Sun conure or gcc

[Snakemau]

Well seems most of the conure owners hace GCC, I went over almost all post under this section and very few are related to sunnys or nanday/ jandays u others. Now I'm looking at getting a sunny myself because I love the colors. If what I been reading here is correct besides size difference there's not much else, as several have mentioned sunnys are not that loud as others have said, so if noise is not the key factor then what is it? Don't get me wrong I like gcc as well but I'm just drooling over the sunnys coloration. So I'm just trying to figure out if the preference is due to cage, food or maintenance requirements or why so much preference of the gcc over other conure species?
I'm looking for a new family member, we have 2 kids (11 and 9 yrs old) and a miniature schnauzer puppy; live in a house and have some good space for a decent cage, so any suggestions?
Again I have nothing against gcc in act if those are better family members I will look for one as colorful as the sunny ( no hybrids tho)
Thanks!

 

[4dugnlee]

I think the main "complaint" with sun owners is that when they are loud they are LOUD. My SC Cisco is not loud very often...a couple times a day for five or ten minutes usually. But it is an ear piercing screech that a lot of people can't handle. And if he happens to be on my shoulder when he screams, I feel like I lose my hearing in that ear for a few seconds. I live in a house out in the middle of nowhere so it doesn't matter but if I lived in an apartment with close neighbors they probably wouldn't appreciate it. Years ago I went to a family owned pet shop and there were several suns all in the same room. It was very VERY LOUD in there!!:11: But the beauty of them won me over and I never forgot about them. When I decided to get "back into birds" I knew that was one that I wanted...and now I have my little Cisco! I think you should visit both GCC's and Sun's and see what you think and then you can hear what each sounds like. Cage/food/maintenance are about the same for both. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[faeryphoebe1]

I totally agree with 4dugnlee's description of the sun conure's ear piercing call.

My Sunny doesn't screech, but about twice a day and when I get home from work.

Suns are amazingly smart and beautiful. My Sun loves to dance and hang out. He also likes to fall asleep inside my t-shirt or curl up along my neck.

We also call him the "flying pig" because he'll fly over to anyone who's eating and beg for food.

He also makes kissing noises at me when it's bedtime. ♡♡♡

 

[Squirt]

I have a sun and yes she can be ear piercingly loud! I fell in love with her and I wasn't looking for a bird. She found me. Conures are great little family birds. Even my 4 year old can pet her and handle her (with supervision!)

If you like colors you could look for a turquoise green cheek! They are very pretty. If I was going to get another conure I'd love a turquoise GCC!

 

[SilverSage]

Yes, the Sun Conures are known for being loud and the GCCs are known for being quiet, but the main factor with both is going to be the individual bird, the owner, the training and socialization, the environment, etc. I have 9 GCCs and yeah, one of the screams sometimes. However many of us have experienced the Sunnie in the pet store making you get out as fast as you can!

That said, if noise isnt a super huge issue for you and you WANT a Sunnie and wouldnt be SETTLING for a GCC, get the Sun. Never "settle" for a bird or you won't be the home he deserves.

Of course, you really should check out the Yellow-sided GCC, the Pineapple GCC, and the Turquoise GCC at least before you decide that GCCs dont have enough color There are more but that will at least give you a sample

 

[LeaKP]

I have a gcc and am totally taken with this bird. He is "cheeky" and cuddly and makes the most adorable murmuring sounds while on my shoulder. Suns are beautiful and have great personalities, but their level of noise kept me at bay. I went to a breeders and hung out with the Suns and loved their personalities but their calls were too loud. Our gcc is not a settle, he's theright bird for us. If you really want a sun and are ok with their level of noise go for it! They are amazing and fun and stunning!

 

[brittani299]

I love my little gcc! After he went through his "teenage" stage he became a great bird! He hardly ever nips at me and will gladly sit on my shoulder for hours at a time. Tonight I went and looked at suns and they are just too loud for me. I even own a amazon who screams every morning and they are way louder then that. I think gccs are great little conures.

 

[Flboy]

I love my GCC! If you are looking for a bird with a little more size, concider the Jenday. Great family pet!

 

[Mozzie]

I love my Sunny! But as mentioned above they can be loud. Mine, like some of the others have mentioned is quiet most of the time. However, when she does screech it is ear piercing. Suns are loaded with personality! They are really fun, loving , beautiful parrots if you can handle noise factor. I wouldn't trade mine for anything.

 

[Snakemau]

Ok well I'm going to a local breeder to see them both and decide from there. It they are as loud as most said then a nice GCC will be great! I seen some pics of some very colorful ones! Thanks all for the advice!

 

[veimar]

I think you got your answers already! BTW, nandays can be very loud too, but not as high pitched. I have a gcc, and even with my super sensitive sleep I can sleep in the morning (with earplugs in) even through his loudest screeches. He is housed in the dining room about 25 ft away from the bedroom, and the all the doors are open .
Gccs come in varieties of colors, but I think the personality is much more important than the color.

 

[KOZKO]

We love our Sun, he can be loud at times, but it's really just like the dogs - in the morning and at dusk and when anyone comes to the house and we got used to it (better "watchdog" than the dogs!!) but he does not scream when he's on you which is always- lol. He is such a sweet ball of fun!!!! Super loving and cuddly and at night while watching TV shes always sleeping in my shirt.! We have a miniature schnauzer and Shih Tsu - no problems at all. If we sleep in on the weekends he stays quiet as long as the rest of the house is quiet! I can't speak for GCC, but Nibbler is my best friend (don't tell the dogs)

 

[kalypso123]

In my expierence the GCC was more on the nippy side. She would come out on your shoulder and would be sweet and then randomly bite your ear and do an almost laugh. The Sun I met was very sweet and loved attention. I have never heard a sun scream so I dont know how much of a deal breaker that is.