Hello from Michigan!

[Lavy]

Update: I found a local breeder who offered to let me hand feed the little baby conure I bonded with at an animal expo if I put down a deposit. I might have my own GCC soon!

Hello! I just registered here in the hopes that I could gain as much information as possible before purchasing my own little birdy. I used to live with a that my roommate had for 2 years and I fell in love with the thing, now that I'm out on my own, I am considering purchasing my own bird to help fill the empty space the last one left behind. Apartment's way too clean and quiet lol.

I currently live with another roommate who stays with her boyfriend mostly, she has 2 older (16 years +) cats, but she is moving out in a few months where as I am thinking of staying or switching apartment complex's.

I'm mostly a stay at home kind of person, I work from my computer, I have a lot of free time for the next few foreseeable years, and I don't plan on buying any other pets or having children so I thought now's the perfect time for a bird!

My only concern is that my sleeping schedule can be a bit on the erratic side. I know this isn't ideal for a bird, but I'm hoping being the primary caretaker of a little birdy of my own will help me curb the habit.

I'm also not entirely sure what breed to buy although I thought I'd make another thread for that. I'm leaning towards because I know a bit of what to expect and I love their energy and voice, but I've also been considering Parrotlets, Pionus parrots, Caiques, and Lovebirds. I'm also considering buying more than one, potentially later in life. Like a GCC now and a Caique when I'm more experienced.

Any beginner advice, breed advice is totally welcome! I want to make sure everything's ready when I buy a bird, as it will likely (hopefully) be a lifelong friend.

[Wolf]

Welcome to the forum. I hope that you enjoy your stay here and look forward to hearing from you often.

[Pajarita]

Welcome. If you clicked with a GCC, go for another one. Just because a species is small, it doesn't mean they are of a similar temperament. And, if you are willing to have two, it's best if you have two of the same species.

[shiraartain]

Hello there! I'm also located in Michigan! Probably the one location-related trouble is keeping them warm through winter (polar vortex, anyone?). I have a gcc I got in May who is quiet unless he wants something/someone. That's not to say he isn't a handful though.

Good luck with making your decision!

[Lavy]

Thank you everyone! After a lot of consideration I've decided to go with a Green Cheek Conure after all, no other breed of bird would suit my life better I think. I'm meeting with a breeder next week to check out her birds and see if I can't find my new feathery housemate.

[Wolf]

Cool ! Hope you find who you are looking for.

[moderndaydinosaurs]

That's exciting. You can't go wrong with a greenie. They are such loves. And so forgiving of rookie mistakes. They are the loyal happy dogs of the bird world.

[Pajarita]

I would suggest you check rescues and your local CL as well as kijiji and hoobly. There are lots of wonderful birds which need a good home in those...

[Lavy]

Just posting an update, I went to a local exotic animal expo and at one of the tables there was a breeder who had hand fed baby conures with her. I got to hold one of the little babies and he was so sweet. He hid in my hair and would not come out for anything, and when I finally got him out he dove right back in.

They're still very young and being hand fed, the breeder told me if I was willing to put down a deposit she could let me come by and hand feed him which I think would be great for the bonding experience.

I'm going to be trying to get a cage and the supplies together this week, I was going to postpone it but after seeing that little guy I want to take one home so bad.

[cml]

Birds at expos such as this can have many diseases, so be sure to get the bird to an avian vet the first thing you do, and get a thourough examination with complete bloodwork.

Regarding you handfeeding, is it really a good idea? Hand feeding is difficult enough for breeders, personally i wouldnt do it. Being there and handling the bird is enough.