looking for advice

[Mindblinder]

I have a black capped conure named capone. he will be a year old this month, we have been companions since nov. of last year. the pet store from which i purchased him has a jen day they are wanting me to purchase at cost. they have seen how capone is (he is almost always on my shoulder when i go there)
and are really wanting him to go to a good home. the jen day like capone (when i purchased him) has a very bad attitude towards people, bites everyone and trust no one. (same as capone used to be) I am looking for advice on the best ways to try and socialize the two birds while the jen day is still at the pet store, signs and behavior to watch for between the two, before i buy another cage and bring him home to find i made a big mistake. Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[plumsmum2005]

The first consideration should be regarding the need and implementation of a quarantine period? If this Jenday Conure is in a Pet Store there is no knowing what he has come into contact with so he will need to be kept apart preferably somewhere else for something like 30-40 days. If as a result of ignoring this you lost both birds that would be a tragedy.

 

[wrench13]

Are you capable of handling twice the vet bills. twice the cleanup. twice the food cost. Consider that your time will now be spent between two birds who both need and want your attention. It is a tough call. And also there is no guarantee that the two birds will become best buddies. They could become worst enemies and fight and fight each other so think about it. Caiques are known to turn into velociraptors with other birds.

 

[Doublete]

Regarding the quarantine... Sounds like you take your bird there already so he has been exposed to anything that the birds in the store have...

 

[Piasa]

Signs to watch for - if one bird bullies the other in an way, even a harmless seeming way. Stop it immediately. Also stop territorial behavior, especially one bird "taking over" the other bird's cage or shared playstand. These things may not happen until the birds are older since both sound like they are still juveniles.

Buy the jenday for you, not for Capone. You are Capone's friend, he is satisfied with that. He may become friends with the jenday too, but just as easily not. He could also bond with the jenday and no longer want to be as close to you. All things to consider. You can't really know the outcome until you do it, though.

 

[Mindblinder]

Thanks for all the advice! I am happy to let everyone know that after talking to capone's vet about the situation they were able to put me in contact with a couple who lost there jenday 7 months ago. After talking with them they decided to purchase the bird and now it has a far better home than i could have provided!!

 

[Piasa]

I'm glad there is a happy ending for the little jenday! That sounds like the ideal situation.

I wish you and Capone many happy times together. I am sure you provide a wonderful home for him