Conures are very interesting, intelligent and quirky birds. They are a lot higher maintenance than budgies (parakeets) though, and will require a lot more of your attention. They are often much louder as well, and they make more of a...piercing sound. The males tend to be territorial and become attached to one person and become very aggressive and defensive if anyone tries to go near that person, especially if they are sitting on that person's shoulder or are with them. They require a different seed blend, larger cage, and more supervision. I would not recommend a conure to someone with small kids (especially if the children are not easily consoled...). Once again, they do require much attention and quality time, and will need more mental stimulation since they are smarter birds. They will need more time out of the cage and more complex toys in their cage. They do tend to be very silly and amusing a lot of the time. I had one that would hang upside-down from the top of the cage or perches when he got excited (he now belongs to my dad, because he became very attached to him). I think they are overall very fun, amusing birds, but only if you spend lots of time with them. If not, they will get lonely and aggressive and begin to pluck their feathers and squawk for attention. This would be solved by trying (slowly) to begin handling them again, or purchasing another to keep the bird company (which could go badly, unfortunately, if they do not take kindly to each other).
Before you buy a bird, check to see if there is a local bird rescue or sanctuary where you could adopt a bird from. There is a huge overpopulation of pet birds and by adopting you won't encourage that.
I think ziggy nailed it.
I've had parakeets for as long as I can remember but I've recently had big interest in conures and I've been looking to get one since I saw one in a pet store the other day
