Thinking about getting a friend for my GCC. What species?

[echoskybound]

Hello all! I have a green cheek conure, Wheatley, and I've been thinking lately about a second bird - ideally, something that will be able to get along with Wheatley. I'd love for my GCC to have some avian company (seperate cages), but I'm wary of a few things:

-What if they either don't get along, or bond so much they become aggressive with people? Wheatley generally takes to new people very quickly, but he hasn't been around other birds since he was a baby.

-I don't know Wheatley's gender, and I'd be concerned about them attempting to breed (I do NOT intend to breed.) If I get a non-conure species, will they be unable to breed?

I've been very interested in the canary-winged parakeet, and Brotogeris parrots in general, however they seem near impossible to find. I would like something a little less feisty than the green cheek, and preferably the same size. I've also considered Poicephalus although I don't know much about them, except they're not quite as conure-cuddly, and I imagine my conure would like a buddy to preen with. Any suggestions on how to pick a second bird? Thank you! :]

 

[MonicaMc]

Your green cheek conure can breed (aka mate) with any species, it's just whether or not they can reproduce. I know that large conures can hybridize with macaws and amazons, however I don't know if a Pyrrhura conure can hybridize with macaws and amazons.

Other than that, I'm not aware that conures can hybridize with any other species, but I have heard weirder things! What I do know for sure is that all conures can hybridize with each other.




If they don't get along? Then you'll just have to make adjustments for caring for them separately! They can be trained to get along without fighting, though.


If they bond too closely? Training.


You could also end up with two birds where it's a love/hate kind of relationship. Bird A hates Bird B, however Bird B loves Bird A.




I hear Shady Pines Aviary is the best Broto breeder out there. Not sure on Pois though! If you were to pick a local place, you could always get a bird that you connect with. If you were to have a bird shipped to you, well, I guess that's up to you. I've never purchased a hand raised bird from a breeder of my own choosing (bird and breeder!), so no experience there!

 

[RavensGryf]

I can tell you that in general, Poi's don't like other birds. They're not huge flock birds in the wild, and that behavior is reflected in our home setting too. It might not be as bad if a Poi is the younger newcomer? Who knows after it becomes mature though.

My Red Bellied parrot (Poicephalus) is very cuddly. He will allow touching his entire body, even allows me to lift up his wings. He LOVES cuddling. He is also very independent, and does not demand it. He's just the best. Remember, Poi's are actually quite a bit bigger than GCC or Brotos. They also have an oversized beak in comparison to the body, which is something to consider if a Poi should get aggressive toward your little guy.

Good luck deciding!