Which one?

[Carbon]

So, now that I've gotten the noise thing completely under control, I'm starting to contemplate getting Nara a buddy. My gf wants either a Caique or a Blue Crown Conure. I wanted to get a BCC, but after I met a couple Caiques, I'm completely sold on their antics. However, I read that Caiques tend to not get along well with other birds. What do you guys think/no?

What would be the best buddy for a Sun? A Blue crown or a caique? Or something else?

Edit: One more thing. Are there any significant behavioral differences between black head and white bellied caiques? Which one is more expensive?

[xafsmom]

I breed Caiques, I own four pet Caiques..

I'll point out the good sides and bad sides!

1. WBCs are more expensive than BHCs.
2. There is no real difference in ssp personalities.
3. Caiques can be very, very, very aggressive to non-Caiques.
4. They're smushy bundles of high-octane energy and love.
5. Expect the bite.
6. They have the attention span of a dysfunctional moth.
7. They eat everything not nailed down, and half that is nailed down.
8. They sound like angry locusts on 'screamy' days.
9. They are hilarious to watch.
10. Buy two, they're better in pairs (same sex).

That said, my experience with Caiques and Suns? When raised together, they get along fine, until the Caique hits about 6-12 months old. Then for some reason, the Caiques just get way too aggressive with the Suns. There are some that get along fine - when raised with Suns, but don't expect it. All on all though, they're worth the trouble.

BCCs...

Usually get along quite well with Suns. They're one of the more 'mellow' tempered Conures and usually go with the flow!

[Greycloud]

Well there is no guarantee either bird will get along. If you thought your sun loud then a BCC can be even louder. But you do have a sound proof setup. I personally love caiques. They are wonderful little clowns, can be noisy but not screaming like the sun or BCC. They can be alittle nippy but that can be worked out. I think they are just beautiful.

[Carbon]

Screaming is no longer an issue for me. I do, however, need a bird that can get along with my sun so that they can be out at the same time, play together, and if I'm lucky, live together. I think I'm leaning back towards BCCs now after reading xfmwp's post.

[xafsmom]

Crimson bellieds are adorablilicious! Or, perhaps a Hahns?

[Carbon]

My gf used to like Nara's colors before she started molting, when she was all green. So I asked her if she'd like a Jenday, and she nodded. I'm under the impression that they get along well together, right?

Should I expect a totally different personality though? Nara is happy and mellow and easy going and extremely affectionate. Would that rub off on the new guy? By the way, should I go for same sex or opposite sex?

[xafsmom]

You'll have a better time of it if you stick with the same gender. The main difference between Jendayas and Suns are the aggression factor. Jendayas can be mate aggressive and 'other bird' aggressive more than Suns. This doesn't mean all Jendayas are mean, but they have a greater propensity for it than Suns. Curious, why not another Sun?

[Carbon]

Originally Posted by xafsmom

Curious, why not another Sun?

My gf wants something different, preferably greener.

[Carbon]

xfmwp,

Do you have a picture of a BCC standing next to a sun?

What about the red-head/green-body varieties? Anything comperably mellow to the BCC?

[xafsmom]

These aren't mine, but two Suns and a BCC:


Red, green, blue, what? LOL

Is this colorful enough for you?