New to Forum: Question over new bird

[Kelsih11]

Hi. My name is Kelsi and I'm new to this forum. I am currently researching different species of birds because I want to start keeping birds. I'm currently going to school to be a Registered Vet Tech so the bird would get excellent care, and my schooling is only 3 days a week, so I have time to keep a bird. I am also a dog trainer who only clicker trains and I deal with behavior problems and have taken many classes on animal behavior.
I guess what I'm looking for in this forum, is some guidance in choosing the right species. I want something small, and I think I have it narrowed down to either a Senegal parrot, or a pineapple/green check conure. Any info or experience with either of these birds would be greatly appreciated!!!

[Wolf]

Hi and welcome to the forum.
Birds are a far cry from dogs, and not only because of the feathers. Dogs were bred to work and live with humans, we have similar social structures and we are used to dogs to the point that their body language is easy for us to read and understand. Dogs do well with a dominant male and female and gain a lot of security from following the lead of said alphas.
Birds are different first of all because they are prey animals, at least the ones that are raised as companions or aviary birds. They are very intelligent with a totally different social structure which is based on cooperation and not on dominance. Their body language is harder to read and understand. They are more secure with others of their own species as well as routines. They do not like change and like to feel that they are making their own choices, and for the most part trying to impose your will on them will result in a fearful bird that bites to the point that you can't handle them. They are wild creatures and are not domesticated and there are things that we do that they can't adjust to. One of these things is our lifestyles wherein we stay up at night and sleep in. They are photoperiodic and must have the same light schedule as the wild birds outside or the develop physical issues that also create mental and emotional issues for them. They need a lot of your time on a daily basis.
These are just a few of the differences and I am sure that you are aware of some of them, but I don't yet know how much you may or may not be aware of and that is the reason for my listing of some of them for you. I am not trying to discourage or to encourage you in this, I am just trying to give you a few basics so that for the bird(s) that may be involved that you can make a good choice.
The avian rescues that we have are overflowing with unwanted birds whose only crime was that they grew up to become adults, and because of their inborn mating and bonding habits rehoming them is extremely stressful to them.
Hang around, read through some of the posts ask question, we will be happy to answer your questions.

[Kelsih11]

Wolf

Hi and welcome to the forum.
Birds are a far cry from dogs, and not only because of the feathers. Dogs were bred to work and live with humans, we have similar social structures and we are used to dogs to the point that their body language is easy for us to read and understand. Dogs do well with a dominant male and female and gain a lot of security from following the lead of said alphas.
Birds are different first of all because they are prey animals, at least the ones that are raised as companions or aviary birds. They are very intelligent with a totally different social structure which is based on cooperation and not on dominance. Their body language is harder to read and understand. They are more secure with others of their own species as well as routines. They do not like change and like to feel that they are making their own choices, and for the most part trying to impose your will on them will result in a fearful bird that bites to the point that you can't handle them. They are wild creatures and are not domesticated and there are things that we do that they can't adjust to. One of these things is our lifestyles wherein we stay up at night and sleep in. They are photoperiodic and must have the same light schedule as the wild birds outside or the develop physical issues that also create mental and emotional issues for them. They need a lot of your time on a daily basis.
These are just a few of the differences and I am sure that you are aware of some of them, but I don't yet know how much you may or may not be aware of and that is the reason for my listing of some of them for you. I am not trying to discourage or to encourage you in this, I am just trying to give you a few basics so that for the bird(s) that may be involved that you can make a good choice.
The avian rescues that we have are overflowing with unwanted birds whose only crime was that they grew up to become adults, and because of their inborn mating and bonding habits rehoming them is extremely stressful to them.
Hang around, read through some of the posts ask question, we will be happy to answer your questions.

Thank you for all your input Wolf. I have been researching birds for at least a year now and have finally decided to start looking to add to my family. I have been look for rescues and haven't had much luck in the Orance County area. Will have to do more research on that.i have been looking thru posts in this forum for a few months now and I will definitely start asking questions on a few. Thanks!

[liz]

Welcome to the forum.

You did not put your location in the info box. You say you are in Orange County. Is that Orange County Florida?

Put the type of bird in the search to find out what the other members are saying about them. The best way to learn and find a new baby that has the personality that you want in to volunteer in a Avian Rescue.

If you are in Florida you can go to http://www.rescueme.org/Florida where needy birds are listed and the rescue has added their personality to the write up. Right now Florida has 53.

I recently drove 2 hours to pick up four cockatiels whos only problem was the kids got tired of them and were not taking care of them. The mother listed them on Rescue Me and I got the notification the same day.

[Pajarita]

Welcome to the forum! Orange county where? California? New York? FLorida? North Carolina? Virginia? Texas? Lots of Orange counties out there and the reason we ask is because we might know of a rescue nearby.

Now, as to your two primary choices: sennie or GCC, I am sure you are aware that we are talking about two completely different species with completely different personalities. Any particular reason for each?

[Kelsih11]

Welcome to the forum.

You did not put your location in the info box. You say you are in Orange County. Is that Orange County Florida?

Put the type of bird in the search to find out what the other members are saying about them. The best way to learn and find a new baby that has the personality that you want in to volunteer in a Avian Rescue.

If you are in Florida you can go to http://www.rescueme.org/Florida where needy birds are listed and the rescue has added their personality to the write up. Right now Florida has 53.

I recently drove 2 hours to pick up four cockatiels whos only problem was the kids got tired of them and were not taking care of them. The mother listed them on Rescue Me and I got the notification the same day.

Orange County, CA. And I updated my profile a little. Sorry, still new to forums in general

[Kelsih11]

Welcome to the forum! Orange county where? California? New York? FLorida? North Carolina? Virginia? Texas? Lots of Orange counties out there and the reason we ask is because we might know of a rescue nearby.

Now, as to your two primary choices: sennie or GCC, I am sure you are aware that we are talking about two completely different species with completely different personalities. Any particular reason for each?

I've had interacted with conures mostly, so I was doing research on the different sub species and senegals popped up. I've done more research on them and they seem to be more on the parrot side than conures, and from everything I've read, and from people on forums talking about their experience with them, they tend to be pretty quiet. I know that all depends on the bird, as I have seen a few green cheeks that are very quiet. I'm kind of looking for trainability and companionship. I realize they are both the same size, which is one of the reasons I'm stuck on the 2.

[Pajarita]

No, sennies are a bit larger than GCCs and completely different in temperament (by the way, conures are as much parrots as any other parrot - 'conure' or 'parakeet' are not even scientific terms but avicultural ones).

Well, they both do well in terms of companionship although male sennies tend to be more assertive (read 'nippy') than male GCCs and sennies, in general, are less 'needy' than GCCs. As to trainability, if you mean tricks, I won't comment on that because I don't 'train' my birds to do any. I teach them cohabiting skills but not tricks.