New owner

[theconureowner123]

Hi! I'm new and thinking about getting a Green Cheeked Conure. I could really use some help with toys, cage recommendations, and food brands. I'm looking into getting a conure from a local and trusted breeder so I won't be getting one from Petsmart. Any advice is appreciated!

 

[theconureowner123]

I'm currently looking at the A&E Cage Company.

 

[wrench13]

Welcome and be welcomed. Cages - get the largest one you can afford, bigger is better in this case. Make sure bar spacing is appropriate for your size parrot. Next consider door size, again bigger is easier when it comes to clean up and working in cage. Next consider food and water bowel - built in or add on. next cage shape - I like flat top ones, but there are others. Least consideration should be color and minor things like that. DO NOT get round cages. Corner cages can be a problem if one wall is an outside wall (too cold maybe).

 

[theconureowner123]

Thank you for the tips! This is very helpful. Do you have any trusted cage companies?

Welcome and be welcomed. Cages - get the largest one you can afford, bigger is better in this case. Make sure bar spacing is appropriate for your size parrot. Next consider door size, again bigger is easier when it comes to clean up and working in cage. Next consider food and water bowel - built in or add on. next cage shape - I like flat top ones, but there are others. Least consideration should be color and minor things like that. DO NOT get round cages. Corner cages can be a problem if one wall is an outside wall (too cold maybe).

 

[corkscr.ew]

Good advice given above. For toys, consider Bonka Bird Toys, Planet Pleasure, and A&E. It’s also easy and much cheaper to make your own toys; use toilet paper rolls, cardboard boxes, cupcake wrappers, egg cartons, card stock, branches (untreated and safe), natural twine, and whatever else you have.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

Have you ever had a parrot before? If not, make sure you learn about the good, the bad, and the ugly about parrot ownership before you take the plunge. Rehoming is real drag. Find a local avian vet before you adopt a new bird. You will need to establish a relationship with one so you have somewhere to take him if necessary. A well bird first visit is a very important. You need to think about how well a parrot fits into your lifestyle.
Do you have a stable living situation that doesn't involve landlords and roommates?
Do you have any other pets that could harm your bird (cats and dogs)?
Do you have any household members that are ultra sensitive to noise, like an autistic child?
Do you work full time away from home? Parrots require a lot of attention and leaving a parrot alone for 10 hours every day is not good for their mental health and can cause behavior problems that are hard to fix.
Green cheeks are really great little parrots!"

 

[wrench13]

Thank you for the tips! This is very helpful. Do you have any trusted cage companies?

Kings is supposed to be the best, when ordered in stainless steel - the Rolls Royce of cages. Cost like a Rolls, too! But in reality, there are only 2 or 3 companies in China making commercial parrot cages, sold under a variety of importer names.

This one is $378 suitable for conures and is 38.5 x 30.5 x 63 inches.
Generic, as above.
https://www.googleadservices.com/pa...6L-xPqKAxV7rYkEHQ4kAVQQ9aACKAB6BAgLEE8&adurl=

A smaller one by Kings, not even in Stainless is $1,999 !!!
https://www.exoticwings.ca/collecti...uropean-style-cage-136?variant=44309202993455

 

[theconureowner123]

Have you ever had a parrot before? If not, make sure you learn about the good, the bad, and the ugly about parrot ownership before you take the plunge. Rehoming is real drag. Find a local avian vet before you adopt a new bird. You will need to establish a relationship with one so you have somewhere to take him if necessary. A well bird first visit is a very important. You need to think about how well a parrot fits into your lifestyle.
Do you have a stable living situation that doesn't involve landlords and roommates?
Do you have any other pets that could harm your bird (cats and dogs)?
Do you have any household members that are ultra sensitive to noise, like an autistic child?
Do you work full time away from home? Parrots require a lot of attention and leaving a parrot alone for 10 hours every day is not good for their mental health and can cause behavior problems that are hard to fix.
Green cheeks are really great little parrots!"

This is my first time owning a parrot! The closest avian vet is about 30 minutes away.
I don't have roommates, I live on 10 acres on a farm.
I have 3 dogs, but are all trained to be good with other birds such as chickens and ducks.
Noise wouldn't be a problem i'm sure
I work at home and would be willing to give full amounts of attention.

Thank you so much for all this advice! You all are so helpful and welcoming. I appreciate it

 

[theconureowner123]

Kings is supposed to be the best, when ordered in stainless steel - the Rolls Royce of cages. Cost like a Rolls, too! But in reality, there are only 2 or 3 companies in China making commercial parrot cages, sold under a variety of importer names.

This one is $378 suitable for conures and is 38.5 x 30.5 x 63 inches.
Generic, as above.
https://www.googleadservices.com/pa...6L-xPqKAxV7rYkEHQ4kAVQQ9aACKAB6BAgLEE8&adurl=

A smaller one by Kings, not even in Stainless is $1,999 !!!
https://www.exoticwings.ca/collecti...uropean-style-cage-136?variant=44309202993455

Thank you so much for the recommendations!
I've been looking into this cage and could use more professional opinions about it for a conure

Amazon.com

 

[theconureowner123]

Thank you so much for the recommendations!
I've been looking into this cage and could use more professional opinions about it for a conure

Amazon.com

Oh! I'm sorry They're the same cage!

 

[Shoegoo]

I'm currently looking at the A&E Cage Company.

Have one. My Conure loves it. I bought a similar one from Amazon that was made in China. I had to send it back because of poor welds and parts that didn't fit. Bought an A&E from the local feed and grain store that sells good quality supplies.

 

[theconureowner123]

Have one. My Conure loves it. I bought a similar one from Amazon that was made in China. I had to send it back because of poor welds and parts that didn't fit. Bought an A&E from the local feed and grain store that sells good quality supplies.

Thank you! This is very helpful!

 

[theconureowner123]

Good advice given above. For toys, consider Bonka Bird Toys, Planet Pleasure, and A&E. It’s also easy and much cheaper to make your own toys; use toilet paper rolls, cardboard boxes, cupcake wrappers, egg cartons, card stock, branches (untreated and safe), natural twine, and whatever else you have.

i didn't know A&E made toys! Thank you!

 

[TiredOldMan]

I'm partial to HQ cages.
However as Wrench said there are only a couple of actual manufacturers.

 

[theconureowner123]

I'm partial to HQ cages.
However as Wrench said there are only a couple of actual manufacturers.

Thank you!!

 

[DonnaBudgie]

Thank you so much for the recommendations!
I've been looking into this cage and could use more professional opinions about it for a conure

Amazon.com

Oh! I'm sorry They're the same cage!

That's a nice size cage for a Conure. It sounds like you have a great situation for having a parrot. Make sure you understand that baby parrots are easy and cuddly but as they grow up at hit puberty (about a year old for a small conure) they become less so. That's the age when first time parrot owners start to get frustrated with things like screaming, nipping, etc. Green Cheeks are easier and not as loud as larger conures and can make amazing companions.

 

[theconureowner123]

That's a nice size cage for a Conure. It sounds like you have a great situation for having a parrot. Make sure you understand that baby parrots are easy and cuddly but as they grow up at hit puberty (about a year old for a small conure) they become less so. That's the age when first time parrot owners start to get frustrated with things like screaming, nipping, etc. Green Cheeks are easier and not as loud as larger conures and can make amazing companions.

Thank you! Yes, i've done a lot of research so I can give him a happy life
Parrots really do seem like sweet (and crazy) animals, and i'd be willing to give him a lot of time and attention,
Thank you for your tips and advice! I really appreciate it