parent reared or hand reared (also train travel with birds)

[LordTriggs]

Hello all. I'm looking at getting myself a new conure and wanted to know if a Hand-reared baby would be better to get over a parent-reared one? I'm only looking for a companion so breeding isn't something I'm worried about, I was just hoping that I can get a bird that will be easier to tame and more confident than my previous bird who was very skittish.

Also I'm wondering how a bird would be going on trains/subways as most birds near enough to me are in central london which would require me to use the underground system to get around

thanks!

 

[Kiwibird]

You would have to check your public transport systems rules regarding animals, but my bird comes on the light rail and bus with me where I live with no issues. He has a "backpack" style carrier so he is allowed on (animals have to be in carriers). He is used to riding in the car, therefore pretty indifferent about the bus, but he just *loves* being on the train because it's noisier and in certain areas will go through tunnels. We don't have a subway here, but I'm sure he'd be fine with that too.

All of this, of course, really depends on the individual bird. A baby may be a bit timid or even motion sick if it's never experienced such a thing before. I would suggest a carrier that can be covered, if need be. Or more ideally, if you have a friend or relative with a car, I would make arrangements for them to go with you to pick the bird up. Taking a more mature, confident and socialized/trained bird who already knows and trusts you to keep them safe on public transport is a lot different than a baby who's been taken from everything it's ever known for the first time by a stranger. Offer gas money and to buy breakfast or lunch before heading over to pick up the bird

 

[LordTriggs]

Yeah I would prefer to but having to travel around the entirety of the M25 is a very hard thing to convince people to do

I think I may have found a breeder nearer to me. Seems a little too good to be true so I'm slightly wary but they're not too far from me with a couple pearly conures who have just started eating on their own so I've been told about 4 more weeks or so

 

[SailBoat]

I have ridden the London Underground and the trip at the busy times can be a bit crazy with the number of people crowded onboard. So, be selective on your timing.

The plastic three piece 'Cat Carrier' (top, bottom, & door) is very popular since you can easily cover it and also have extra towels inside to limit the crashing about. Also, that style of carrier will allow you to add a perch to it by drilling a mounting hole in the bottom section of the carrier.

As covered in the above Post, please reference the requirements of the transit authorities before you set a date.

My preference would be both the parents and the Human involvement with the Parrot. But that is truly rare today. The second choice would be Human weaned with a carrying activity involved Breeder that is not only feeding, but socializing as they feed. This will cover the point made above regarding the baby being around and comfortable with Humans.

Enjoy!

 

[LordTriggs]

okay that's good. I was mostly worried about fumes. I have a carry bag which is easy enough to cover and has a perch inside it so all the sides are soft and it is mostly covered already. I'd probably put a towel on it and just be careful.

Luckily the Pearly Conures I've been looking at are parent raised and the person has said that they interact with them. I've told the person that I will come to have a look when they're old enough to leave but I'm not paying any deposit and am not saying yes or no until I see them in person

 

[wrench13]

Good, sounds like a plan. May I ask what happened to your last parrot?

 

[LordTriggs]

I've had 2 both of which died this year.

the first was a little yellow sided who was the perfect bird. He always wanted to be with me and play, only bit once by accident when he missed his toy and got me instead. Was recall trained and never screamed , contact calls if I want to the bathroom without him but that was as noisy as he got. I still don't know for sure but suspect he had a weak heart. I noticed him a bit lethargic one evening, called the vets for an appointment in the morning but he died in the early morning, I left out an autopsy because it would have hurt too much to do it to him, I had him for about 5 weeks.

the second was a blue who after 2 weeks of owning him suddenly spooked, hit a wall and broke his neck killing him instantly. We hadn't bonded as much so I haven't been too broken up about it but still feel terrible.

Both were from the same breeder and were raised with no human interaction so taming at all was hard

I've taken a bit of time to collect my thoughts and remove a large amount of stress in my life and I feel like I want to try for a final bird. I just want one that is more calm around people so I don't have any accidents. I may also get it clipped until it molts just to help it not hurt itself whilst still very young

 

[LordTriggs]

I have ridden the London Underground and the trip at the busy times can be a bit crazy with the number of people crowded onboard. So, be selective on your timing.

The plastic three piece 'Cat Carrier' (top, bottom, & door) is very popular since you can easily cover it and also have extra towels inside to limit the crashing about. Also, that style of carrier will allow you to add a perch to it by drilling a mounting hole in the bottom section of the carrier.

As covered in the above Post, please reference the requirements of the transit authorities before you set a date.

My preference would be both the parents and the Human involvement with the Parrot. But that is truly rare today. The second choice would be Human weaned with a carrying activity involved Breeder that is not only feeding, but socializing as they feed. This will cover the point made above regarding the baby being around and comfortable with Humans.

Enjoy!

oh yeah I know the underground. Living just outside London I often go up for nights out with friends and know just how bad it can be. I'd be going at a quieter time of day of course to try and avoid issues and will just clutch the carry cage/bag thing I have as close as possible