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I have struggled with this for so very long. It is getting to the point where I am becoming really run down and sick emotionally and physically over this dilemma.
I have two sweet, wonderful conures that I adore. One is a Sun, the other a Jenday.It appears that one is male and the other female. They hate each other and would kill each other if they had the chance. But they LOVE me. And there lies the problem. All day long, from morning till night....they scream for my attention. I take time with each one , taking turns at least once a day. They would be thrilled to be on me all day long. And yes, I have tried all the suggestions to get them to stop screaming. And no, I do not take them out until they are quiet...which is only a matter of seconds.
I dearly love these guys. They are so loving, so sweet. But the stress is caused when my husband complains about them. I don`t blame him....the noise is deafening. I can tune it out somewhat, but it is driving my husband insane. And that causes stress between us.
Everytime I think about letting these guys go, I get a huge lump in my throat and end up crying and feeling guilty. Then I think, who would love and care for them like I do? Would they be sold and resold? I made a commitment to give them a lifelong home....how can I even think of letting them go? If they were rehomed, even with a great situation, how could I cope with the terrible depression and guilt that I know I would suffer?
I have many other birds, but these two are the only ones causing stress in my home.
Has anyone else ever had to deal with this problem? How does ANYONE let their birds go? I always want what is best for them, but I know they adore me...and I cannot turn my back on them. Any suggestions?

Since you have many other birds, you must have some in different rooms. Have you tried keeping the conures in separate rooms so one doesn't see you interacting with the other? And so they don't see each other? Conures are LOUD happy birds. It may be their very natural vocalizations you're hearing rather than a protest that you might expect to quiet. Aren't suns often said to be the loudest?

I've taken in a number of birds from people in difficult situations who loved their birds but could not keep them. The key for them seemed to be rehoming with someone they knew and trusted. Most of us got to know each other on chats. They knew how I keep my birds because we've chatted together about myriad situations. You might find that same technique helpful to you. Perhaps the tension will lessen if your DH knows you are looking for a good new home for these two birds. If he is also a bird lover, he might participate in the project, chatting in search of a good new home. Don't give him a pass just because he's a squeakier wheel than you are

Hoping for each of you.

Screaming can be eliminated/reduced if you really want to keep them. I would suggest you go to the PBAS group on Yahoo and join. Fill out the assessment sheet and read all the articles in the files section. There are some really good ones on how screaming was reduced/eliminated but it will take some work on your part. I've never had a problem with screaming but I had 3 biting birds. Note I said "had". This didn't happen overnight. First I took responsibility for causing the biting and then I set up a behaviour plan to eliminate/reduce the biting. All is possible using Applied Behaviour Analysis. The problem is too many people give up without really trying and you need all people in the house on board to affect change in behaviour.

Bev

mytielwoody wrote:... So just remember that there are good loving bird people out there who CAN give them that love and a good, happy life......the trick is finding them! Good luck to you! You will make the right choice.

Good post! I wonder how she's doing 6 weeks later

Well, I am still here with my beloved screamers....lol. Husband is still complaining. I am still stressed out and feeling guilty, and trapped. Really loved the last post about successful rehoming. And if I could find a situation like that, I could be at peace. Problem is, homes like that are far and few between. Especially here in the area that I live. I trust no one, because I have been burned.
So, we go on. I have Buddy, my Sun on me at the moment. I just marvel at how stunningly beautiful this creature is. The Great Spirit is a wonderous being, to create such splendor. I guess the piercing scream was included to remind us , that there is no perfection.

highdesertdiva wrote:... homes like that are far and few between. Especially here in the area that I live... I guess the piercing scream was included to remind us , that there is no perfection.

A good way of "looking" at it Have you chatted with Yogi about the conure board where she spends time when not on Up at Six's conure forum? Unless you're determined to rehome them in your own area, widening your search is probably key to finding that right person for each bird. JMO