Introduction + General questions

[Ta2Matt]

I hate to give short answers because they appear to be rude.
And I really hate to sound like a know-it-all that does not want to listen to what advice people give.
Because on the contrary I QUITE appreciate it!
But, everything you've just mentioned in the top post has been accounted for
Obviously I will not be the only one paying for both birds and their needs.
I do in fact, prefer the idea of just getting one bird to start with but I think it would be rather selfish of me if my girlfriend goes along with her idea of getting her own.
In the case we do get a pair...
Would you guys recommend getting a single cage or getting two? Or would getting two cages actually be cruel towards them?

[patdbunny]

-you recommend waiting 6 months in between getting the birds. Is it not a risk that the first may be very territorial and not like this? I realize that it's quite a good idea and done very often, but aren't caiques bad at accepting new flock members?

Yes, but if you're willing to work through other issues, aren't you willing to work through territoriality issues if you add later? Even if you get two at the same time, they may still not accept each other or stop getting along.

-You ask if I am ready to the possibility that they will bond together and we humans be sort of pushed aside. I am aware that this is possible and may take extra work to bond with them.

Ok. But I'm also asking of your girlfriend since she wants one too.

-You say about ''baging'' on your own gender.. Are they known for prefering male humans? I havn't read that anywere, it's a sad thing to hear

Nope. I'm not really all that concerned about you. You sound like me in the beginning. I wanted a CAG for years before I got one. Once I got one it was just a dream come true. I'm more concerned with what appears to be an impulsive desire on the part of your girlfriend.

Finally i'd like to add that I am thinking everything through and that's why I am here to talk with veterans and professionals months in advance

I completely see that. Just wanted to point a few things out, that's all. Really do wish you the best on this journey.

[Ta2Matt]

Thanks for the concern patdbunny
we are actually supposed to have a talk about that tonight when she gets home
I was actually going to get her to read through all the responses you guys have gave me so far!

[kaylayuh]

I hate to give short answers because they appear to be rude.
And I really hate to sound like a know-it-all that does not want to listen to what advice people give.
Because on the contrary I QUITE appreciate it!
But, everything you've just mentioned in the top post has been accounted for
Obviously I will not be the only one paying for both birds and their needs.
I do in fact, prefer the idea of just getting one bird to start with but I think it would be rather selfish of me if my girlfriend goes along with her idea of getting her own.
In the case we do get a pair...
Would you guys recommend getting a single cage or getting two? Or would getting two cages actually be cruel towards them?

Like patdbunny, I'm more concerned with your girlfriend wanting a bird than you. You seem like you've been thinking about it for years and are pretty certain you want a bird. Your girlfriend seems like this is an impulse because she thinks it's cute. There are a lot of times they're not so cute, so it's better to be prepared before.

I would say the cage issue is really up to you. If you get them from the same breeder and they're from the same clutch, I'd guess they'd be okay in a single cage. I favor very large cages, though. My budgies cage is 20.5"L x 17"W x 32"H without the stand. The GCC has the same size cage. If you were to get a single cage, my personal preference would be for a cage probably 32 x 32 x 32. I've also seen some really nice double flight cages, so you could always try that. They're essentially one cage with a divider in the middle.

[Ta2Matt]

So there you have it folks.
We re-discussed and YES, we will be settling for one at first.
There's many reasons for this, so it's our best bet
oh and. My girlfriend wasn't nearly as impolsive as any of us thought. She had done quite a bit of research that even i wasn't aware of. She just tends to only talk about the playing and cuteness
I'm now going to be contacting as many breeders I can by email to find out about their methods, pricing and what not.

Before I do so, any recomendations on what I should be asking?
for now I was thinking of asking about;
- age they part with them
- if they are willing to leave wings unclipped
- if they are often handled
- If they are tought basic stepping up before parting (not that this one bothers me to much)
- wether they ship or not (if far away, but id much prefer go get the bird ourselves)
- if they are sexed
- make sure they come with papers
- a first vet visit would be a major plus
- and of coarse, price.

Do you guys think I have enough?

[kaylayuh]

Before I do so, any recomendations on what I should be asking?
for now I was thinking of asking about;
- age they part with them
- if they are willing to leave wings unclipped
- if they are often handled
- If they are tought basic stepping up before parting (not that this one bothers me to much)
- wether they ship or not (if far away, but id much prefer go get the bird ourselves)
- if they are sexed
- make sure they come with papers
- a first vet visit would be a major plus
- and of coarse, price.

Do you guys think I have enough?

The number one question I would ask is if the parrot is fully weaned or not. Ask how long they monitor the weight of the bird to confirm weaning before the bird is available for it's new home.

Ask if they fledge the birds before clipping. I prefer my birds unclipped, but it's more important to me that the bird is allowed to properly fledge and learn to fly before coming to me. I can always let the flights grow in.

Ask about health guarantees. Standard procedure is a 3 day health guarantee. Vet visits aren't often included and DNA sexing will probably cost extra. Ask if they have a vet the babies see while in their care.

Ask what foods the babies are weaned on to. Ask for brands, types and frequency. Ask about what the individual bird seems to prefer while in their care.

Ask about the size of the cage they suggest for their birds and if they have any in stock for you to purchase in case you hadn't found one you liked anywhere else.

Ask whether than can or do teach basic commands, such as step up. Though this isn't nearly as important as the others.

Ask if you can go visit their breeding facilities and the bird before you purchase the bird. I personally wouldn't buy from a breeder if I couldn't see their facilities first.

[Michael]

-You say about ''baging'' on your own gender.. Are they known for prefering male humans? I havn't read that anywere, it's a sad thing to hear

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=2252&start=10#p34124
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=2252&start=10#p34129

http://trainedparrot.com/index.php?bid= ... ab+Methods

[Ta2Matt]

Thanks Micheal, much appreciated!
I actually read/watched that article a few weeks ago
I must say I absolutely love all of your instructional tutorials, very elaborate, clear and straight to the point!