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Post by zim on Apr 12, 2016 22:23:31 GMT -5
When I was researching what type of parrot I wanted to purchase (for several months), the Sun Conure was one that was at the top of my list. I had seriously considered one, but ended up going with Yoshi the Quaker.
I've had Yoshi for about 4 1/2 months now (he's 7 months old now), and I've been thinking very seriously about going ahead and getting a Sun Conure as well. I had originally told myself that I was gonna wait until Yoshi had went through sexual maturity before getting another bird, and seeing if I even wanted one after the fun of that passes. But I just can't stop thinking about and looking at / reading up on Sun Conures.
I think one of the biggest things that I've read that is making me consider getting another bird so soon (or maybe I'm just using this as ammo for my argument with myself on whether or not I should get one), is that birds have a better chance of getting along with each other if introduced young.
If I do get a Sun Conure, I'll be purchasing a baby directly from a breeder.
I guess I'm just looking for some advice from those of you who have multiple birds. What are your thoughts and opinions?
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Post by Angela on Apr 12, 2016 23:11:08 GMT -5
Oh Zim I know exactly how you feel! I couldn't stop thinking about the first quaker I decided on even after I had Skye!!!! So as you know I went back after only having Skye for 2 months and got my 2nd quaker Loki. They just pull at your hearstrings!  I am certainly no expert of course, but Skye and Loki get on well of course they are both quakers.... Well I'm sure everyone here will be able to help way more than me, but in my opinion, just follow your heart! Best of luck and let us know how you go! |
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Post by easttex on Apr 13, 2016 5:05:19 GMT -5
I resisted getting a second bird for years because my grey, Allie, is so closely bonded to me, and I was afraid of what it might to do her emotionally. But when I heard of Peppy's plight, I had to adopt him. I knew he was a senior and cage-bound, and I honestly thought there was a good chance I'd never be able to handle him. So it seemed ideal. They would be company for each other, and Allie would have no reason to be jealous.
After many months, Peppy turned out to be a cuddle muffin. On top of that, there has been his illness, which leads me to give him lavish attention. Surprisingly, Allie seems to take it all in stride. I'm careful to give her focused attention, and try to give her precedence in things where I can. I take her out of her cage first, give her treats first, etc. I doubt I will ever let them interact with each other. Allie is not aggressive about it, but she makes it clear she doesn't want him close to her, and I respect that.
As far as the work load, it's not twice the work, but it is increased. The expense is double. It also takes twice the focused attention, but that's easy for me.
I don't know if any of this helps your decision, especially since I was dealing with adults. It's messier, noisier, and requires more of my time, but it has worked out better than I had imagined.
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Post by zim on Apr 13, 2016 11:44:16 GMT -5
Thanks easttex! I do have a few questions for you, if you don't mind.
Are Allie and Peppy kept in the same room? One potential problem for me is I live in a smallish two room place (main living area and a bathroom). So seperate rooms just wouldn't be something I'd be able to do. Adding on to this, I've read many times that when introducing a new bird to the home, that they should be isolated to a different room for 30-45 days, to make sure they can't pass any illnesses on to the rest of your "flock". This worries me a bit.
You mentioned it's noisier with two birds, does Allie make more noise because of Peppy being there now? Honestly the noise isn't a big deal for me. I live in a very, very small town (population less than 300). I do have neighbors, but they aren't extremely close to my home. Yoshi doesn't make a whole lot of unwanted noise. When he does start screaming for seemingly no reason, it doesn't last long - or I'm usually able to distract him with something else and he hushes up.
Ideally, I'd love for them to both get along. I would never expect them to share cage space, or even hang out on top of each others cage. I would like them to have a neutral play stand area. And of course I'd love to be able to sit on the couch and watch a movie with both of them on my shoulders. I do realize there's a good chance that this wouldn't work out.
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Post by easttex on Apr 13, 2016 14:12:07 GMT -5
They do share a sleep room. And they're both in the living room during the day. Neither of them is much for flying, so there's no problem there. It is best practice to quarantine for a minimum of 30 days, but I won't say that everyone does that. I cracked at about day 23 with Peppy. That's a tough one for you, but if you know your bird is not ill, and a new bird is coming directly from a breeder with no exposure to strange birds, it is not quite the risk it would otherwise be. I would run it past your vet. Allie is not noisier because of Peppy. She just is louder, and has a larger repertoire. She seems to delight in noises that get under everyone's skin. I know better than to respond to them, but my husband can't help himself. And there are times when I would almost swear Peppy is telling her to pipe down. They don't seem to communicate much with each other, though I think Peppy tried in the beginning. A conure and a quaker might well coexist fine. You don't know until it's too late to change your mind. |
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Post by wsteinhoff on Apr 13, 2016 21:07:46 GMT -5
I was planning on getting a sun conure and almost got one before I found Bishop. Instead of getting the sun conure also I instead ended up adding a sparrow and a pigeon to the family. They all share a room and get along without issues. Before I add a new pigeon to the breeders outside I generally quarantine for at least a week. That's usually long enough for an illness to start showing if you know of what signs to look for, even the smallest things that would often go unrecognized. I know sun conures are said to be very noisy so if that plus the added mess doesn't bother you then go for it.
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Post by Angela on Apr 14, 2016 8:28:10 GMT -5
I have different cages for Skye and Loki. They are in their cages during the day when we are at work. Then when we get home we let them out. Skye can fly but we trimmed Loki's wings as he was flying away from us and we just couldn't catch him. We hope he'll be used to us enough not the have to trim again but we will see! They are of course both quakers so they do like to hang out with each other, but Skye loves hanging out with us alot too. Having said that they don't like to be in separate rooms. If Skye follows us to the shower poor little Loki will do his little drift to the ground and walk right in! But they do sleep in their separate cages too. Of course it is messier with 2 birds. Skye flies over to his cage to poop (mostly) but of course Loki can't fly so he just poops on me lol! More mess with the way they eat of course. Yep the noise is more too! LOL It's not unbearable but they do all these funny noises and talk to each other! It's actually cute the way they talk to each other Best of luck |
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Post by siobhan on Apr 19, 2016 16:35:31 GMT -5
I have seven birds. What do you THINK I'm going to say???
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Post by zim on Apr 19, 2016 17:01:05 GMT -5
I have seven birds. What do you THINK I'm going to say??? Lol! No, no way. I couldn't do that. I have a ton of respect for you! Going to a bird fair in Springfield, IL next month. If there are any babies there, there's a good chance I'll be coming home with one. Will just have to wait and see! |
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Post by siobhan on Apr 20, 2016 11:53:09 GMT -5
Are you in Illinois??? I'm planning on going to the bird fair, too. What day is it this time? I haven't received an email from them yet. I am NOT looking for a bird (they always find me) but Rocky needs a giant 'too swing and I got some treats there last fall that everyone liked a lot.
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Post by zim on Apr 20, 2016 12:42:44 GMT -5
Are you in Illinois??? I'm planning on going to the bird fair, too. What day is it this time? I haven't received an email from them yet. I am NOT looking for a bird (they always find me) but Rocky needs a giant 'too swing and I got some treats there last fall that everyone liked a lot. Yep, I live in Southern Illinois. The bird fair is on May 15: www.illinibirdfanciers.com/bird_fairs.shtml |
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Post by siobhan on Apr 20, 2016 12:53:41 GMT -5
Thanks! I always like to go, even though it's horribly difficult to walk past all those birds and not bring one home with me. I got my Freddie there in 2010.
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I am certainly no expert of course, but Skye and Loki get on well of course they are both quakers.... Well I'm sure everyone here will be able to help way more than me, but in my opinion, just follow your heart! 
