Adopted sun with a huge sexual problem

[eplekid]

So, I adopted a 6 year old female sun conure from a woman. The bird has plucked her entire chest and underneath her wings.
My main issue is her sexual behaviour and that she is super clingy.
I already have a little flock containing a illiger macaw, hooded parakeet, cockatiel and a male sun conure.(Hoping they might get along)

Back to the problem:
The previous owner did not have much knowledge regards parrots. She said she petted her under her wings, near her bum etc. I think that this might be one of the reasons she is trying to mate with hands, fingers etc. She also like to snuggle up under hoodies, but she keeps moaning.

Second, she only wants to be with humans. How can I courage her to stay nesr my other birds?

Third, her feathers are growing back out slowly. I've changed her diet, and it now contains a mix of pellets, seeds, fruits, greens and fresh water. My male sun have the same diet, and his feathers are gorgeous! Is this okay for her as well?

Fourth, she makes a really annoying "alarm" noise. It's like a huge "IIIIIP". Yes, I know suns makes a lot of noise, but this doesn't seem like a scream for attention. How can I discourage this behaviour? I try to ignore her, and say shhh. I usually say shhh to my other birds when they start to scream for nothing.

Thanks in advance for answers!

 

[MonicaMc]

Sounds like you understand part of the issue!

#2 - this is kind of hard to do, as many birds only have eyes for humans. This is often due to a lack of socialization with other birds... if you can have her eating with your other conure, this may help. Give them separate food dishes near each other as long as neither one is food aggressive.

#3 - sounds good!

#4 - what sound would you prefer her to make instead? Figure out what that sound is (or perhaps her ringing a bell), and reward, reward, reward that behavior!!!!



As far as her sexual behavior.... try teaching her new behaviors? Such as how to forage, get her flying or "tricks", like turn around, retrieve, 'big eagle', etc. Behaviors that don't give her 'time' to be hormonal.

 

[GaleriaGila]

I agree with Monica...
I might add that handfed babies, especially those fed from day one, often become pretty hard-wired to seek humans as mates, but you can chip away at that and at least get them to socialize with other birds.
Another element of positive behavior modification is to "catch her being good"... when she's exhibiting any positive behavior (being quiet, playing with a toy, etc.) reward her with attention, a sunflower seed, something she relishes. And as much as possible, ignore the unwanted behaviors.
Thanks for rescuing her from what sounds like an iffy situation.

 

[eplekid]

Sounds like you understand part of the issue!

#2 - this is kind of hard to do, as many birds only have eyes for humans. This is often due to a lack of socialization with other birds... if you can have her eating with your other conure, this may help. Give them separate food dishes near each other as long as neither one is food aggressive.

#3 - sounds good!

#4 - what sound would you prefer her to make instead? Figure out what that sound is (or perhaps her ringing a bell), and reward, reward, reward that behavior!!!!



As far as her sexual behavior.... try teaching her new behaviors? Such as how to forage, get her flying or "tricks", like turn around, retrieve, 'big eagle', etc. Behaviors that don't give her 'time' to be hormonal.

Thanks for lots of great advice! She eats apples with my other conure, and sometimes she eats from the "feeding area" where my other birds eat - but it is rare. I have to put her there.

I would much prefer any sound than her alarm scream. I was hoping she would take after the others, since they are much more quieter. The usually make a lot of noise during the day, but they all have become more quiet.
My male sun used to make a lot of noise, but he took after my other birdies very fast. I guess I have to be more patient with her.

 

[eplekid]

I agree with Monica...
I might add that handfed babies, especially those fed from day one, often become pretty hard-wired to seek humans as mates, but you can chip away at that and at least get them to socialize with other birds.
Another element of positive behavior modification is to "catch her being good"... when she's exhibiting any positive behavior (being quiet, playing with a toy, etc.) reward her with attention, a sunflower seed, something she relishes. And as much as possible, ignore the unwanted behaviors.
Thanks for rescuing her from what sounds like an iffy situation.

Thanks for your advice! I'll try rewarding her with sunflower seeds when she's being good and "quiet". I just want to make her "independent", my other birdies can play on their own and get lots of snuggles when I come over or when they come to me. She's more super clingy to humans and won't get off easily - she bites really hard if she don't want to move.
Thank you! I want to give her a good life, but still keep my eardrums intact.

 

[GaleriaGila]

I *SO* hear ya, Eple!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MonicaMc]

Should have mentioned but I didn't....

Teach her how to forage for foods, and teach her to play independently! If she plays with a toy, reward her! If she touches a toy, even if accidentally, reward her! Reward any desirable behavior! Including any noises she makes that you like!