GCCs pros and cons

[CommaCole]

A pretty general question but just state anything you may think that may annoy someone, and things you enjoy and are cool about them. I've owned a tiel so comparing it to a tiel would help. Looking for a not so demanding bird that won't nip to much and not mind being handled. Any other suggestions are welcome... thanks guys!

[pennyandrocky]

are definatly not for you they are velcro birds that go through a nasty nippy stage.

[Nir]

all birds are different and the gcc you get might not be as much of a velcro bird and might not be nippy.

i never owned a gcc btw but these are some of the pros and cons i read about.

pros:
cuddly
smallish size (a bit bigger then parakeets).
bites dont hurt as much as bigger birds
affectionate
will want to interact with you and want your attention(can be a bad thing if it always wants your attention and might start screaming because of it)

cons:
might get demanding of your attention more then you want to give.
smallish size (some might want a bigger bird)
bites more frequently in general then a senegal but the bites wont hurt as much
might become a 1 person bird
doesnt get a long with other birds usually since he is more agressive.

[marie83]

Well all green cheeks are demanding but if you can find one a parent reared but well handled chick would probably fit well attention wise but they still need alot of time out and things to occupy their time as well as training.
The hand reared constantly want attention, they are smart and will quickly learn ways to get a reaction from you. They are louder in volume than a 'tiel when they scream but don't tend to scream too often unless taught to do so....
The majority of GCC's go through nippy stages which can become a long term problem if not handled correctly, there were times I wondered what I had taken on with mine and if the biting was ever going to end.... I have heard of a few who don't go through the nippy stage but these are few and far between.

In all they are fabulous birds but they are very demanding, even if you don't end up with a complete cuddlebug.

[pionus]

if you want a bird that isn't to demanding, not very aggressive, but might still want interaction, try a pionus. i can't tell you or guarantee that the will CRAVE attention, but i don't think they mind it.
i don't know if the pionus would be to big, i think their the size of a small amazon, but do to their diet of small seeds and softer foods their beaks are not as strong as other birds. i have myself considered a green cheek, but decided they were to aggressive for me.
the pionus seem to be very calm birds.

good luck in your research!

[cmaygar]

I have 2 GCCs and neither of mine are nippy. They are beautiful, entertaining, acrobatic, chattery (not screamers) and very fun birds. All birds are different so it's hard to say that you could get one with different characteristics, but from the 2 that I have, they are great birds for me.

[Nir]

also keep in mind of what your threshold is for bites. To some people, budgie bites actually hurts them and cant take it. So know your tolerance .

[Elizebird]

GCC's are nippy, but all small birds (and apparently caiques. lol) are, or at least will be at some point. My GCC has a wicked bite and is a lot less easy to predict to my tiel. I love her to death, but all the same.

[hooligan]

I have 2 GCCs and neither of mine are nippy. They are beautiful, entertaining, acrobatic, chattery (not screamers) and very fun birds. All birds are different so it's hard to say that you could get one with different characteristics, but from the 2 that I have, they are great birds for me.

Yeah, my GCC isn't nippy either. The only time she ever nips is if she's approached by a woman she doesn't know before she's had the chance to observe them for a bit. She also attacks painted nails because a friend of ours inadvertently taught her that it was a good game to play...

[CommaCole]

Wow, you guys are awesome, thanks!
Alright, here are my main questions; how long are "the nippy stages", and what do you mean by velcro birds.
*Also, when you guys say bites, do u mean little nips and taps or blood drawin?