Can I get a Sun Conure as a student?

[TheSoggyBagel]

Hi everybody!
I've began looking in to sun conures (I'll admit, I still have a way to go on research) and they seem to be great pets-if you can tolerate screaming. I would be able to house a Conure in an outdoor aviary year round (I live in a tropical temperature) and I would probably have about 3-5 hours a day to spend with a bird. However, I'm still in school and won't be home for about 7-8 hours on weekdays. Would it still be okay to have a Conure provided that they still get mental stimulation while I'm not with them (lots of toys, surrounding scenery, etc). Would it be a good idea to introduce other birds? Thanks for all the help!
-ps, I know I still have a lot of research to do before I adopt any bird, and I plan to do way more before I get to bring a feathered friend home. I'm sorry if I happen to say something incorrect about conures, and corrections would be great!
Thanks!!!


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[SailBoat]

Hi everybody!
I've began looking in to sun conures (I'll admit, I still have a way to go on research) and they seem to be great pets-if you can tolerate screaming. I would be able to house a Conure in an outdoor aviary year round (I live in a tropical temperature) and I would probably have about 3-5 hours a day to spend with a bird. However, I'm still in school and won't be home for about 7-8 hours on weekdays. Would it still be okay to have a Conure provided that they still get mental stimulation while I'm not with them (lots of toys, surrounding scenery, etc). Would it be a good idea to introduce other birds? Thanks for all the help!
-ps, I know I still have a lot of research to do before I adopt any bird, and I plan to do way more before I get to bring a feathered friend home. I'm sorry if I happen to say something incorrect about conures, and corrections would be great!
Thanks!!!
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Parrots as a group, yes even the small ones, are a long-lived member of the family, easily out-living either cats or dogs. At you age, you have lots of growing-up too do and you will need time for all the things you want to do!. In addition, your interests will likely change, but the Parrot will still be there.

Once your life becomes stable, and you can afford a Parrot and care for it, then its time to consider a Parrot.

Also, Companion Parrots living outside is not recommended even in areas that are warm all day and night. In all climates, there are any number of animals that have a real interest is eating the Parrot. Parrots should only be outside a few hours and then only when someone is watching them closely!

 

[wrench13]

Another vote to wait til your life stabilizes. Parrots dont understand when you neeed to go out wth your friends for a weekend , or even for the evening, they need their person to be regular in so many areas. Also keeping a parrot is not a cheap proposition, Certified Aviann Vet bills can add up, healthy food for your sun conure is not cheap and requires time to prepare. The Aviary cage may be proof agaiinst large predators but what about the small ones, - the mice, rats, insects etc that will also feast on your parrots foods.

ANd dont forget about aerial predators in your area. The aviary must be proof against not only ground based predators but hawks and falcons and others, who WILL try to take your parrot right thru the bars and even if they dont, can leave a beautiful companion parrot scared out of his mind and leave him in psycological tatters, never to be the trusting parrot he once was.

I know this is not the answer you wanted to hear, but it will be the best for any parrot you eventually get. Please try and wait. Volunteer at a Parrot rescue or even at a avian vet for awhile to get a better idea of what living with a smart, clever, perpetual 2 year old toddler who has a sharp can opener attached to his face will be like for the next 30-40 years ( maybe more!).

 

[TheSoggyBagel]

Hi everybody!

I've began looking in to sun conures (I'll admit, I still have a way to go on research) and they seem to be great pets-if you can tolerate screaming. I would be able to house a Conure in an outdoor aviary year round (I live in a tropical temperature) and I would probably have about 3-5 hours a day to spend with a bird. However, I'm still in school and won't be home for about 7-8 hours on weekdays. Would it still be okay to have a Conure provided that they still get mental stimulation while I'm not with them (lots of toys, surrounding scenery, etc). Would it be a good idea to introduce other birds? Thanks for all the help!

-ps, I know I still have a lot of research to do before I adopt any bird, and I plan to do way more before I get to bring a feathered friend home. I'm sorry if I happen to say something incorrect about conures, and corrections would be great!

Thanks!!!

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Parrots as a group, yes even the small ones, are a long-lived member of the family, easily out-living either cats or dogs. At you age, you have lots of growing-up too do and you will need time for all the things you want to do!. In addition, your interests will likely change, but the Parrot will still be there.



Once your life becomes stable, and you can afford a Parrot and care for it, then its time to consider a Parrot.



Also, Companion Parrots living outside is not recommended even in areas that are warm all day and night. In all climates, there are any number of animals that have a real interest is eating the Parrot. Parrots should only be outside a few hours and then only when someone is watching them closely!

oh okay. You're probably right. I hate to push, but would adopting an older parrot work maybe? I don't know, I should probably just wait like you suggested. Thank you!


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[TheSoggyBagel]

Good idea... it's kind of disappointing, yes, but I understand that birds are such a huge commitment and I wouldn't want to get one just to have it be unhappy, or to end up having to rehome them. Thank you for taking time to reply!!


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[Kiwibird]

I would venture to say it is inadvisable but that doesn't necessarily mean it's impossible nor that you'll listen. I sure didn't listen! Parrots are very different than other pets. They are more like winged feral toddlers with beaks. Take it from someone who did adopt a parrot when I was 19, your social life will be significantly impacted by the bird's care needs (if you are caring for your parrot properly). They NEED daily interaction and unless your wealthy, you'll also be making time to make DIY toys (parrots are voracious toy destroyers and it adds up fast, even buying parts and assembling yourself). You'll also have to allocate time for prepping nutritious fresh foods daily. Parrots MUST eat fresh fruit and veg every day and also should really have cooked grains and beans as well (which can be pre-prepped). Vet expenses will also be pricey. I'll be honest, I only take my bird in for a checkup every few years, but it is 'recommended' they go in annually (either way, the bird must be taken in occasionally for an expert to look over and run tests on). If the bird displays any signs of illness they must be taken in for an emergency visit because even a minor cold can kill them. Avian specialized vets are very expensive, even mores for unscheduled visits! If your bird develops a chronic health issue, those expenses can REALLY add up. One last consideration, unlike other bird species, constructing a suitable aviary for a parrot will be more expensive than buying a large, high quality cage. Parrots MUST have stainless steel fencing for the aviary, which is prohibitively expensive. Standard zinc galvanized 'chicken wire' or the various materials typically found in a hardware store suitable for housing other types of birds is deadly to parrots. You need to buy a cage designed for a parrot, either powder coated or stainless steel. You can expect to spend around $200-$300 and up for a suitable conure cage, depending on where you live. You can roll the cage outside when the weather is nice, but you should not leave your bird unattended outside in a cage. Checking in on them occasionally is ok, but you should never not be home and leave your bird outdoors.

 

[TheSoggyBagel]

I would venture to say it is inadvisable but that doesn't necessarily mean it's impossible nor that you'll listen. I sure didn't listen! Parrots are very different than other pets. They are more like winged feral toddlers with beaks. Take it from someone who did adopt a parrot when I was 19, your social life will be significantly impacted by the bird's care needs (if you are caring for your parrot properly). They NEED daily interaction and unless your wealthy, you'll also be making time to make DIY toys (parrots are voracious toy destroyers and it adds up fast, even buying parts and assembling yourself). You'll also have to allocate time for prepping nutritious fresh foods daily. Parrots MUST eat fresh fruit and veg every day and also should really have cooked grains and beans as well (which can be pre-prepped). Vet expenses will also be pricey. I'll be honest, I only take my bird in for a checkup every few years, but it is 'recommended' they go in annually (either way, the bird must be taken in occasionally for an expert to look over and run tests on). If the bird displays any signs of illness they must be taken in for an emergency visit because even a minor cold can kill them. Avian specialized vets are very expensive, even mores for unscheduled visits! If your bird develops a chronic health issue, those expenses can REALLY add up. One last consideration, unlike other bird species, constructing a suitable aviary for a parrot will be more expensive than buying a large, high quality cage. Parrots MUST have stainless steel fencing for the aviary, which is prohibitively expensive. Standard zinc galvanized 'chicken wire' or the various materials typically found in a hardware store suitable for housing other types of birds is deadly to parrots. You need to buy a cage designed for a parrot, either powder coated or stainless steel. You can expect to spend around $200-$300 and up for a suitable conure cage, depending on where you live. You can roll the cage outside when the weather is nice, but you should not leave your bird unattended outside in a cage. Checking in on them occasionally is ok, but you should never not be home and leave your bird outdoors.

You're probably right about the waiting part, but as far as expenses go, I've factored in that I'll be getting a part time job soon to help pay for expenses (don't worry, I'll still have time for the bird!!), and my mom strongly disagrees with keeping birds in cages, so if I managed to even convince her to let me get a bird, it would have to be in the way of a large aviary that I would be paying for :/ but, as far as everything else goes, it's probably a good idea to wait until I'm out of school to get a bird, as everyone has suggested. It's very disappointing to think about, but it's true. Thank you for responding!


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[itzjbean]

It's not impossible (there are students here that own birds) but not advisable.

The reasons for such have already been stated above -- between 8-21 your life is changing SO much. With going to school, spending time with your friends, doing homework, extracurricular activities like sports, hanging out with friends, eventually dating, traveling, possibly moving to go to college/university and eventually getting into a career, etc.

You life is just so hectic with its changes right now that to throw a bird that lives 30 years into that is not going to be fair for the bird. I highly recommend waiting until your life has settled and stabilized. When you have a house of your own, are able to afford their roughly $50-150 a month in care as well as daily out of cage time (for 30 years!) it really is a huge commitment.

An older parrot, I'm afraid, probably will not be any easier. You still need some type of income to provide them food, vet care and toys to destroy on a monthly basis. If you can't provide them that, then it is not a good idea to take on owning one.

 

[TheSoggyBagel]

Okay so I might get the same answers, but would a smaller bird that needs less attention be a better idea? Like maybe (a) lovebird(s)? I'm sorry if I'm pushing it. Birds seem like such great pets! But if it's still a bad idea, I'll wait a bit


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[itzjbean]

Okay so I might get the same answers, but would a smaller bird that needs less attention be a better idea? Like maybe (a) lovebird(s)? I'm sorry if I'm pushing it. Birds seem like such great pets! But if it's still a bad idea, I'll wait a bit


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Yes, that would be a much better option. Lovebirds are good birds, I also recommend parakeets, they're smaller, too and easier to care for. That would be a great alternative to getting a sun conure -- which are much needier then a lovebird or keet. I would recommend if you're going that route, to get two, so they won't be lonely. These are birds that do better in pairs. Be sure if you're going this route to get them from a reputable breeder so they come to you tame.

 

[TheSoggyBagel]

It's not impossible (there are students here that own birds) but not advisable.

The reasons for such have already been stated above -- between 8-21 your life is changing SO much. With going to school, spending time with your friends, doing homework, extracurricular activities like sports, hanging out with friends, eventually dating, traveling, possibly moving to go to college/university and eventually getting into a career, etc.

You life is just so hectic with its changes right now that to throw a bird that lives 30 years into that is not going to be fair for the bird. I highly recommend waiting until your life has settled and stabilized. When you have a house of your own, are able to afford their roughly $50-150 a month in care as well as daily out of cage time (for 30 years!) it really is a huge commitment.

An older parrot, I'm afraid, probably will not be any easier. You still need some type of income to provide them food, vet care and toys to destroy on a monthly basis. If you can't provide them that, then it is not a good idea to take on owning one.

Ignoring costs (I have quite a bit money saved up and I plan to get a part time job soon to support a possible parrot and my fishtanks) it's still a bad idea? I don't wanna sound like I'm pushing, but I want to explore all possibilities. Thank you for replying!


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[itzjbean]

It's not impossible (there are students here that own birds) but not advisable.

The reasons for such have already been stated above -- between 8-21 your life is changing SO much. With going to school, spending time with your friends, doing homework, extracurricular activities like sports, hanging out with friends, eventually dating, traveling, possibly moving to go to college/university and eventually getting into a career, etc.

You life is just so hectic with its changes right now that to throw a bird that lives 30 years into that is not going to be fair for the bird. I highly recommend waiting until your life has settled and stabilized. When you have a house of your own, are able to afford their roughly $50-150 a month in care as well as daily out of cage time (for 30 years!) it really is a huge commitment.

An older parrot, I'm afraid, probably will not be any easier. You still need some type of income to provide them food, vet care and toys to destroy on a monthly basis. If you can't provide them that, then it is not a good idea to take on owning one.

Ignoring costs (I have quite a bit money saved up and I plan to get a part time job soon to support a possible parrot and my fishtanks) it's still a bad idea? I don't wanna sound like I'm pushing, but I want to explore all possibilities. Thank you for replying!


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How much do you have saved? Money of course is a huge issue for students. Money and time is most important. Even if you have a lot saved up (I would recommend something like $1000 for a sun). A handfed baby will be around $350. A large cage for him to play and sleep is going to be around $150-500. A vet visit when you get him will be around $100. Toys and food will eat up most of your expenses a month, which will probably be (I'd wager) around $100 a month. But ask yourself this...

Do you have the time for daily care and training of this bird? At least a couple hours a day? I mean it is possible, saved up money will help you but their daily need for fresh food and toys is a constant, and will not go away for 30 years. What happens if you move away? Go to college/uni? Get a boyfriend/girlfriend? Want to travel?

I know how exciting it can be to think of a new companion, but these guys are really tricky to own when you yourself are so young and have a whole life to discover and figure out. But if you're committed to taking your bird with you and committing to that 30 years of care, then it could work.

 

[TheSoggyBagel]

It's not impossible (there are students here that own birds) but not advisable.

The reasons for such have already been stated above -- between 8-21 your life is changing SO much. With going to school, spending time with your friends, doing homework, extracurricular activities like sports, hanging out with friends, eventually dating, traveling, possibly moving to go to college/university and eventually getting into a career, etc.

You life is just so hectic with its changes right now that to throw a bird that lives 30 years into that is not going to be fair for the bird. I highly recommend waiting until your life has settled and stabilized. When you have a house of your own, are able to afford their roughly $50-150 a month in care as well as daily out of cage time (for 30 years!) it really is a huge commitment.

An older parrot, I'm afraid, probably will not be any easier. You still need some type of income to provide them food, vet care and toys to destroy on a monthly basis. If you can't provide them that, then it is not a good idea to take on owning one.

Ignoring costs (I have quite a bit money saved up and I plan to get a part time job soon to support a possible parrot and my fishtanks) it's still a bad idea? I don't wanna sound like I'm pushing, but I want to explore all possibilities. Thank you for replying!


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How much do you have saved? Money of course is a huge issue for students. Money and time is most important. Even if you have a lot saved up (I would recommend something like $1000 for a sun). A handfed baby will be around $350. A large cage for him to play and sleep is going to be around $150-500. A vet visit when you get him will be around $100. Toys and food will eat up most of your expenses a month, which will probably be (I'd wager) around $100 a month. But ask yourself this...

Do you have the time for daily care and training of this bird? At least a couple hours a day? I mean it is possible, saved up money will help you but their daily need for fresh food and toys is a constant, and will not go away for 30 years. What happens if you move away? Go to college/uni? Get a boyfriend/girlfriend? Want to travel?

I know how exciting it can be to think of a new companion, but these guys are really tricky to own when you yourself are so young and have a whole life to discover and figure out. But if you're committed to taking your bird with you and committing to that 30 years of care, then it could work.

I have about 1,500$ saved up for initial costs, and I am lucky enough to get an allowance to help me manage costs before I get a job. From what I've read, can't you spend time with your bird while doing household chores/other activities?(besides cooking of course). So I could be socializing with my bird even when I have other things to do? As far as the future goes, my only concern is that quite a few colleges require you to stay in dorms for the first year, and obviously a sun isn't fit for that. But after that first year I'd hopefully be able to get an apartment or some sort of cheap housing (hopefully I get one of the "quiet" suns lmao). But I'm sure, with a lot of thinking, there would be a way to make it work. It would be a bit of a struggle tho. If I find at any time that my bird seems lonely, wouldn't I be able to introduce a cage mate?


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[itzjbean]

I have about 1,500$ saved up for initial costs, and I am lucky enough to get an allowance to help me manage costs before I get a job. From what I've read, can't you spend time with your bird while doing household chores/other activities?(besides cooking of course). So I could be socializing with my bird even when I have other things to do? As far as the future goes, my only concern is that quite a few colleges require you to stay in dorms for the first year, and obviously a sun isn't fit for that. But after that first year I'd hopefully be able to get an apartment or some sort of cheap housing (hopefully I get one of the "quiet" suns lmao). But I'm sure, with a lot of thinking, there would be a way to make it work. It would be a bit of a struggle tho. If I find at any time that my bird seems lonely, wouldn't I be able to introduce a cage mate?

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Even if you were to find an apartment, Suns are not ideal for living in them. With being gone most of the day (school, friends) your sun would be likely to develop a screaming problem (they are NOT known to be quiet birds!) and you can end up getting evicted, which means you and your bird would be out on the street. They want to be part of that family and being away for 8 hours with no one else in the house with such an attention loving bird will make for a headache for everyone living around you.

It would be so much easier for you and your bird to wait until you are all done with college!!! When I was in college I was also forced to live in a dorm for a couple years, although I wanted nothing more than to get my own cat or dog. So what I did to combat this -- I did research. Several hours a day, but it gave me enough knowledge so that when I graduated and settled down in my own house, I was able to make a very informed decision and now have a flock of very well behaved animals that I love with all my heart.

The wait is long but SO WORTH IT!

 

[wrench13]

Another big point to consider. Many many parrots and their original owners have been split apart because a significant other comes onto the scene and they can not stand your bird.
I FOOLISHLY RAISE MY HAND HERE, but this happens all the time. Consider it.

 

[TheSoggyBagel]

I have about 1,500$ saved up for initial costs, and I am lucky enough to get an allowance to help me manage costs before I get a job. From what I've read, can't you spend time with your bird while doing household chores/other activities?(besides cooking of course). So I could be socializing with my bird even when I have other things to do? As far as the future goes, my only concern is that quite a few colleges require you to stay in dorms for the first year, and obviously a sun isn't fit for that. But after that first year I'd hopefully be able to get an apartment or some sort of cheap housing (hopefully I get one of the "quiet" suns lmao). But I'm sure, with a lot of thinking, there would be a way to make it work. It would be a bit of a struggle tho. If I find at any time that my bird seems lonely, wouldn't I be able to introduce a cage mate?

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Even if you were to find an apartment, Suns are not ideal for living in them. With being gone most of the day (school, friends) your sun would be likely to develop a screaming problem (they are NOT known to be quiet birds!) and you can end up getting evicted, which means you and your bird would be out on the street. They want to be part of that family and being away for 8 hours with no one else in the house with such an attention loving bird will make for a headache for everyone living around you.

It would be so much easier for you and your bird to wait until you are all done with college!!! When I was in college I was also forced to live in a dorm for a couple years, although I wanted nothing more than to get my own cat or dog. So what I did to combat this -- I did research. Several hours a day, but it gave me enough knowledge so that when I graduated and settled down in my own house, I was able to make a very informed decision and now have a flock of very well behaved animals that I love with all my heart.

The wait is long but SO WORTH IT!

I think I'll probably wait for a sun in that case, but would a different, less needy, QUIETER bird be better? Maybe lovebirds? Then I could have 2 and they would be happier when I'm gone?


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[TheSoggyBagel]

Okay so I might get the same answers, but would a smaller bird that needs less attention be a better idea? Like maybe (a) lovebird(s)? I'm sorry if I'm pushing it. Birds seem like such great pets! But if it's still a bad idea, I'll wait a bit


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Yes, that would be a much better option. Lovebirds are good birds, I also recommend parakeets, they're smaller, too and easier to care for. That would be a great alternative to getting a sun conure -- which are much needier then a lovebird or keet. I would recommend if you're going that route, to get two, so they won't be lonely. These are birds that do better in pairs. Be sure if you're going this route to get them from a reputable breeder so they come to you tame.

Great! I'll start looking into them! Thank you!


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[Kentuckienne]

One...imagine that you are going to adopt a two year old toddler, who will get into everything and need constant supervision. For like thirty years. At least a human toddler eventually grows up and moves out!

Two...an outdoor aviary must have a fine screen, because snakes are adept at getting into some small gap and swallowing a bird whole. You won’t have any trouble catching the snake later, because it can’t get back out of the cage with a big lump in the middle of it.

 

[TheSoggyBagel]

One...imagine that you are going to adopt a two year old toddler, who will get into everything and need constant supervision. For like thirty years. At least a human toddler eventually grows up and moves out!

Two...an outdoor aviary must have a fine screen, because snakes are adept at getting into some small gap and swallowing a bird whole. You won’t have any trouble catching the snake later, because it can’t get back out of the cage with a big lump in the middle of it.

I'll be living in Hawaii, so predators aren't really an issue (there aren't snakes, raccoons, skunks, Or possums there). But I'm starting to think that Lovebirds or a different kind of bird that can be left alone for 8 hours a day with out screaming non stop lmao. But yes, an aviary. I would have to build one, along with having a cage indoors for severe weather and for training. Any suggestions on ways to build those sufficiently/cost-effectively?


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[LordTriggs]

I think there's one big concern above all else you need to think about ESPECIALLY with a Sun. When it comes time for you to move to your own home you'll almost certainly be in an apartment which of course means thin walls between you and neighbors. who statistically won't appreciate a 6AM rendition of the Conure national anthem