Can I train a parrot and teach it a new name?

[storkseas]

Hi guys, I'm considering getting parrots in the future. The two I'm specifically looking at are green cheeked conures, with one being turquoise and the other being standard, green. I want to sort of name them after the kratt brothers, Chris and Martin, and that's why I think it'd be fun to get one of them turquoise and the other green, as those are their colours.

I have read that buying eggs is a terrible idea, to say the least, and I am more than happy to adopt a parrot that is already grown, but I was curious, can I teach them to have a new name then? Having parrots which I can't name Chris and Martin would make the whole search of a green and blue parrot sort of pointless, and at that point I might as well just get any parrot, as long as they're not too loud (because I have heard that some species are louder than the others. I personally don't mind vocal animals, but I'm a teenager living with parents so I'm trying to stay mindful). I feel like I'm being very mean because of this, I hate talking about animals in a way that they're "pets" because it makes me feel like I'm superior or something.. anyway uhh yeah, that's my question. Can parrots be called new names.

On top of that, just to make sure, turquoise GCCs aren't like.. unethically bred, right? That's one of the main things I want to avoid. Thank you guys

 

[A.K]

hii!

i don’t really know too much about the whole names thing, but i noticed u said ur a teenager living with ur parents. i also have two gccs, which i got when i was 15. im now older and in uni, but i was unable to move out and experience the traditional university experience of living in a dorm, etc, because just how high maintaince these birds are. i love them to death, but unfortunately, i am the sole caretaker of them. dont get me wrong, i love it! but i did have to make sacrifices. i was very aware of this when i bought them.

i also, in hs and in the beginning of uni, struggled a lot to balance my extracurricular, academics, and taking care of two birds. my parents were very helpful, espeically during exam season, but in the end i had to realise that this is a huge responsibility of mine. i made it work, but it was incredibly difficult and my parents helped a lot.

just wanted to make sure you’re prepared and your parents are able to help you out! teen years are filled with a lot of big changes, and having a good support system is vital!

 

[storkseas]

hii!

i don’t really know too much about the whole names thing, but i noticed u said ur a teenager living with ur parents. i also have two gccs, which i got when i was 15. im now older and in uni, but i was unable to move out and experience the traditional university experience of living in a dorm, etc, because just how high maintaince these birds are. i love them to death, but unfortunately, i am the sole caretaker of them. dont get me wrong, i love it! but i did have to make sacrifices. i was very aware of this when i bought them.

i also, in hs and in the beginning of uni, struggled a lot to balance my extracurricular, academics, and taking care of two birds. my parents were very helpful, espeically during exam season, but in the end i had to realise that this is a huge responsibility of mine. i made it work, but it was incredibly difficult and my parents helped a lot.

just wanted to make sure you’re prepared and your parents are able to help you out! teen years are filled with a lot of big changes, and having a good support system is vital!

OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POINTING THAT OUT, I haven't thought of that yet. I'm still doing research on as much as I can before I decide if getting parrots is a right choice, and decided to get 2 as I believe that IF they like eachother, it will make it a tad bit easier for me to make sure they aren't lonely!!

My parents adore animals, and I'm sure they'd be willing to hang out with them every once in a while, my sister could potentially yet interested too, but the one "rule" we have is: if I want a pet, I have to make sure to provide everything on my own, take care of it and keep them in my room. They'll be willing to help, I'm sure, but I'm meant to take as much care with them as possible, which is why I'm trying to do so much research!

I do plan on going to university for zoology, MAYBE that will help a bit in my case? Regardless, that is still at least 2 years away which gives me plenty of time to think about everything. I believe that everything comes down to time management and how I handle my schedule, iykwim. I'd rather take a responsibility and wake up early to make sure everything goes well, than take a responsibility and then cram everything into last minute, or miss out from many opportunities from being lazy. Animals were and always will be my nr.1, and I will 100% take it into consideration, but considering where I'm trying to head and all, I think I might make it work..

Sorry for the big rant lol, and again thank you so much for pointing that out! I considered how long parrots live, but haven't considered school!!

 

[Karearea]

Hello! It may seem like a big deal to us, but if I'm being honest, I don't think most birds know their names. It's perfectly fine to change them.

Turquoise green-cheeked conures also don't have any inherent health problems compared to greens. The mutation has been around for several decades and if there were any issues to start with, they've been bred out. However, if you do get birds from a breeder in the future, make sure that person isn't pairing their birds willy-nilly without considering genetics at all. Genetics unrelated to color mutations can still have a big impact on their immune system and general well-being.

 

[storkseas]

Hello! It may seem like a big deal to us, but if I'm being honest, I don't think most birds know their names. It's perfectly fine to change them.

Turquoise green-cheeked conures also don't have any inherent health problems compared to greens. The mutation has been around for several decades and if there were any issues to start with, they've been bred out. However, if you do get birds from a breeder in the future, make sure that person isn't pairing their birds willy-nilly without considering genetics at all. Genetics unrelated to color mutations can still have a big impact on their immune system and general well-being.

Oh that's amazing, so I can name them Chris and Martin after all!! Thank goodness!

I'll make sure to do proper research before I adopt any birds, but I'm so glad that the turquoise variation isn't inherently problematic to own or look for. Thank you so so much!

 

[A.K]

OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POINTING THAT OUT, I haven't thought of that yet. I'm still doing research on as much as I can before I decide if getting parrots is a right choice, and decided to get 2 as I believe that IF they like eachother, it will make it a tad bit easier for me to make sure they aren't lonely!!

My parents adore animals, and I'm sure they'd be willing to hang out with them every once in a while, my sister could potentially yet interested too, but the one "rule" we have is: if I want a pet, I have to make sure to provide everything on my own, take care of it and keep them in my room. They'll be willing to help, I'm sure, but I'm meant to take as much care with them as possible, which is why I'm trying to do so much research!

I do plan on going to university for zoology, MAYBE that will help a bit in my case? Regardless, that is still at least 2 years away which gives me plenty of time to think about everything. I believe that everything comes down to time management and how I handle my schedule, iykwim. I'd rather take a responsibility and wake up early to make sure everything goes well, than take a responsibility and then cram everything into last minute, or miss out from many opportunities from being lazy. Animals were and always will be my nr.1, and I will 100% take it into consideration, but considering where I'm trying to head and all, I think I might make it work..

Sorry for the big rant lol, and again thank you so much for pointing that out! I considered how long parrots live, but haven't considered school!!

yes def! mine are both boys and i believe (?) are biological brothers, but regardless, they keep eachother company when i have classes! i’m so glad you’ve thought about how your parents will help out

it’s definitely just important to remember what a big change uni is and have that support system.

i got a lot of negative feedback when i decided to get my guys, because i was so young, (also your age) and in hindsight, even though it was extremely difficult adjusting and taking care of them at times, i can happily say it was worth the effort and i don’t think it ever affected me, or my birds, negatively. it sounds like you’re super capable and excited!

i also have one turquoise btw

if your comfortable giving your general location, we can def help find good reputable breeders or adoption centres near you!

 

[Parront]

I commend you for doing the research on getting a parrot! It is a huge responsiblity. As for renaming them. All my birds KNOW there names. If you say one of their names in another room, they will call out. As for renaming a parrot, my experience is that you can, but unlike a dog or cat, it will take more time. We rescued a B&G many years ago. Long story short, it took months before she responded to the name we gave her. I wish you the best of luck.

 

[storkseas]

I commend you for doing the research on getting a parrot! It is a huge responsiblity. As for renaming them. All my birds KNOW there names. If you say one of their names in another room, they will call out. As for renaming a parrot, my experience is that you can, but unlike a dog or cat, it will take more time. We rescued a B&G many years ago. Long story short, it took months before she responded to the name we gave her. I wish you the best of luck.

Thank you so much! I'll try to look into it as much as possible, I feel like getting babies would be very hard and I really want to adopt my birdies from someone else, since yk how people always want a BRAND new pet instead of adopting one that needs rehoming.. They might be a bit older, but I've heard that at 2, GCCs start growing up and many people leave them because they aren't cuddly anymore and are very messy and hormone-driven, which makes me feel bad for them. There will probably be a good bunch of younger GCCs to adopt, but I'm also taking older parrots into consideration too. They do live a long time so even an older parrot would realistically be with me for a good bit

Anyway my point is, since they're all younger, I'm assuming that it might be a little bit easier to call them a new name

 

[storkseas]

yes def! mine are both boys and i believe (?) are biological brothers, but regardless, they keep eachother company when i have classes! i’m so glad you’ve thought about how your parents will help out

it’s definitely just important to remember what a big change uni is and have that support system.

i got a lot of negative feedback when i decided to get my guys, because i was so young, (also your age) and in hindsight, even though it was extremely difficult adjusting and taking care of them at times, i can happily say it was worth the effort and i don’t think it ever affected me, or my birds, negatively. it sounds like you’re super capable and excited!

i also have one turquoise btw

if your comfortable giving your general location, we can def help find good reputable breeders or adoption centres near you!

Yeah, the benefit of having two parrots is that they will keep themselves entertained at times, it's genuinely like with babies and I find that so cute!

Sorry you went through all of the backlash though, I feel like as long as you provided a good life for them, there is nothing to hate about. Adults also often complain about being busy, and sure they might be, but nobody bats an eye when THEY decide to adopt a parrot.. sure you were younger, but you also had your responsibilities and jobs and also had a sense of maturity, since you were an older teenager atp. The only difference is how adults would usually have more understanding in how to navigate a busy world, while for teens it's less likely since, yk.. they're younger.

I live in county Waterford, in Ireland. I don't have a driving license yet, but I'd take the taxi if the parrots were from a bit further, travelling is not really a problem with me. I don't know if shipping birds overseas is legal or allowed, but it sounds very wrong to me so anywhere in Ireland, I'd manage to work with that! Thank you so much for your help!

 

[MommyBird]

@storkseas
I usually adopt older birds and I do believe they know their names as they look up when their specific name is called.
However I did change names twice. Once I changed Harry to Barry as my brother in law named Harry had just passed away 2 months before adopting the bird. And I changed Squawker to Walker because I thought it was a degrading name. They learned the sound-alikes quickly and respond to the new names.

some interesting research on how parrots name their chicks (several links as I've learned sometimes links don't work in other countries)
https://www.npr.org/sections/krulwi...dren-and-those-names-like-ours-stick-for-life
Do Parrots Name Their Chicks? | BirdNote

 

[storkseas]

@storkseas
I usually adopt older birds and I do believe they know their names as they look up when their specific name is called.
However I did change names twice. Once I changed Harry to Barry as my brother in law named Harry had just passed away 2 months before adopting the bird. And I changed Squawker to Walker because I thought it was a degrading name. They learned the sound-alikes quickly and respond to the new names.

some interesting research on how parrots name their chicks (several links as I've learned sometimes links don't work in other countries)
https://www.npr.org/sections/krulwi...dren-and-those-names-like-ours-stick-for-life
Do Parrots Name Their Chicks? | BirdNote

Oh thank you, I'll watch those soon! It's interesting to see that they actually adapt to the new versions of their names when they sound similar

 

[Jayced!!]

As others have said since you're a younger person, seriously consider your ability to have parrots before you get one! I got my first GCC, Olivia at 16 and have sacrificed alot to keep her happy! I don't regret it though, just something to keep in mind!

You absolutely can change the name for adult birds, I have changed my bird, Zazu to the name of Zaku but you can change it to anything! It can be trickier with birds that speak, though it is always possible to teach them new names! You can even have their old name just be a middle or nickname! I hope this helps!
Here's a picture of Olivia my first GCC for tax!

 

[storkseas]

As others have said since you're a younger person, seriously consider your ability to have parrots before you get one! I got my first GCC, Olivia at 16 and have sacrificed alot to keep her happy! I don't regret it though, just something to keep in mind!

You absolutely can change the name for adult birds, I have changed my bird, Zazu to the name of Zaku but you can change it to anything! It can be trickier with birds that speak, though it is always possible to teach them new names! You can even have their old name just be a middle or nickname! I hope this helps!
Here's a picture of Olivia my first GCC for tax! View attachment 470354

OH SHE'S ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE!!

If you don't mind me asking, what would be some examples of sacrificed you made? Today I figured that most universities don't allow pets in dorms, but I can either stay in my area or rent a house which would allow me to keep pets, which is always an option. Since I have 2 years left in school and want to take a gap year, that makes 3 years in total, and then if I get into my dream course, I'd do zoology or biology for around 4 years, then I want to move out and live in Costa Rica or maybe a different part of the world, also considering some places. I feel like school would and currently is my biggest "enemy" in this, because of the university having no-pet rules, but overall I'm a highly ambitious person and I'd genuinely work my way around things if I can. I hope the question isn't too personal, I know I'm probably missing a lot of things out, but I feel like asking people is always a good idea

 

[ThomS]

Hello! It may seem like a big deal to us, but if I'm being honest, I don't think most birds know their names. It's perfectly fine to change them.

Turquoise green-cheeked conures also don't have any inherent health problems compared to greens. The mutation has been around for several decades and if there were any issues to start with, they've been bred out. However, if you do get birds from a breeder in the future, make sure that person isn't pairing their birds willy-nilly without considering genetics at all. Genetics unrelated to color mutations can still have a big impact on their immune system and general well-being.

I would have to disagree with on knowing their name. Let me put it this way it's the sound of their name. Think of it as like a flock call, a scared call. Parrots have different sounds for different reasons. They understand they sound of the word because they mimic us.
It may not be the actual word but sound that makes the word. I can see when I call ( say their name) one of my flock the will turn and look at me.
Its like with dogs you tell a dog to sit, show how to sit he knows that sit means sit. The sound you make when you say sit. But if you were to say run instead of sit, he would sit because you showed the sound run was what you want. To us sit is sit but if you change it to run. Run would be the word he would recognize and sit for that. Did mean to go so long.
So I say the sound of the word is what they understand.

 

[Finchbreed]

I agree with ThomS
Birds and animals recognise general sounds. So a bird named Sis would be happy being called Chris - a bird named Tartin would be happy being called Martin.
So changing Tom to Chris would be hard as would changing Kara to Martin.
My daughter did Biology at uni a few years back - here in Aust - caring for other critters can be difficult without a lot of support - she house shared with her older brother.

 

[RiosFlock]

In my experience, yes. Many birds will actually recognize different sounds and vocalizations if you associate them with something for long enough, even if they are a non-speaking species. Really, birds are much smarter than we give them credit for in many cases.

Of course, getting a name to stick is much easier to do with larger species who have more neurons in their brains in my experience, as they eventually recognize that you are calling them after a while with a specific name or tone. All the birds in my flock all recognize their own names or at least my voice and will come to me if call their names out. I've adopted birds from a young weaning age to 2-5 years old and they all eventually came to learn their "call" with varying learning times and would come to me or face my direction if I say their name now.

Remember to use positive reinforcement with treats. It's all about building habit. Also, do not get eggs to incubate yourself, that is best saved for experienced breeders. I would recommend a fully weaned bird for a first time, easier on you and the bird. If you are going for uni or college please keep in mind that the bird may change temperament-wise or even favor another person once you come back, so just a heads up.