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Post by hub25 on Jan 13, 2008 13:45:49 GMT
Hi my name is hubbell, I'm 25 and i live in middlesex. I've allways wanted to own a yellow crested cockatoo, but after doing a bit of research, i've found that if they're left alone for long periods of time, then they start to pluck they're own feathers? I don't want to neglect a bird. I'm single and I work fairly long hours and i live on my own, i'm basically out of my house for 12 hours a day - mon - sat. Is they're any other bird I could look to keep that would be ok with being left alone for that period of time, i've been looking at parakeets and lorikeets. Any advice would be much appreciated.
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Post by Liz on Jan 13, 2008 19:37:47 GMT
Hey and welcome! Hope you can work something out. Just in general, any bird (if you want it tame) is going to need as much time as possible. Some of the other people on here can probably tell you more about the larger birds and lorikeets, that isn't exactly my area of expertise. About parakeets, though, if you get a parakeet, I'd probably suggest getting two, so they can keep eachother company. The taming would probably be harder that way, but if you're interested that can be discussed farther. Anyway, welcome again!
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Blaine
Flock Member
Posts: 463
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Post by Blaine on Jan 13, 2008 19:55:59 GMT
If your out of the house that long budgies (parakeets) would be your best option. They need about 45 min. to an hour a day with you. They don't take a massive amount of care, and can learn to talk.
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Post by Berserka on Jan 14, 2008 3:24:00 GMT
For a bloke your age I'd recommend a Conure. They are cuddly, can be left alone (with toys) for some time, don't need alot of maintenance and you can roughhouse a bit with them. They can be a bit noisy - especially the Sun Conure. Kakariki are birds that do well by themselves but are not generally a cuddly bird but are extremely entertaining. Pretty quite birds normally. Cockatiels are very popular and will talk rather well (males). Can be noisy. Indian Ringnecks are a lovely bird but you do need to spend alot of time with them to keep them tame. Can tend to be noisy. Princess Parrots are a lovely bird and everyone I know who has a handraised one is smitten. They can be cuddly, sooks and good talkers. Some are noisy.
All I can think of off the top of my head.
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Post by silvercloud on Jan 14, 2008 3:42:23 GMT
Hi and welcome. Karen has said pretty much what I was gonna say. No matter which species you get they all need as much time as you can give them but if they're to be left alone for long periods getting 2 may be the go, either way you'll need a cage as big as you can afford and lots of toys including ones that you can hide treats in. Get more toys than can fit in the cage so you can rotate them every week or two so your bird won't get bored with them.
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Post by hub on Jan 15, 2008 0:01:05 GMT
Thanks for the advice guys (and girls), much appreciated, i've decided to get a pair of conures, so hopefully they can keep themselves amused while i'm out. I'm not too bothered about the noise, i understand that birds are very vocal. Just hope my neighbours don't complain!!
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Post by Berserka on Jan 15, 2008 0:40:32 GMT
Good on you - they are an excellent choice. Do you know what variety?
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Post by Scully on Jan 15, 2008 0:43:23 GMT
Hi Hubbell, and welcome to Birdcrazy If im being honest, you will ned a indoor avairy type cage, as you work those hours. Just to be sure they get the exercise, I work those hours sometimes, but not regular, mainly christmas, and my birds want to be let out mornings and evenings still. How about smaller birds, finches/budgies in an indoor avairy type cage. They dont seem to need the contact with you as much, and can amuse themselves with toys etc. Its a difficult one, im not sure day after day, my conure or tiel would be okay being left too long in the cage. Also my Teil is louder than my conure good luck and enjoy the forums
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Post by hub25 on Jan 22, 2008 13:31:06 GMT
Hi guys thanks for the advice!! I've been doing a bit of research, into conures. I would love to get a sun and a jenday (beautiful plumage) but am I correct in that they can be a bit noisy?? Personally i'm not to bothered about a noisy bird, but I live in an apartment and i'm a bit worried that they might upset the neighbours - I don't want that! So I was thinking maybe it would be safer decision to go for a couple of green - cheek conures such as a crimson bellied and/or a yellow sided? I will get a very large cage - indoor aviary type, thats not a problem, plenty of toys as well! I don't allways work 12 hours a day, its sporadic. Also can anyone recommend some reputable conure breeders in the south east of england and also about how much should I expect to pay for a green cheeked conure?? Anyway guys and girls! - Thanks for the advice - I appreciate it! hub.
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Post by Scully on Jan 22, 2008 17:52:10 GMT
my green cheek is not noisey, and on our classifieds there is a very good breeder with some ready very soon. they will be tame, i reckon they would be ideal for you.
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mueb
Fledgling
Posts: 153
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Post by mueb on Jan 22, 2008 22:34:56 GMT
Hi Hubbell I notice you live in Middlesex so not too far away from me - I am in south Norfolk. We are conure breeders and will have some hand-reared tame babies available soon (think that's us Scully meant!). I have 2 maroon-bellied conures still looking for a new home in around 4 weeks time. We also have pearly & bluethroat conures on eggs atm. These smaller conures are NOT noisy!! it is only the aratinga group that are loud. Please get in touch if you are interested in reserving anything. Check out my website - www.mkb-birds.co.uk for photos & info
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Post by Scully on Jan 23, 2008 8:31:30 GMT
Hi heres a page of avairys, reasonably priced www.petcentreonline.co.uk/ecommerce/Scripts/prodList~idCategory~16.htmMy conure has one of these to himself, but its far too big for one. I have two of these, side by side, the roofs have been replaced with a wood frames/wire mesh, as they are a bit dark for the birds with them on. its about time ferplas made the bigger ones with wire roofs! Hanging things are a nightmare as well. I mean how many toys are hang from cage tops..most lol! Having them side by side, my little fella has company, with the birds next door. Although some days i do wonder if thats enough for him, not quite the same as a mate in the cage. if i was to go for one of those now i would choose the white large £204 one or a larger roofed one, and take the roof off again. Any large species bird they would not be suitable, i dont think the bars would be strong enough long term, you need tougher cages. With two , you still could put platforms in, and lots for them to do, and im sure you would have two happy birds that you would not have to worry about while at work. Conures are very playful, they do need a constant ideas to keep them amused and busy when they are in the cage. One of the fun parts of owning a conure mm Two hand reared conures, i would ask Mue what the best choice would be. ie two from the same nest, no breeding of course, but bought up together would be the best thing? Sounds good to me, but cant say im the conure expert with one (I dont mean to get boring guys by plugging my friend here, but i seriously mean it, when i say i would'nt go anywhere else if i wanted another baby) Hub, keep in touch..love to know what you decide
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Post by hub25 on Jan 23, 2008 22:23:17 GMT
Hi guys... again thanks for the info. Mue i've allready looked at your site and your birds sound great. I'm most certainly willing to travel for the right birds, (temperment, health etc). I've been trawling through the internet and i've found some super pictures of green cheek conures! I'm going to post a link to some pictures i've got on facebook! www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=17472&l=c0314&id=740128480
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Post by hub25 on Jan 23, 2008 22:37:06 GMT
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Post by Scully on Jan 23, 2008 23:45:50 GMT
WELL! I dont think the birdies would complain at the room they are going to get I wont show my birds that avairy, they would leave home.. dont want to put a damper on your idea, but the bar spacing maybe too big for a conure they will be playing peekaboo with you. and thats speaking from someone, who when she picked up her conure, after going to extreme lengths to make this wonderfull carry cage, her friendly breeder told her so!
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