A little worried about "The Boys"

[Txcockatielguy]

First of all I'm over on the cockatiel section most of the time as we have a flock of 13! We also have two beautiful male sun conures that are actually brothers from the same clutch. I'm writing this to the more EXPERIENCED conure person than I am. Over the last week or so I've noticed both there attitudes have changed about coming out of there cage when I get in from work. I'm well aware these are very smart birds and they may be holding it against us because we had to clip wings about two weeks ago. These two are VERY bonded and when one flew, the other did. It got to the point that come bed time, Cosmo just flat did not want to go. Rio wasn't so bad but we did have issues with both. I'll be honest, I HATE clipping any birds wings but sometimes it's for there own good. Most cockatiels seem to be ok with this but was it a wrong move on my part for the suns? Even back when they were younger and didn't fly that much, both would walk clear across the room to my desk just to be near me or climb up. Sadly, that seems to have ended. Any advice?:15:

 

[Flboy]

Hi!
How old are they?

 

[Txcockatielguy]

Hi!
How old are they?

They are both right at a year old.

 

[Scott]

I have zero conure experience but suspect they will forgive you, especially as the feathers grow and flight becomes possible. Clipping is hugely controversial, but at times necessary - sometimes a single clip will adjust negative behaviors for a very long time.

 

[Jen5200]

I can’t speak to clipping wings as I haven’t done it with my suns, but my girls periodically get mad at me and give me the cold shoulder for a bit (usually when we do toenail trimming). Bindi is more forgiving, and usually gets over her bad feelings in a day. Baby is much less forgiving with me and sometimes holds a grudge for a couple of weeks. I just carry on with normal routine - cages open, treats when I would normally provide treats, similar interactions but let them choose when to interact with me. I figure that if they can see that nothing else has changed, they can move ahead with their day and decide when they want to forgive me. I hate doing stuff that makes them mad - but sometimes it’s just stuff that has to happen. I think they’ll get over it when they decide that they’ve made you feel guilty for curbing their adventures.

 

[Txcockatielguy]

Well guys, I think I may have figured it out with the boys! Yes, they weren't to happy about the wing clipping but I think the major attitude was over simply NOT spending enough one on one time with them! They seem to act A LOT better when I let them out before ANY of the tiels and I just interact with them! I don't feel bad for the tiels because they have so many of there own kind to play with. "The Boys" on the other hand are just the two of them. I am SO glad now that we got Rio very shortly after getting his brother Cosmo! As I've said before they are VERY bonded but I've come to realize they need some time with there human friends too!