Sun Conure and Green Cheek

[christine]

Hello, I posted around May 27 about purchasing a sun conure for my pineapple green cheek. The Sun (Jewels) is still on two hand feedings a day but I take the green cheek (Precious) to visit her twice a week. They seemed to be getting along fine each time and yesterday Precious was pecking at Jewels and knocked her off the perch 3 times. Jewels backed off. The sun conures seem to be a much gentler bird.

Precious is 6 1/2 months old now and quite the handful. I thought company would be good for him? Now I am concerned about housing them together? Maybe Precious was just having an "off day"? Precious' cage is very large - enough room for 4 conures. What do you think?

Regards Montana

[avinet]

Hi Montana,

Probably just a bit of "pecking order" sorting out. Precious as the older established bird wants the newcomer to know she is the boss. Green-cheeks are a bit like that - they think they are a macaw trapped in a small body Suns are a bit easier going that way - I think they know they are a small bird in a small body!

I wouldn't expect any significant problems when Jewels comes home - maybe a bit of push and shove but nothing serious as they sort themselves out. However as always keep an eye on them and use commonsense.

A big cage is good, although it might be necessary to have food at both ends of the cage in case Precious decides to guard her usual food dishes.

cheers,

Mike

[christine]

Hi Mike and thank you. i will put extra food dishes and water in the cage. I will also watch them closely.
Regards Montana