Quakers or Conures?

[Cathy11]

hi i am purchasing a new bird within the next month, i was originally looking at a quaker but at a bird fair, a lady told me that conures were a better choice, i have read a little about them but i am still unsure, any suggestions?

[xsiveone]

Hi.

I have two Quakers and wouldn't trade them for the world. My sister has a Green Cheek Conure and it's a nice bird, but doesn't hold a candle to either of my birds IMO. It just doesn't have the personality and it doesn't have any talking ability. My Quakers love to talk.

That being said, there are many types of Conures. What type of Conure did the lady at the bird fair suggest? Why did she say that it would make a better bird than a Quaker?

Also, Quakers can get a little noisy depending on the bird, but I have never heard a Quaker that can even approach the noise level of a Nanday or Sun Conure. They are downright ear splitting! My sister's parrot isn't that noisy, but it has a screech that is pretty loud and definitely more annoying than any sound that comes out of the beak of either of my Quakers.

Hope this helps.

X

[The Outlaw]

If quakers are legal in your area, I'd still choose a quaker. They can be ornery if not handled properly, but mine is quite a charming little creature and a great talker, too. I just like their confidence. I also agree that even a cranked up vocal quaker doesn't begin to reach the decibal levels of most conures. Frankly, its the noise factor that has always turned me away from conures. And, that's coming from a person who lives with 10 larger parrots: mostly big macaws.

Meet lots of birds and let one pick you out. Forget about preconceptions. You'll know the right one when you meet it. Good luck.

THE OUTLAW

[Monica]

If you are interested in quakers, I'd say go for it! Locate a breeder who handraises them and is reputable, and buy one from him.

If you are interested in a conure, for first choices, I'd say for you to look into dusky headed conures, blue crowned conures, or nandays. These conures are on the larger scale of sizes as compared to others, they may squawk loudly though are normally not as loud as suns and jendays, and most can be quite cuddly, too. Their squawks are not as high pitched as those of the pyrrhura conures as they are mainly aratingas (except for the nanday which is nandayus, though pretty close to an aratinga, otherwise, as it stands). Again, if you are interested in one of these birds, search for a breeder who handraises them!

I never have had any of the above mentioned birds, though they are very well liked among the bird groups, especially suns for their shear beauty, but they tend to be very loud compared to other conures. As Nancy said though, it's better for a bird to pick you out than you picking the bird out as this ensures that both of you will have a happier and more fulfilling life most likely right off the bat!

[Cathy11]

the lady at the fair told me a green cheek is better, she said that they are less noisy and have a nice/funny personality and that they were smaller, the lady who i am talking to about the quaker told me that they make great pets and have a big personality and have good ability for talking

[Monica]

I wouldn't exactly say that green cheeks are quieter as they have a high-pitched scream that can be more deafening to the ears than the squawk of a quaker. They are indeed smaller though it's best to research about the species that you are most interested in, and try to search one out that wants you!

[QuakerMom43]

I have both Quakers and conures. I love them both! Equally! They are both smart breeds and very socail.

[Gary B.]

my parents had a Nanday/Jenday mix conure that was OMG LOUD!!! Zander hasnt come anywhere near the noise level.. however i wouldnt mind having a Sun Conure.. my wife doesnt like that idea though she cant stand how loud they get. so well see what happens.