Between a Senegal and a gcc, which is the easier bird?

[Nir]

The easier bird to raise and have a good relationship with without as much possible behavioral problems? Would appreciate responses with people with personal experience with both birds. Basically, which bird would you recommend to someone who is newer to bigger birds?

Please try to stick to the topic

[Michael]

If you're looking for an easy pet, don't get a parrot. Simple as that. Parrots are genetically wild animals so they are never "easy."

[Nir]

If you're looking for an easy pet, don't get a parrot. Simple as that. Parrots are genetically wild animals so they are never "easy."

i said easier*

[mrbowlerhat]

It's way more about individuals than species, you know. It's also more about you. If you can be a good companion to your bird, your bird can hopefully become a good companion to you too one day.
There are, of course, differences between the species, but that's surely not a guarantee your bird will be everything you read about that species.
My Senegal is loud, but from what I've understood from talking to her previous owners (and having her for a week) not at all jealous/aggressive/a one-person-bird, which some Senegals can tend to be.

As Michael said, parrots are never easy, but if you understand that, and that whichever bird you get COULD develop behavioral problems (but also COULD be great), I'm thinking the best you can do is decide on a bird (preferably adult, I'd say) and actually visit the bird and get to know the individual before you bring it home.
(Though, it's STILL not a guarantee this bird will be everything you've ever wanted at the time it's actually settled in with you.)



(Also, as a side-note, I don't know anything about GCCs, and I've never even met one, so I couldn't, like, compare them or anything.)

[truste]

I think the OP understands that parrots aren't easy pets in general, and that individuals are always different. On the first point--and sorry for the extended metaphor--just because one scarf is more cheaper at $75 than another at $100, doesn't mean that either are cheap. But asking, "which scarf is cheaper?" is still a valid question. By asking this question, the asker isn't implying that he/she wants a cheap $10 scarf. Just a cheapER one.

On the second point, of course it's impossible to generalize, but no one can deny that there each species has certain characteristics that most members of that species share. Sure, not every sun conure is going to be loud, but one can reasonably expect that a majority of them are. Without meeting and living with the individual bird for an extended period of time, these are the only clues one can go on as far as their personalities. For example, if I wanted a quiet bird, I would go for a GCC, as they are known for being relatively quiet. It's very possible that the my GCC ends up being a little harpy, but there's a lower chance of this than with suns.

I don't mean to be critical. It's just that I often see people asking these sorts of questions on the forum and only get "if you want a ___ pet, get a dog/cat/etc" or "it depends on the individual" in return. I think most question askers understand these points. Doesn't mean they're not valid questions, and answering like this doesn't really provide any useful information or add to the discussion.

ANYWAY--as far as your question. I've never owned a senegal, but from what I've read about them--and I do a lot of parrot reading, haha--it doesn't seem like too big of a difference in "difficulty". GCCs seem to need more attention, and can be more clingy than senegals, who seem to be more okay with independent time (with toys, of course). GCCs tend to be a bit louder than senegals, as well. Senegals do tend to live longer, so they're more of a commitment, and they may require more things to chew on. Of course, a senegal owner could tell you better.

[Nir]

I think the OP understands that parrots aren't easy pets in general, and that individuals are always different. On the first point--and sorry for the extended metaphor--just because one scarf is more cheaper at $75 than another at $100, doesn't mean that either are cheap. But asking, "which scarf is cheaper?" is still a valid question. By asking this question, the asker isn't implying that he/she wants a cheap $10 scarf. Just a cheapER one.

On the second point, of course it's impossible to generalize, but no one can deny that there each species has certain characteristics that most members of that species share. Sure, not every sun conure is going to be loud, but one can reasonably expect that a majority of them are. Without meeting and living with the individual bird for an extended period of time, these are the only clues one can go on as far as their personalities. For example, if I wanted a quiet bird, I would go for a GCC, as they are known for being relatively quiet. It's very possible that the my GCC ends up being a little harpy, but there's a lower chance of this than with suns.

I don't mean to be critical. It's just that I often see people asking these sorts of questions on the forum and only get "if you want a ___ pet, get a dog/cat/etc" or "it depends on the individual" in return. I think most question askers understand these points. Doesn't mean they're not valid questions, and answering like this doesn't really provide any useful information or add to the discussion.

ANYWAY--as far as your question. I've never owned a senegal, but from what I've read about them--and I do a lot of parrot reading, haha--it doesn't seem like too big of a difference in "difficulty". GCCs seem to need more attention, and can be more clingy than senegals, who seem to be more okay with independent time (with toys, of course). GCCs tend to be a bit louder than senegals, as well. Senegals do tend to live longer, so they're more of a commitment, and they may require more things to chew on. Of course, a senegal owner could tell you better.

Best post/reply i seen anywhere.. I would buy you a drink in real life if it was possible. I just dont understand why more people dont understand this but thank you for your post and logical sense.

[mrbowlerhat]

truste: You've absolutely got a valid point! Though I also imagine it's kind of hard to.. Know. I mean, through the internet. I've never met this person, I don't know anything about this person - so I naturally go for the "standard" answer. Which, I admit, isn't always the best, you're right.
I'm sure Nir's aware of the basics, but I figured in case not, a repeat would be better than the opposite

Also, I think, (and I can only speak for myself) a big part of my point was that if I, personally, were to choose between two species, I would go for the regularly visiting an individual bird, and if that would make me have to choose between visiting a Senegal and visiting a GCC, I would probably go for looks. But that's of course only me.

But yes, I understand that Nir of course would want characteristics to be compared, and I'm sure that would be great for his choosing. I admit, I would probably look for the same information if I were in his situation.

I acknowledge this neverending repeat of the same stuff really is annoying when you've heard it several times over and over again, I just personally thought, ah, you can never be too careful and though he might have heard it a thousand times, let's emphasize it just once more and if it turns out this person is already aware of all of these things - Then let's apologize and continue with the comparing.

(And I'm sorry for any rambling or being confusing, it's almost 4 AM here. Haha.)

Well then. Let's get on. I don't know if I can be of any help here, but I shall try to be of more help than I was before, haha.

Nir, as for your original question, I'm sure a healthy GCC and a healthy Senegal would both probably work great without any major behavioral issues.
I have no idea which species would be the louder, though if I'm allowed to guess (and this is nothing more than a guess), I would say the Senegal call is louder in volume, but the GCC is more frequent. (And I would not at all mind being corrected here! )
Like truste said, I also imagine GCCs being more clingy than Senegals, and that's a valid detail in researching what species you should get. I, for one, prefer having my bird climb around in her tree, chewing away on her toys without complaint, while I'm on the computer - for example. My Senegal is more than okay with this, haha Though at the same time, she'd not say no to a cuddling session while watching TV.
Also, this is just something that I've noticed, and it might not be relevant, but there are more GCC cuddling videos on Youtube than there are Senegal cuddling videos. This could of course be due to more GCC owners with cameras or something, haha, but I've kind of understood GCCs are often real cuddlebugs. (Which of course, Senegals can be too!)

I'm sure you'd love whichever bird you chose, and I really get why Senegal/GCC is such a hard choice. But I hope you find a good bird for you, whether it'd be a GCC, a Senegal or something different!

[truste]

mrbowlerhat--that's a valid point too. I definitely agree that many people don't stop to think, and just assume that all parrots of species X are going to have personality traits Y and Z. And when they realize that their bird isn't quite what they expected, they're disappointed and often end up giving the bird away, selling it, or neglecting it. You're right in erring on the side of caution!

My comment was aimed more toward Michael's reply than yours. I respect his expertise and knowledge of parrot behavior to no end, but sometimes it seems to me that when potential parrot owners post on these boards seeking advice, they're often just curtly dismissed. While I understand the need to weed out the owners who want a bird thinking they're cool, but have given no thought to the specifics and commitment of raising a parrot, I believe there's ways to do this without being discouraging, especially as the question-askers are often people who HAVE done their research, etc, and simply hadn't stated their questions in the best way. Again--no offense meant. Some people DO need to be discouraged from having parrots, and I'm glad the members of this forum care enough about the birds' well being to stick up for them!

Nir--sorry to hijack your thread, and good luck in your choice! Unless there are very specific things you're looking for in a bird, I doubt you could go wrong with either a senegal or a GCC. Not to sound superficial, but I agree with mrbowlerhat; I would go for looks too! And, of course, which bird you can find a reputable breeder for. Or, if you can, go visit both, and see which individual bird you like better (remember that often babies change in temperament as they age). There doesn't seem to be HUGE differences between the two, so I think you'd be happy with either!