Meet Conrad

As mentioned in a previous post, having a bird has been one of Grant's lifelong dreams. He has previously owned small birds like finches, etc. but never a parrot. The sun conure is one of his favorites because of its gorgeous coloring. 

I, on the other hand, could not have felt more opposite on the bird issue. I have said the phrase "I hate birds" more times than I can count...

About a month ago, Grant texted me from work and asked if we could "bird sit" for a couple of weeks while one of his colleagues was on a ship doing training. Although I didn't necessarily want to have a bird in my home, I thought this would be a good opportunity to see if it would be something we would like eventually. And so, after meeting Conrad and him liking both of us (and I faked liking him initially in front of his owner), he came home with us (lucky bird got to move to the beach ;)

He made the 30 minute drive home on Grant's shoulder with his cage in the back of the car.

My parents were still here when we got him, and he immediately fell in love with my mom (and she is an animal lover and was really good with him). My dad on the other hand...well lets just say there is a mutual disdain between them :) Those few days went by and his squawks annoyed me, but it was going ok. Then when the kids came, he got especially loud (I think he likes to be the loudest one in the room). He also HATED Tim and tried to attack him whenever he would come near.

During Mat and Jen's visit I was actually surprised how much they liked him...and poor Mat (poorboymat) tried so hard to win over Conrad's love. At first he liked him ok (let him hold him, etc) and then after a few biting incidents there was some hesitance on both sides.

Now what do I think of him after 2 weeks? I think he's beautiful, is actually much sweeter than I thought a bird would be, has a fun personality...however, I have an intolerance for squawking in my house (and conures are known for being loud birds)! We have become "friends" but he goes in time out (sheet over his cage) multiple times a day. He is "potty trained" but still occasionally poops on things which I am obviously not a fan of.

This arrangement could become more long term, so we are trying to make the hard decision of whether it will work for us or not. Overall I think it's been a good experience (and we still have another week with him), but I'm not sure that we're ready to become bird parents yet.