First timer with tons of questions

[Marri]

I'm typing this up mainly for my step-dad and the rest of the family. My step-dad has had birds his entire life, from pigeons to a parakeets. He's always had a way with animals and I can remember stories about how well he had bonded with a parakeet of his that it would cuddle up on him and even fly to the bathroom to be with him when he took a bath. We have been thinking about this for some time now and are currently thinking of buying a conure. But we are researching everything before we even think about getting close to a pet store or breeder (we're leaning towards breeder) but we have a few questions first---

breed; We currently have it narrowed down to two breeds; the nanday and the sun. my parents like the color of the sun and heard that they can be very cuddle. Well my brother and I like the Nanday, because we had a babysitter who had a Nanday who was a compete sweetheart. Also I know they are a little more hardy. We wanted to know if there was a difference between the breeds and if so what are they? Stories, comments and suggestions would be loved. We are first time parrot owners, so bare with us. We are looking for a bird that can be cuddly and sociable.

socialization; we are aware that to get that cuddly and playful bird we need to have them socialized. but what do they mean by socialization? playing with them of course, but for how long (how many hours a day) and also ideas of how to socialize them would be awesome.

vets; what kind of commitment is that---how often do they need to go to the vet, and what kind of vaccinations do they need of any, and also the grooming (clipping wings, beaks and nails)?

talking; I've been hearing mixed things about talking when it comes to concures, do they talk like macaws or African Greys or is it just simple words? what's they're vocubarly like?

cats; We have three cats, and I'm sure you're all shaking your heads right now. But our cats are extremely gentle cats and aren't mean the worst part is they're just snoopy, we've had koi in our house before and they would look at them in the tank they never tried to get at them. do you have any experience with this, and what are some good ways to get the cats used to the bird?

placement; the way our house looks is we've got this cupboards set up all over the main live, and we where thinking about placing the bird on top of one. they are strong enough they're built into the wall. but that well place the bird over six feet up in the air. is that okay, will the bird feel safe? and the bird would be by the steps so we could get to him easily enough. plus he'll be out of reach of the cats.

age; what age should we ideally get the bird?

breeders; we are located in central Minnesota (St.Cloud) and are looking for breeders close or near by, if anyone can suggest a breeder that would be lovely.

And finally, what are some good books and websites we could look into to help us learn more. And I apologize for the mixed up words and typos in advance.

[Kevin]

Wow... Congrats and welcome to birdboard! Sounds like you have done some of your own research and other members will chirp in shortly...

[ray1457]

I'm sure there will be other more experienced members chime in, but I'll give my two cent's worth... (I've owned budgies, 'tiels and conures.)

breed; We currently have it narrowed down to two breeds; the nanday and the sun. my parents like the color of the sun and heard that they can be very cuddle. Well my brother and I like the Nanday, because we had a babysitter who had a Nanday who was a compete sweetheart. Also I know they are a little more hardy. We wanted to know if there was a difference between the breeds and if so what are they? Stories, comments and suggestions would be loved. We are first time parrot owners, so bare with us. We are looking for a bird that can be cuddly and sociable.

** I used to own a Black-Capped conure and currently own a Sun, but have never personally experienced Nandays. However, from what I've read, they are very similar in personality to Suns. Conures are MUCH "needier" / more high maintenance than smaller birds (parakeets / 'tiels)!! If you've never owned conures (or any bird larger than a 'tiel), they can be LOUD!! Suns are often purchased because of their colors, and then given away / rehomed due to their volume! Spend some time around some Suns at a breeder's or at a pet store to get an idea of how vocal they can be...

socialization; we are aware that to get that cuddly and playful bird we need to have them socialized. but what do they mean by socialization? playing with them of course, but for how long (how many hours a day) and also ideas of how to socialize them would be awesome.

** "Socialization" refers to training your bird to become accustomed to being handled by strangers. Suggestions: Have friends / relatives over for visits; take your bird with you (when possible) when you visit friends or relatives, etc... In regard to play time, plan on allowing your conure to have AT LEAST one hour (or more) of "velcro bird" time every day. Conures are cuddlebugs by nature; they want to spend as much time on your person as possible. (And they WILL let you know when they feel neglected!!) Get a flight harness if you plan to take your bird on outings, and start getting them used to it as soon as you bring them home... (I own an Aviator harness for my Sun.)

vets; what kind of commitment is that---how often do they need to go to the vet, and what kind of vaccinations do they need of any, and also the grooming (clipping wings, beaks and nails)?

**Birds can hide illnesses VERY well; you will need to take them to a vet (AVIAN certified vet is preferred) ASAP if you notice anything out of the ordinary. Plan on getting wings clipped (if you choose to do so) and nails clipped about twice a year. Beaks shouldn't need maintenance unless something is wrong. (Provide plenty of wooden chew toys to keep beaks in trim...) The vet can suggest vaccinations; I'm sure other members will, too...

talking; I've been hearing mixed things about talking when it comes to conures, do they talk like macaws or African Greys or is it just simple words? what's they're vocubarly like?

** Yes, conures can learn to speak. My Sun (who is a little over a year old) can say 'kiss', 'kitty, kitty', and 'step up'. (He also mimics my cough and my girlfriend's laugh.) The words can be recognized, but aren't as clearly enunciated like you would expect to hear from an African Grey or Macaw... Every bird is unique / different when it comes to their talking abilities; please don't get a bird based on its reputation for talking...

cats; We have three cats, and I'm sure you're all shaking your heads right now. But our cats are extremely gentle cats and aren't mean the worst part is they're just snoopy, we've had koi in our house before and they would look at them in the tank they never tried to get at them. do you have any experience with this, and what are some good ways to get the cats used to the bird?

** You're probably going to get a LOT of negative feedback on this issue... Personally, I would not even make an ATTEMPT to "get the cats used to the bird"! One scratch from a cat's claw can kill your bird... (Ever heard the phrase "cat scratch fever"? It's not a myth...) I have read other posts from folks who have both cats and birds, but IMO it's not worth the risk. Here is a quote from a website (Sunconures.com) concerning cats and birds:

"CATS
Cats commonly have Pasteurella bacteria as part of their natural flora. While this bacteria is ubiquitous in cats and does them no harm, it is DEADLY to birds. If your bird is ever in a confrontation with a cat, take him to the vet immediately even if there are NO apparent wounds. The bird could still have been exposed to this bacteria. You should get your bird to a vet the same day if you think it has come in physical contact with a cat's saliva, feces, or food. This bacteria means even friendly relationships between cats and birds are not safe. Period."

Perhaps some other members who also have cats will chime in concerning their experiences...

placement; the way our house looks is we've got this cupboards set up all over the main live, and we where thinking about placing the bird on top of one. they are strong enough they're built into the wall. but that well place the bird over six feet up in the air. is that okay, will the bird feel safe? and the bird would be by the steps so we could get to him easily enough. plus he'll be out of reach of the cats.

** I would not recommend that placement based on your description... First of all, conures NEED to chew to keep their beaks in trim, and the cupboard would be a prime target. Secondly, it would be much more difficult to clean the cage (and the tops of the cabinets!) at that height. Ideally the cage should be in a semi-central location (living room, dining room) where the bird can feel that he is part of the "flock". Cage size should be no smaller than 24"X24"X36" with maximum 5/8" bar spacing.

age; what age should we ideally get the bird?

**After it is weaned and has fledged. (Approx. 3+ months old for a conure...)

breeders; we are located in central Minnesota (St.Cloud) and are looking for breeders close or near by, if anyone can suggest a breeder that would be lovely.

**I'm not in that area; sorry...

And finally, what are some good books and websites we could look into to help us learn more.[/QUOTE]

** A google search for "conure forums" will give you lots of good reading. Sunconure.com (mentioned in quote above) is a good site...

[Doyle'sMommy]

First off welcome to BB! You have come to the right place!

I have two conures, a nanday and a mitred. My nanday (Doyle) is about 7 months oold (we've had him for about 2 1/2 months). He is my baby! He is incredibly affectionate and hilarious with tons of energy. He is very social and will step up for anyone, but he loves his Mommy best. If he knows I am awake in the morning he will do anything to get to me and he "calls" to me all the time. Our routine varies by the day but typically we get up about 7 in the morning and Doyle is out until about 9:30 when I leave for work. I spend about 20 minutes carrying him around or cuddling with him, but the rest of the time he spends on his perch eating and playing with toys. At night he is out for at least 3 hours. I spend time playing with him but he doesn't need constant attention. I can get things done around the house and come over and "visit" his perch occasionally and he is as happy as can be. He loves to takes baths, usually daily. And he loves to just ride on my shirt around the house. He wants to eat what I eat, play with what I have, and watch whatever I am doing. His cage is about 20x20x30 now but I am getting him a bigger one because it is too small, his new cage is 32x24x30 I believe with a playtop. I also have three dogs who have had to get used to him. It took some work to get them to stay still whenever he flies off his perch until someone could get him. You will have to constantly watch him around the cats and never leave them alone unattended. They require vet care about once a year and test that could cost about $200 plus if they get sick their vet bills can be very pricey, so be prepared for that. Doyle is just starting to talk, and it is just little words and sounds. He says "Doyle", "Cooper", and makes kissing noises. Many conures don't talk, so I wouldn't get one based on it's talking abilities. If you have any more questions feel free to ask or send me a PM.

[Buzz7]

Welcome Marri,

Again, there are much more knowledgeable people out there but I'll just share a couple of things that occurred to me.

Between a Sun and a Nanday- for me- there's no contest but of course this is way to subjective. I just could not own a Sun, they are too loud, and unlike Nandays it seems like they are ALL loud! I think the quiet Sun is definitely in the minority! I had a Nanday named Buzz and he was just the BEST!! They have a reputation for being loud but many Nanday owners say that the noise (for a Nanday) is minimal and that was our experience. We gave attention when he talked and ignored when he yelled and he was smart enough to figure out which to do real quick. Nandays are quite cuddly! Now noise may not be an issue with you!

The cat thing? I don't have cats- personally from having lost a bird for no apparent reason I may go to the extreme- I'd be scared to do it but there are so many happy/safe bird/cat owners that if you KEEP THEM SEPARATE... *here's where I shrug my "maybe" shoulders*

Suns and Greencheeks (another great conure for first time conure owners) are not hard to get in the Mpls. area and there are some great resources around there; a bird rescue place in White Bear Lake (I don't believe it's one of those places that takes in needy birds and then sells at pet store prices- they seem above board- maybe someone here knows more) and a place called Parrot Island in Burnsville. Parrot Island is HUGE; they don't sell birds- only occassionally rehome to places they know (they don't make money doing that) so you can't get a bird there but the owners are SO great at helping you learn and helping you with everything you'll need and need to know- cages, lights and so on... It's so invaluable to have someone you can trust to go to when you have questions (besides here).

More than anything? READ READ READ! Just a couple of thoughts. Good luck!

[gbird]

I own a Sun, and as far as noise...yes, his screams are loud, but he doesn't scream constantly. He screams if I leave the room and he can't see me, but knows I'm still in the house, and sometimes when I'm on the phone. I just ignore him until he stops, then praise him. They are little attention seekers, and the cuddliest birds. Pita is content to just sit with me or sit and look out the window, as long as he can see me, and knows I'm safe, then he's fine. I'm lucky in the fact that he loves his cage, and can entertain himself for hours.

Talking...he says "I'm a good boy" clearly...he gives kisses, and smack kisses, like muaawwhhh, he chuckles, and says "love you". He mumbles alot, and since he's been at birdy day camp, he's picked up some things. Should be interesting when I get him home...lol

I adore him, but then, it's just me & him, so I have lots of time to spend with him. He's very spoiled...lol

Good luck in your choice, and welcome to the board.

[Carolsclan]

Ill chip in on the cat issue ..... I have 10 cats , snoopy is my sun and im getting a TAG in two weeks .

The key here is supervise , get to know your cats body language and discourage curiosity with a spray bottle.

I would allow one cat at a time if in relaxed mde to say hullo ..... but be careful...... Snoopy will not tolerate a cat near me or near his cage .... and he will chase and bite the daylights out of them.

My cats have lost interest in feathered things .. snoopy bites them, my geese chase them and the bantams hammer them .... so they have decided to tackle more co operative prey like frogs :)

[dawnkyung]

My cat is never in the same room with any of my birds. i constantly rotate, its a pain, but worth the effort for sure!

[bird_luver24]

Everyone has offered Great Advice!!
I dont know much about Nandays but, I am about to get a Sun Conure!!
I have to say they do have LOUD screams but, that isnt something I see bothering me personally at all. It could be something to talk with your parents about. But, almost any bird can be noisy on that matter. Just some noisier then others, obviously! Good Luck with your Decision and Keep us posted!!

[svolk]

I also keep my cats separated from the birds at all times - don't want to risk it. And like dawnkyung said, it is not the most convenient situation, but it works and is worth it. The cats are always put into a bedroom when the birds are out, they have their food, water, and litter boxes in our spare room. And now that is their preferred room to take naps when the birds are not even out. And when it is time to round them up, they usually all run in the bedroom and sleep in a pile on the bed. Absolutely no harm done to them with this method, and this way, everyone is safe.