Differences between genders in greencheeks?

[Bessie]

I'm looking at adding two greencheek conures to my flock of 6 budgies, however before I commit to anything, I'm researching them to see if they would be a good fit into my household.

I haven't been able to find anything on any differences between males and females. Does anyone out there know if there are any differences between genders? Or if keeping a male and female together is a problem?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ratzy]

No idea on the genders, but I just wanted to say if you are going to put GCC's with budgies you're going to end up with seriously injured birds. Budgies shouldn't be with ANYTHING except they're own kind, with the possible exclusion of cockatiels, in some circumstances. They are bossy and go poking they're noses into places they don't belong.

 

[Von1983]

I would have to agree with Ratzy in that simply adding a conure to your flock isn't really an option.

Having had experience of budgies, cockatiels and now a conure, I can tell you that conures are of a very different mentality to the first two.

If however you wanted a companion bird to be kept seperate from the budgies (which you'd have to do during quarantine for 30-90 days anyway) and integrated slowly for supervised playtimes only (after a LOT of training and observation), then the GCC is a better choice of parrot than most other birds.

Hope that helped as I was slightly unclear as to whether you meant literally adding to the flock or simply bringing a GCC into the household!

 

[Bessie]

Thanks Ratzy and Von1983, they would of course be in separate cages, with quarantine in place

I anticipate that they would have supervised out of cage time together (with a gradual introductions etc), but we have a large enough house that they can easily be separated if need be and still get decent exercise/play time.

I'm well aware of the differences in behaviour between parrot species, as its something I'm reading alot about at the moment. That's why I'm asking about GCC gender as I want as much info as possible before I make a decision. I want to ensure that I am able to provide the best possible environment for the budgies and GCC without causing unecessary problems.

 

[Von1983]

Ahhh so now we're clear!!! hah!

Well, people who have DNA sexed birds can sometimes report differences between the genders. I must admit, sometimes I am reading what some people say and I don't disbelieve them in what they find, but I think a lot of the time it is BECAUSE they know the gender that they make to certain assumptions.....if you understand?

I haven't had my sun DNA sexed....I'm mulling it over but to be honest, it is not that important to me as I will never breed her (the breeder said he was pretty sure she was a female, but who can tell?) and her name is unisex anyway.

I take her as I find her and while I was researching sun conures, I could find no specific findings other than opinion of distinct differences between the sexes such as "males are less nippy" "females are quieter" or whatever the case may be!

If Cal is a girl obviously she will lay eggs and it is a case of taking care of her bodily and emotional needs. If she is a boy, she will masterbate...probably on to me!

I guess what I'm trying to say is that no matter what gender of bird you bring home, their personality is their personality(as you'll know with your current flock!) and if that includes being feisty when it comes to the budgies (I <3 budgies btw!!) then that's just how things are. You can change a lot of things with conures but their basic reactions and core's are their own.

I honestly don't PERSONALLY believe gender comes into that with them, but it is just my opinion! Either way, GCC's are generally very laid back, funky, fun, intelligent little parrots. Girl or boy, I can guarantee that when you bring him/her home, you will wonder how you managed without them!

 

[Bessie]

You've made some very good points Von1983! I know that in some bird species there can be distinct differences, hence my query. Each of my 6 have very different personalities, that's for sure!

It'll certainly make it easier to get two birds based on their colourations alone, rather than selecting gender and colouration (I'm keen to have two different coloured ones - so I can tell them apart easily!).

Well I'll go back to seriously considering GCC, but I think I'm pretty much 90% there already!! I just have to convince hubby that they are a good idea!

 

[Beilana]

I have had a DNA male GCC and am now currently owned by a DNA femaled GCC. I have noticed differences but again I have only had one of each gender and these differences could be solely based of individual personalities and not gender differences.

I personally believe there is a difference between male and females as they naturally play different roles in nature. Although this again could be argued since they are no longer in their natural habitat.

I have found my female to be less nippy and more independant than my male. I have also found that she likes to groom a LOT more, herself and me.

Again this could be based on their individual personality and not gender differences as each parrot no matter the sex will be "their own bird." so to speak.

Either way you go GCCs are amazing little birds with spunk and zest. They tend to be super cuddly and are very entertaining little ones! Good luck with whatever decision you make