First of all, just because a bird has a mate doesn't mean that
they will breed and successfully hatch a litter. Pet birds make
horrible parents and often times, the eggs are empty or
unfertilized. You are right about your bird needing
companionship.
Second of all. You have admitted to knowing nothing of conures.
I myself have a sun conure. A horrible biter, but the conure
spieces tends to be. Some done bite, but most do. Even if they
are hand fed and handled every day.
If you don't however wish to find a mate for him (mate doesn't
mean just sexually. I have a Blue and Gold Macaw and a Umbrella
cockatoo that are mates. The umbrella lays eggs, but the macaw
is female also, but they are mates. They have their nest
together, preen each other, and generally ignore the other birds
in my house.
Also, conures need a fair amount of attention to even attempt to
curb them from their biting habits. Being a student is a down
side, but it isn't impossible. I do think you should give your
bird to a proper home, where he can hopefully find a person to
bond with. He will not bond with your sister who just lets him
out and feeds him. He needs attention, and love.
Do your bird a favor and find him a home, not just a bigger
cage. He may have been previously neglected, but now he has just
gone from one type of neglect to another.
Something for you to think about.
On 10/19/07, Popcorn wrote:
> I'm afriad I can't help you there. First I'm just a bit far
> away. And also, having worked at an animal shelter, I know
> that we have a MAJOR pet over population problem. I'm
> actually shocked that someone from a bird rescue would suggest
> it to you. Though the pet bird overpopulation is not as well
> known as dogs and cats, it is still there and I will not add
> to it by allowing birds to mate. Also breeding is a major
> responsibility I don't have time for, with handraising and
> looking out for health problems, the finding homes for the new
> babies, and I'm sure that with a child and going to school,
> you understand that. I would suggest that if you do look into
> another bird, do it because you want another bird, not just as
> a companion bird. Sometimes a friend for your bird can be a
> good idea and sometimes it ends with you having two problem
> birds (the second bird picking up on the first one's
> problems). If you end up getting another bird of the same
> species, either keep them in separate cages (as friends, NOT
> mates) or DNA test your's and find one of the same gender.
> Otherwise, a bird of different species can often be just as
> good. Though they definatly have to be kept in separate
> cages. Also, I know initial cost is expensive, but if you
> can't afford that, how are you going to care for another bird
> in the long run? Food and vet bills add up.
> If you still want to look into another bird, know that
> petstores over price animals, and get them from questionable
> sources. A breeder is usually cheeper and you will know more
> about the bird going into it. Just make sure that it's a
> reputable breeder. Otherwise a rescue is another option.
> Either search for them in your area or go to petfinder.com and
> search there. There are many homeless birds, who could use a
> good home.
> Sorry I can't help you other than that. Just make sure to do
> plenty of research before settling on anything.
> ~Popcorn
1996 - 2009. All Rights Reserved. Please review our Terms of Use, Mission Statement, and Privacy Policy.