New here and doing some homework.

[roseallen119]

Thank you all so much for responding and with such great information. Okay so the senegal is out (for now at least) I do really like the gcc and love the turquoise mutation (i think that's the right word lol) I haven't thought about the cockatiel too much for some reason. I guess it's a good thing I came here first before I got my heart set on one bird.

 

[gracebowen]

I got my tame tiel from craigslist. Only complaint is that he had a bad clip.

 

[Kyoto]

I've owned lovebirds, cockatiels, budgies (english and regular), and now have a little green cheek conure.

I have to agree that cockatiels are a really good choice as far as family birds go. They just have such sweet natures. I loved my Jo-Jo and he was very sweet to everyone. Joey used to sing songs and bow his head and followed me around like a little dog.

That said, I am head over heels in love with my little conure. She is so hilarious and entertaining I just can't imagine my life without her now. She is nippy, but with consistency and working hard she is coming around. She used to bite my husband horrible, now that she knows he gives head scratches she flies to him as soon as he comes to the room and I become chopped liver. She loves to lay on her back in my hand and wants to be the centre of attention always.

She just LOVES attention. LOVES IT. And even though they say conures are not great talkers, I really love hearing her try, and try she does. She also loves when I vacuum. She dances and sings and does the little conure head bang. However, I would probably not have gotten her if I hadn't had experience with smaller birds, she is quite a handful.

 

[ZephyrFly]

Although my green cheek was my first bird (only had rats before him) and I love him, he can be a pain/hand full at times. Though for a species not known for speaking he's doing well. Had him for 6 months and he says hello, pazu (his name) and step up (the bugger, he only says that when he doesn't want to step up).

But they are a laugh, as much of a hand full they can be they can be as cuddly and charming, rolling around on your lap to snuggling into your hand when they think you're not looking.

 

[roseallen119]

Is it true conures need a separate sleepin cage? I admit my house is crazy during the day but as soo. As the kids go to bed my husband and I are pretty quiet.

 

[ZephyrFly]

Not conures specifically and not unless where their cage is, is high activity late at night.
General sleep needed for most birds is 8-14 hours, but 10 -14 is better. More night means winter/ not mating season, less hormones means more relaxed behaviour.

 

[Zeno]

The Parrot Emporium in Agawam, MA is an excellent store. They let you visit with the bird before you take it home so you can make sure it is the right bird for you.

 

[roseallen119]

Thanks Zephyfly,the cage I ha e is on wheels so if anything I can roll it into my guest bedroom.

And awesome Zeno!!! I will definitely be checking them out.

 

[Xraysrrad]

Hi Again Rose,

Bodhi's cage is in our family room. If he is any where near his cage around 8:30 p.m. he gets in his snugglyhut and settles down without being coached, before I cover his cage and tell him "night night" at 9.
We have mandatory quiet time in our house at 9, so after the kids are settles in, we might watch a movie. Bodhi is quiet as a mouse. We have a fairly large family room and his cage is not close to the TV, but it usually isn't loud.
My cage also has wheels, but I have never moved it.

Robin