I want to get another bird sometime soon. My question is - what kind do I want? A p'let buddy for Winkie, a linnie or my other dream bird - a GCC. I would like owners of the birds I have named to tell the pros & cons of owning each bird.
By the way, no matter what I decide I will only get another bird once spring comes. I got Winkie in the winter & I don't want to repeat that experience.

Ok, I'll take a stab at GCC's, but remember, this is based on my experiences, and I'm sure all GCCs are not completely identical.

Pros:
Lots of personality in a small package
Easy to care for
Winged acrobats
Fairly low noise level (comparatively speaking)
Reasonably easy on toys
Don't seem very prone to plucking issues
Pretty

Cons:
Lots of personality in a small package
Not "snugglers", which isn't really a con for me, but might be for some
Nippy (well, they are, a little bit)
Opinionated
Utterly fearless (can be dangerous with larger birds, dogs, etc.)
Pushy

I think Green Cheeks are absolutely fabulous birds, and I wouldn't trade Quito for the world.

How any bird will react with Winkie, and vise versa, I can't say. I really don't know that much about P'lets. My guess, based on my experience with Quito is that the GCC will want to dominate. Quito has finally accepted the fact that Tausi wants nothing to do with her, and she leaves him alone. It took quite a while to achieve that state of affairs.

GREEN CHEEK!!!!!

GET THE GREEN CHEEK!

I know a really good breeder if you're in NY, Finger Lakes Exotics, she lives just down the road from where I was and helped me get Sushek for the short time I had him ='(. But, he was a wonderful companion, followed me all over the house on the ground, he squeeked when he couldn't see me then would search the house for me. The only thing I did not like about him, was his food agression, treats, feeding times, everything. He was young. And as my first conure I had a hard time breaking him of it. And he was a Snuggler...so you may get lucky, here's a picture of my forlorn baby....

He was a precious friend. If I put him and Jean side by side, I'd almost say I'd want Sushek more....but that's only because of the snuggle factor. I'm not trying to say I love Jean less. But you know, it's just hard to let go of these little guys and the picture shows why.


EDIT: you can see how his one wing was missing from the joint down in that one photo

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ummmm, I say one of each..... but thats just me....

Parrotlets have problems with other birds. Misunderstandings. Like when they nip feet, the other birds get mad. Also Parrotlets have no fear and will attack big adversaries. Sorry, just so you know (before getting all excited) it may be a problem and if so you'll never be able to have them out at the same time.

Parrotlets also have a wierd thing about being in visual distance of another. It's a trigger.

Now, I have to admit Piper fell in love with a Budgie here but she was only 4 months old and clueless and lonely. And to this day she tries to be with the Budgies (well, him) but they have to be in different rooms.

If she's around him too long she bites TOBY. They're wierd....

Maybe plan on a Parrotlet just in case....of course Winkie looks so laid back and easy going but you never know. And a larger bird could really hurt a Parrotlet with one bite or not even a bite really...their legs are so tiny.

This sounds a lot like Winkie! Seriously!

I would be very careful in choosing a GCC. This may just be my rotten GCC - but she has a serious thing for trying to get onto Ziggy's cage and terrorize him. I don't know why. I can't ever let them out at the same time and if I have to leave the room for anything - I have to lock Zoey up in her cage - otherwise, the second I step out of site, she heads towards Ziggy's cage. She's my only bird that's bad about it. But I know I have to be very careful - or someone will end up getting hurt.

Thank you, Steph.


Anyone else?

I think I've made a good case with the photos...you can't deny the photos Lets see your parrolet do that!

You're on, Tinna!



I would like to get a picture of Winkie with his beak in my ear, but he never does it for the camera.