Goffin 'too vs. Blue Crown Conure

[melin]

I have an Male Eclectus and well the only thing I can say is that he does not sit still. He is into his toys, loves all kinds of food and seems to take to changes so effortlessly that I know that I have it very easy. Brodie loves my dogs and my cat. He has definitely chosen me as "his" although he will go to other members of my family even when I am around.

My mother has a cockatoo that was a rescue, and from her experience, others that I have read about and other people I have met I would not get a cockatoo. The damage that they can do to your fingers is astonishing. He gives no warning at times it is only looking back on the situation that you can guess why he did it. Also what works one time does not work the next.

I will say he can be the sweetest bird in the world. He is a bit Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He used to always be sweet until his hormones kicked in. Now we all move with a lot of caution.

[becca623]

My eclectus is far from lazy. He is contemplative. Usually it means he will soon be up to no good lol. As I type, he is destroying a new toys. He loves toys. My amazon his best friend is just sitting next to him watching.
Personally, I would go with the conure as your first bird. Cockatoos really are something else. Plus you have to worry about someone being allergic to her even if no one in your family does has allergies to other animals or birds. Having to give up a bird for that reason is heart breaking. I found this out the hard way. :(
Unless you decide on an eclectus. All 3 types are great birds but the conure would probably be the best first fid for your family. Anyway, there is no law that says you can't have more than one bird to love. :)

[gomoses]

Yikes - how awful. A bird that smart and strong-beaked would take quite a lot of preparation before bringing him home. With lots of reflection, here are today's thoughts: I like the musculature, squat, short-tailed bodies of 'toos, greys, amazons - I like a bird that wants to snuggle and has a sense of humor. I have met conures and love their personality. Today, thinking about a Patagonian Conure - but can't seem to find any breeders. Anyone have any thoughts about them? Still haven't heard from the Blue-Crowned rescue prospect - the Goffins is still available, but several hours away and I would need to find a cage fast.

Thanks all - I'm getting a little stressed out about this decision - if I had feathers I might pluck a few.

Moses

[Parrotpeople]

Originally Posted by gomoses

I'm getting a little stressed out about this decision - if I had feathers I might pluck a few.
Moses

Lol, awe relax, it shouldn't be so stressful, what's meant to be will be. Here's how it happened for me

We had a Timneh African Grey several years ago that was given to us by a friend of a friend that couldn't care for him anymore, that got outside by accident never to return (alive anyway). After I called the local pet store to take down our "LOST PARROT" poster the guy told me he was going to NC to pick up a baby TAG the next day & he could get one for me. I was so devastated about my loss, I said firmly "no".

Two months later we were in the same pet store getting fish for my daughter & I decided to go over & visit the baby tag I knew was still there being weaned. This store does allow interested parties into their bird room. Anyway, there he/she was with the new owners name displayed on the cage & I was a tad sorry I hadn't gotten the clutch mate.

A week or so later the thoughts of a new tag got the better of me & I called to see if another tag was available. The guy said "Oh it's you! I wished I had had your number b/c the lady who put a deposit down on this one just found out her husband has lung cancer & it's best for them not to have a bird in the house. Do you want this one?" It was such a sign I could not possibly turn it down & put my deposit on him right then & there.

We visited every day until he was weaned & coming home with us was no big deal. He is dusty, though not as dusty as a Too. We also met & fell in love with Ziggy before she even had feathers & brought her home too.

Best of luck, can't wait to see what happens.

[gomoses]

Well, it's not exactly my first bird, but it will be the family's. Frankly, I wouldn't mind at all if it were just *mine* - I have to share the dogs and cat and bunny with everyone else. My one fear is that the bird will bond with my wife rather than me and I'll be left buddy-less. But since I'm gone most of the day 3 days a week, I don't want the bird to be lonely. Nor do I want him to *hate* everyone but me.

[loyallyroyal]

"I wouldn't mind at all if it were just *mine* - I have to share the dogs and cat and bunny with everyone else."

oh dear, when you first bring the bird home, it is going to be a novelty. Everyone is going to want to play and hold it.

Trust me, everytime I bring home a dog, rabbit, whatever for the first several weeks I let everyone ooh and aah and I sit back. Then once the novelty wears off Im still the one walking the dogs, cleaning the rabbit boxes, and cleaning the bird cage they become mostly mine.


Now I still wanted a bird that would tolerate everyone in the family, having a bird go after my parents or siblings looking for blood just wouldnt of done. Life in a family is about sharing, not, this is by bird, you have the dog/cat/rabbit/ect. Most likely the bird will like being a member of the family too.

[gomoses]

Oh, Loyally - I think you misunderstand - I have no desire to isolate the bird. And I know perfectly well what life in a family is like. But don't you have a pet out of your menagerie that you are especially bonded to? That is what I would like. I would be happy if left with the care and keeping of him, and hope he gets on well with everyone. I just secretly hopes he likes me best - doesn't everyone want a companion animal who goes nuts when he comes home? So - I got "my" dog two years ago, took him to obedience classes, spent lots of time on him, and slowly he was taken over by my wife. Now, the two of them are adorable together, and I still enjoy him, but I guess I'm just being honest when I say if my wife is happy to enjoy the bird from a little bit of a distance, I'd be okay with that! This is my "inner" argument to get the cockatoo. However, I am realizing that one of my daughters does have asthma/allergies - though not severe. Perhaps he wouldn't be the right choice.

Moses

[kellywess]

Blue Crowns are awesome, get a Blue Crown. Smart, silly, loud, cuddly, great talkers, infectous personalities. I will always have a Blue Crown. I lost my first one Jan 2008 (Roxie aka Rox Star).
I couldnt take it anymore and on July 2008, I broke down and got another one (Keeva). I absolutley love their clownish personalities. And yes, they can be down right obnoxious. Mine makes me laugh everyday.

[thejoie]

I dream of a Blue Crown one day.... they have an infectious personality with the cutest little faces!

[gomoses]

I finally heard from the Blue Crown "rescue" I found. If I can get her to hold on to him until I'm off work again, I can drive to get him (tuesday or wednesday).

Here's the ad I responded to:
The bird is 4mo's old has not been sexed, but I refer to it as a he. He was handfed and now eats a pellet seed mix. He also eats fruits and veggies. He is starting to talk and says a few words already.........hi, hello and whats up. He does not scream and is not at all loud. Unfortunately, my son is allergic to the bird and that is the only reason I am selling him. Asking $400 and that includes a large wrought iron cage, toys and some food or $300 for just the bird. Cash only.

In email she said that she has three cats and dogs - and the bird isn't afraid of them. She also sent another picture so I could see the cage. I'll attach both.

So - how do I transport him? I thought he is probably acrobatic enough to leave in the cage as long as I remove swinging things, wrap him in lots of blankets to get to the truck (it was 14 below in Mass. this morning). Should I leave him covered for the drive? Should I get a transport carrier? It's a 2 hour drive, at least, but I thought he would be less frightened then if I took him out of the cage.

Her emails are also very terse - which has me worried that either there is something not kosher about him or his background or maybe she's just sad. That's going to be awkward. Am I wrong in thinking that a 4 month old can't be that screwed up? I plan to try to set up a vet's appointment to coincide with the transport home - but that may not work out - so I'll get him there the next day or so.

Name list: Oliver (yes, another one), Poindexter, Number 6 (any fans of "The Prisoner"?, Beetle (as in Bailey), Hubble or Buckminster.

Thanks for all your help and wisdom - I'll keep you updated.

Moses