A few questions about Green Cheek Conures! :)

[loraliromance]

Hello All,

I'm about to take my first step towards owning a Green Cheek Conure. I saw one in the Pet Store about a year ago and at the time I couldn't have one, finally I'm at the point where I can. I fell in love with the little guy, because of how interactive and sweet he was and now a year later, I'm so excited to finally get one!

Anywho, I have quite a few questions if anyone could possibly help me out! I've been doing a bit of research, but this is my first bird in general, so I want to understand everything. Also, if you can't answer all of these, that's fine, any insight you can give on any of the questions is very very helpful.

1. From what I read Green Cheek Conures need 1/2" bar spacing. I've never owned a bird, so I'm not sure how bar spacing really makes an impact on the little guy. All I know is that if it's too big, he'll become an escape artist. Either way, the reason I'm asking is, cages at our local pet stores are obviously overpriced and I couldn't find one I found suitably large enough for one. However, I did find this one on Amazon, but the bar spacing is 7/16ths I believe.

Cage : [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Prevue-Products-3156W-37-Inch-27-Inch/dp/B00176F7EK/"]Amazon.com: Prevue Pet Products Large Corner Bird Cage 3156W White, 37-Inch by 27-Inch by 63-Inch: Pet Supplies[/ame]

So here's the cage questions..would this spacing be alright? Is the cage large enough?

I read on here that someone linked the below cage as a good cage and while it's definitely cheaper I kinda had my heart set on a corner cage with a perch on top.

Cage that was linked in previous post : A&E Cage Co. Powder Coated Wrought Iron Cage | Wayfair

Also, there's another version of the cage I want that is $50.00 more + Shipping on Foster & Smith with 7/8ths spacing. I'd prefer to buy from Amazon for the savings and free 2-Day shipping, but I'll do whats best for the little guy.

Foster & Smith Cage : Bird cages: Corner Parrot Cage at Drs. Foster & Smith



2. Now to my next question, are GCC Loud? Please let me explain what I mean before I'm stared at like "Why ask that question?" lol. What I mean is, if the bird is cared for and handled and bonds to me, is it easy to train them not to make loud noises? I can handle the noise and my apartment complex is alright with me having a bird as long as he doesn't annoy the neighbors, so I just wanted to check if it is easy to train them not to do this and..how would you suggest going about training?

3. I'm going to research this question quite a bit on my own, but I thought I'd ask here first, Are GCC prone to any sort of health conditions, etc that I should be aware of? I want to make sure the little guy is super health and happy, so knowing ahead of time about tips/tricks to avoid health problems would be super helpful.

4. Last, but not least, best place to get a baby Conure? They do have them at our local Petco, but..I absolutely hate Petco. I've had many animals in my life and before ever getting one, I always make sure to completely research the little guys, because the last thing I want is to put them somewhere I can't take care of them and they'll be unhappy. Well, every time I go into Petco/Petsmart I swear their animals look like...they hate life. I feel so bad for them, but I worry about how they've been treated before I buy them, so they scare me a bit when it comes to purchasing expensive personable pets. I live in Washington State and if anyone knows a local aviary, that would be super helpful. I'd really love to meet the babies before purchasing, but..if you have a highly recommended breeder that ships or is in Oregon, I'm fine with that.


Thank you all so much for reading this and I'm going to continue my search. If any of you have suggestions for affordable cages that have a purch on top, that would also be helpful. I'd prefer to keep the cage under $300 if possible, because..well after buying him/her, I'd like to have a little money to spoil with, haha.

 

[legal_eagle]

That cage is more than large enough. Might even be too big, but I suppose that more than enough space can't hurt.

While GCC's are less loud than a lot of other birds, they will make loud noise occasionally. You can't train them to never make loud noise, but you can minimize it by good parronting, which is an awfully complex subject. I know my neighbors hear my GCC now and then but I don't think they care because the few squeaks or squawks only last for a few seconds.

 

[loraliromance]

Thank you so much for your insight so far

I'm not worried about a squawk here or there, that doesn't scare me. I'm just worried about it never stopping and my neighbors getting me kicked out, haha.

As for the cage, thank you for explaining the bar spacing a little more, I just wanted to make sure that it wouldn't hurt if I got bar spacing SMALLER than the recommended.

However, I did stumble upon the cage below, which is a ridiculously good deal.

Cage : [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Prevue-Products-Wrought-F040-31-Inch/dp/B00176F5L0/]Amazon.com: Prevue Pet Products Wrought Iron Flight Cage with Stand F040 Black Bird Cage, 31-Inch by 20-1/2-Inch by 53-Inch: Pet Supplies[/ame]

It is rather big, bigger than the other one, but I suppose if later down the road I decided to get another, at least there would be plenty of space for the both of them. Again, that was just a random thought, I haven't even researched if two can hang out together. I'm sure that's all situational and can be different from case to case, but if I had the room, that'd make it even more appealing. I suppose my question there would be....could it be too much space if I did choose it for just him?

Thanks all!

 

[Grenage]

As long as the spacing isn't too wide, you can't generally have a cage that's too large. It's smart to get a second small cage for times where you need to clean the main cage, or transport the bird. - something you can easily fit in the car.

Some Conures are noisier than others; once you've developed a routine and the bird has been with you a while (1 year+), things will usually settle down. Mine will make no noise if I'm in the room with him, flock calls if I'm in the house (and he knows it), and not much aside. A scared or excited Green-Cheek can kick out a lot of noise, but you just have to turn away and do nothing until it stops - I experience this probably once a month, and it only lasts a few seconds.

Routine is king, if you go to work Mon-Fri, the bird will not expect attention, so if you pop home at lunch, he might not make any noise; the same goes before work in the morning.

You might get the initial honeymoon period where the bird doesn't know what the hell to make of his new world (1-4 weeks, perhaps), followed by an indeterminate period of the bird testing his boundaries. Learn the difference between a nip and a bite, because Green-Cheeks are nippy birds - they don't mean anything by it. It's often a warning, but generally they just like to munch things; you learn to work with and around it.

Toys! strings of coloured blocks are fun for climbing, but rarely used for much else. Conures generally love toys that they can destroy completely, and assume a life expectancy of about 1-3 days. Toys can be expensive, so save all of the cords/rope/fittings, and use them to create your own versions. Coloured lolly sticks can be bought in batches of hundreds for very little on ebay - but make sure you get the ones with pre-drilled holes. Toilet roll tubes are good to keep.

As to where you get the bird - choose a breeder or a rescue centre. It's tempting to 'rescue' birds from large stores, but honestly, it only fuels their enterprise.

All of the above is a rough GCC guide - every bird is a little different. You might end up with a mute ball of feathers, or a winged murder machine - but it's not likely.

 

[Frumpydumple]

My Green Cheek Conure is very noisy, she often screams for hours each morning and wakes me up at 6am. She is nippy, but she is also very sweet and funny. She also loves to talk too. They are great birds, and their personalities are worth the noise and slight nippiness. I also highly recommend you buy from a breeder, not a store, pet stores often have sickly birds who are not as well socialized as birds from breeders. The cages you were looking at all look suitable for a Green Cheek. Good luck in finding a good one.

 

[brianlinkles]

My daughter has a gcc he is very sweet and playful! As far as noise, no I don't consider them to be a loud bird. Of course there are always exceptions to this rule. I also have a breeding pair and they are not loud either. This is not to say that they don't make noise just nothing compared to other larger parrots or lets say something like the sun conure. It's great that you are doing your research. I would also say find a good breeder or rescue in your area. There is a huge difference in a baby that has been handfed and loved and handled until it comes to your home than in a baby that is in a cage at petco. I know there is the temptation to bring home the petco bird to save it from its "life" however it usually just means that they go and buy another in its place. They are usually much higher priced than a breeders bird. Have fun and good luck, they are great little birds!

 

[ConureCrazy]

1-EDIT: The first one is great! Oliver, my Senegal, has the second one, I absolutely LOVE it. The Fosters and Smith is too wide of bar spacing.
2-My two only sound off in the morning, at about 7 or 8. It's barely anything though, the screeching only lasts maybe 2-4 minutes, but there are large breaks in between.. "SCREECH SCREECH SCREECH SCREECH... 30 seconds... SCREECH...20 seconds..." The rest of their noises are just cute, quiet little chirps.
3-Not that I know of, but the little guys are very fragile, so be VERY careful to not push him or squash him.
4-I'm afraid I can't help you there, just go to a reputable breeder, not a pet store.

 

[Skittlez]

I just got my new baby a 10 week old yellow sided green cheek conure. I originally wanted a sun conure but the babies were about 1 month away from being weened. I lucked out on this one since she is prettier than the plain green cheeks and for a great price. I got a cockatiel starter cage at petsmart on sale for $54.... the size is perfect for her plus I was able to spend more on toys and treats for her. I named her skittlez since she has all of the colors that a bag of skittles has. I hope to teach her how to say "taste the Rainbow". I might go back to the bird store in a month or so and pick up a very very sweat rose breasted cockatoo.

 

[loraliromance]

Thank you so much!

You've all been very helpful..

Now I just really need some help finding a breeder. Unfortuantely, that's a tad troublesome. If someone could help me out with any tips, anywhere in Washington is fine and upper Oregon is alright as well. My zipcode is 99336, so any help would be helpful.


Someone posted this link on an older forum post, but it hasn't been super helpful, because the first website hasn't been updated since 2011 with babies and then the other website is finches only.

birdbreeders.com/BreederSearch.aspx?state=WA


Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Thank you!

 

[Peeko]

Thank you so much for your insight so far

I'm not worried about a squawk here or there, that doesn't scare me. I'm just worried about it never stopping and my neighbors getting me kicked out, haha.

As for the cage, thank you for explaining the bar spacing a little more, I just wanted to make sure that it wouldn't hurt if I got bar spacing SMALLER than the recommended.

However, I did stumble upon the cage below, which is a ridiculously good deal.

Cage : Amazon.com: Prevue Pet Products Wrought Iron Flight Cage with Stand F040 Black Bird Cage, 31-Inch by 20-1/2-Inch by 53-Inch: Pet Supplies

It is rather big, bigger than the other one, but I suppose if later down the road I decided to get another, at least there would be plenty of space for the both of them. Again, that was just a random thought, I haven't even researched if two can hang out together. I'm sure that's all situational and can be different from case to case, but if I had the room, that'd make it even more appealing. I suppose my question there would be....could it be too much space if I did choose it for just him?

Thanks all!

That is the cage Peeko has. He makes full use of all of the space and loves it All of the doors need to be clipped shut, though, or he would figure out how to get loose. Other than that, I have absolutely zero complaints about that cage.

 

[loraliromance]

That is the cage Peeko has. He makes full use of all of the space and loves it All of the doors need to be clipped shut, though, or he would figure out how to get loose. Other than that, I have absolutely zero complaints about that cage.

You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear you say that! I bought a ferret cage by them a long time ago and well it got destroyed. The truth is, I got the ferrets from a breeder that..really must have bread destructive ferrets, so I really don't think anything would have stood a chance, but I was a little weary of purchasing another product by them. Thanks so much for easing my mind

 

[henpecked]

I would check birdbreeders.com again. Not sure about the link you used but it is usually updated daily. The main menu on the left side of the page, do a breeder search, choose WA (state) and species Green Cheek Conures. I see 14 breeders in your area. I'd start contacting them and see when they expect babies. Many will have a waiting list. maybe you can find a good breeder close by who would let you visit.

Bird Breeder Search - BirdBreeders.com - Avian Directory of Available Birds and Bird Breeders

 

[Skittlez]

Too bad you don't live close to Las Vegas, I know a great breeder that can get you any mutation of the green cheeks you desire...

plain, pineapple, cinnamon, turquoise, yellow sided, ect...

 

[loraliromance]

Too bad you don't live close to Las Vegas, I know a great breeder that can get you any mutation of the green cheeks you desire...

plain, pineapple, cinnamon, turquoise, yellow sided, ect...

Boy am i jealous of you, I've been doing my research, but they're pretty scarce up here without a minimum of 500 plus the funds to travel about five hours each way.

I shall not give up in my quest for a mini best friend, haha.

 

[Peanutsmum]

My little Peanut is nearly 8 months old and a real bundle of fun! GCC can be noisy but P was only really very loud for few weeks while he settled into his new life. He goes nuts when he hears me get up in the morning or coming in if Ive been out, other than that he doesnt really scream too much. Sun conures are supposed to be the nosiest conures. Yes they are nippy, Peanut was very beak happy for first 2 months or so but if it hurts you just need to be firm and put them in time out for few mins, completely ignore the bird until quietens down then play again. Peanut is no angel but he knows the boundaries now and is the best friend I have!

 

[sangnoy]

Check out Denise Parrots Place in Seattle. They have baby conure there.

 

[FreddyCheeks]

Just some insight on how my little GCC is.

He is in a 18x18 cage with natural perches, sleeping tent, and a bunch-o-toys. In some opinions the cage is the very minimal for this type of bird, but he is out more than in the cage. Another thing I do is if he is being squawky I do not acknolage him until he is quiet. Once he is quiet I will let him out. This way he doesn't think that everytime he starts screaming at me, he will get attention. So far so good as he is pretty quiet outside of his bedtime chatter. As far as food goes he gets a pellet/nut/seed mix about 30/50/20 ratio. I also give him lots of dried fruit as its a favorite treat for him, Expecially bananas.

Another thing(not sure if its a GCC thing) is he poops right out the cage. So what I do is up him on his perch/stand and tell him to poop. After about a week he pretty much gets the routine.

Just remember these little guys are very intelligent.

Hope this helps and good luck with your new little family member.

 

[Agapornis]

This is the cage i got, and my little GCC loves it. Great price too, only $129!
HQ Flight Bird Cage - Presented by BirdsComfort.com

Another site you can go to look for a breeder is Birds Now - Birds and Parrots for Sale and Adoption just put in your state and the kind of bird you are looking for. I got my birdy from a breeder, and he is a doll. She did a great job hand raising and socializing him. In fact, I'm getting another GCC from her this saturday! She is 3 hours away from me, each way. i don't mind the drive, it's worth it to get such a great bird!

Good luck in your search!

 

[MonicaMc]

I haven't read all the info or replies here.... but I just wanted to say that I hate corner cages...

Corner cages *only* fit in the corner (anywhere else and they may look 'out of place'), I detest cages that have "V" shaped wires (very easy to get ligaments or a head down the wider end and stuck in the lower end), I hate rounded cages (more difficult to place toys, perches, dishes, cage papers, etc), hate that corner cages often have two trays (which equals more cage cleaning) and I just hate corner cages in general.


If you are dead-set on a corner cage (which you don't appear to be), then I would recommend one of a hexagonal shape instead... such as these.

100G-3 (37" x 30" x 61")
100G-2 (44" x 35" x 67")
100G-1 (52" x 42" x 74")

All have 1/2" bar spacing, they range in size and I think they start at or around $300 in price and go up from there (depending on where you shop).



Or *maybe* this one....
13216 HQ Medium Corner Cage - Presented by My Bird Cage



I have two flight cages. One a single and the other a double. They work just fine for me! Although I don't care too much about the fact that the double cage can be slightly more difficult to clean thoroughly without taking it apart...



Another cage that is popular (but IMO is butt ugly! and we're not talking cute conure butts here!) is this one...
Petco Designer Mink Brown Standing Parrot Cage - Parrot Bird Cage and Playtop Bird Cage from Petco.com