good thing in their eyes, and only provokes them. When he bites or nips, put him back in his cage. Prevent is as much as possible so it won't become a habit.

6. That's fine. That's about my schedule.

7. No, clarinets are known to make parrots turn evil and become aggressive. Ha I'm just kidding man, of course you can! My bird LOVES music. It calms him and he starts to dance when he hears it. Seriously. He will bob his head and spin around and stuff. I'm in a family band (we play bluegrass) so my bird is always around music.

I think a conure would be great for you. Just by asking these questions it shows that you are very responsible and up to the challenge.

If you get 2 birds instead of one, it is very likely that they will bond to each other and not like you as much. I like just having my one bird.

Anyway good luck! Keep us updated and post some pics of your new buddy when you get him!!!

 

[Argulor]

Thank you so much Blueridge! I'm very relived to know that I can continue playing clarinet and that I won't have to worry about going on vacations. I might be checking out a local exotic bird store tomorrow.

 

[Crazyformybaby]

blueridge, I was reading your reply and I freaked out when you said that clarinets make them turn evil!!! I am happy that I will be able to continue to play my clarinet.
argulor, I think you will be fine. I got my baby girl sugar just over a week ago and it is amazing! I would start off with one and then later on get another if you want to.

 

[Argulor]

Thank you all so much for the help!