Add to menagerie so soon?

[inge]

We have had our birdie girl (dusky conure) for a little over a month and we just love her more every day. It's a surprise, because I only took in the bird because a family member was in a dire personal crisis and needed someone to look after the bird.
I also have two dogs (a German Shepherd and a mixed breed puppy who will be another large dog).
Tonight I was looking on CraigsList for a travel cage for our Wynnie, because we have an RV. We already have a little carrier for her (one of those little luggage looking things with a perch) but I wanted a smallish cage that she could stay in for up to two weeks if we want to go camping...

Anyhoo, an ad for two conures, a bonded pair, pineapple and turqouise, inclusive of cage, etc., came up and I am sorely tempted.

Maybe I am crazy. The price is very, very reasonable and birds are sooo pretty.

I know our birdie may never care for them, but I just can't stop thinking we should adopt them.

 

[Sterling1113]

If you ask me, it's *never* too early. Now, there's a difference between what your situation is, and then of course hoarding which would be taking in several animals over a short period of time with no means or ability to give them the personal attention and care they need.
Of course you should address the space, cost, and everything that goes along with getting two more birds. But if you're totally capable of caring for them and giving them the attention they need, why not?
Just be careful with a bonded pair- unless you're really experienced, you definitely *don't* want babies. Be prepared to cage them separately to avoid having a clutch!!

Also be able to quarantine them- keep them away from your birdie for 30~ days in case they are carrying anything harmful, and also have them vetted.(If they're not DNA'd, may want to do that too, maybe if it's two boys or two girls you don't have to worry about babies!)

Let us know how it goes!!

 

[inge]

Thanks, Sterling! If I get them vetted ASAP, do I still need to quarantine? I have enough rooms in my house that I could if necessary.
The ones I am looking at are at least 2 yrs old (that is how long she has had them, she got them from a breeder locally) and supposedly have been DNA sexed (both males). My conure is a female so I would need to research the birdie birth control techniques.
The boys apparently have shared a big cage. So that would continue.
It seems like the cost of bird ownership is mostly up front with cages, carriers, etc., because food and toys are the main cost on a monthly basis.
I am worried about time. Making sure that all the animals get enough attention.

 

[Sterling1113]

Thanks, Sterling! If I get them vetted ASAP, do I still need to quarantine? I have enough rooms in my house that I could if necessary.
The ones I am looking at are at least 2 yrs old (that is how long she has had them, she got them from a breeder locally) and supposedly have been DNA sexed (both males). My conure is a female so I would need to research the birdie birth control techniques.
The boys apparently have shared a big cage. So that would continue.
It seems like the cost of bird ownership is mostly up front with cages, carriers, etc., because food and toys are the main cost on a monthly basis.
I am worried about time. Making sure that all the animals get enough attention.

Even if you get them vetted- it's best to keep them away for atleast a couple weeks. They might be a carrier for something that won't show up without testing(blood work, samples, etc) and those are usually not a part of a routine check-up. The time frame just lets you see how they adjust before exposing them to anything else stressful or new- like another bird- so if something seems off, you can get it assessed immediately. And, if it is in fact an illness, get it treated before it spreads. (Worst case scenario, of course.)
How much time do you have to spend with your fids? I work from home so mine are out all-day almost every day. It's not a requirement, it's just something they've becomes used to.
I'd say as long as you have 3-5 hours to spend with your birds(Not entirely out of the cage, hands-on interaction, but just being in the same room as them, letting them play outside the cage, etc.) then it will be fine. Especially if the pair is bonded, they're likely to entertain eachother and be less prone to over-stress from being left alone.
Plus, your current bird may be entertained by them too!! You never know. You'll learn real quick how much attention they like to have, conures are pretty vocal about what they do or dont want...

 

[inge]

I've been meaning to address the question of "vetting." Maybe I will start a new thread but for this convo, my idea of vetting means blood work, etc. ($300 per bird). Always an eye opener to consider costs!
I work about 50/50 home vs outside home, but not necessarily that way each day. Some days are long, some are 15 mins., but between hubby and myself we def have our current birdie out of cage for several hours per day.
From convo with the Craigs List person who wants to sell birds and their kit, she is spending only an hour or so per week. Yikes, right?

 

[Sterling1113]

I've been meaning to address the question of "vetting." Maybe I will start a new thread but for this convo, my idea of vetting means blood work, etc. ($300 per bird). Always an eye opener to consider costs!
I work about 50/50 home vs outside home, but not necessarily that way each day. Some days are long, some are 15 mins., but between hubby and myself we def have our current birdie out of cage for several hours per day.
From convo with the Craigs List person who wants to sell birds and their kit, she is spending only an hour or so per week. Yikes, right?

Yeah, it's not something I'm 100% on either- some people will do a basic diagnostics check, which is usually $60-80 depending on who/where. Others do the whole deal- which is what you mentioned. I think you have a great thought process on it though! Sounds like you'll take great care to ensure the health of all your fids- new ones included. I personally never quarantined my birds, as I got my conures a long time ago and I was rather uneducated, so they went together(separate cages, same room.) pretty quickly, and I took the word of the people I purchased them from that they were vetted. Probably a dumb move on my part, but luckily they're both in great health and share a cage today, since they've become best of friends.(Had Kiwi for a bit over a year, and Loki for ~10 months ish.)

Normally I'd have something to bark at when I hear someone spending ~1 hour per WEEK with their birds.. but this person is rehoming them, and I'm sure that's not the only reason, so I'll hold my tongue hehe. Atleast they know it isn't the best of them, yeah?
But if they're adjusted to that little amount of attention, though it may take time to get them tame(depending on if they're already hand friendly and socialized.) I'm sure they'll do just fine with your schedule. Plenty of time for them to be to themselves, and then plenty of people-time!!

Anyway.. rambling now. :54:
Clearly you'll get no negative feedback from me about adopting these birds, hehe. But I'll definitely help with any questions you may have, if I can.(Though it may be spread out over a few paragraphs!! XD )