Conure driving us absolutely crazy

[John410]

In August we adopted a green cheek conure from its original owner. At first he was doing really well despite being a bit nippy. His previous owner didn’t have much time for him and he really appreciated all the new attention.

About three weeks ago he started becoming a nightmare. His main issue is absolutely unrelentless flock calling whenever he can’t see us. If we leave the room he will absolutely lose his mind, calling back does nothing at all. We read that it’s important not to give in and go running back when he started calling. The problem is we eventually will have to go back into the room for something so this solution isn’t working out for us. The other day he screamed for well over two hours straight, every 2 seconds on average without pause.

This issue is disrupting our home badly. I know parrots make noise and when we’re in the room we have no issues with the normal parrot noises. This is specifically related to his flock call which is both annoying and ear piercing for a conure and furthermore the main issue is the distressed constant level of his calling. I know he’s anxious and stressed too which really bothers us. I really need some strategies to deal with this.

 

[SirEdwin89]

First off, Kudo's for adopting!

Screaming is definitely a very nerve trying behavioral issue. And can be a fairly time consuming one to correct. However, it can definitely be helped with the effort and patience! In my opinion, screaming is one problem that's definitely best to approach from multiple standpoints.

Screaming is often a byproduct of boredom, so you can try adding more/different toys to his enclosure. Foraging toys especially can be a great way to keep them occupied. You can also try leaving a computer/tv in the room on set to something he might find entertaining to watch. I know several people who set up you-tube playlists of parrot videos for their birds to watch while they are out.

Another area that can be beneficial to work on, is encouraging the noises you *do* like. If he has any treats he especially likes you can give him when he makes noises you like that can make a big difference.

You are right on trying your best not to reward the screaming, but you can make a big deal out of rewarding him when he stops screaming.

Covering the cage can also help with quieting down some parrots when they are getting loud.

It's still a really new change for him, he has a lot of new things to get used too, and a few months is nothing at all in the parrot world. You have a great attitude though, I'm sure with a little work you will be able to make progress with him!

 

[Billdore]

I whispered to Timneh so she had to be more quiet to hear me. She still can't whistle much of a tune lol, but we whistle back and forth when we are in separate rooms. Like edwin said lots of foot toys and stuff to distract them. Timneh almost never screeches anymore but we whistle a lot so she knows where i am. She knows different noises too like when the cellar door closes she takes off cause she knows right where I am. Lol it becomes like second nature. Good luck stick with it, sometimes changes take some time. Thumbs up on the adoption.

 

[clark_conure]

yeah I can definitively say you adopted a conure, and by the reading of it you weren't prepared.

Conures are very beautiful animals but out of the entire animal kingdom the are probably,...no not probably, they are definitely the apex predator of attention seeking behavior.

If he can hear you all in the house then he knows you're home and will do ANYTHING to get attention and be able to sit on one of you or jst be around you in some way. I mean it, a conure will call the IRS and make up lies to get attention. Yes it's a joke but if you leave out your cell phone, it's probably true....I put this here to let you know how serious they are.....

My advice don't cave in but just let the bird on some designated volunteers shoulder. That's really all it takes. So long as he's on a person, he will be quiet and sweet. Personally, when I'm home, when I'm not sleeping my bird is on me literally ALL the time. I have food and water bowls next to my hang out area in my "man cave".

The worst part of owning a conure is they are so bonding, the best part of owning a conure is they are so bonded. Also the more time you spend, the more time they learn acceptable behavior, also they will talk more...not screaching, they will learn phrases are better suited to manipulate you. A bird shreaks you go ok sigh, A bird says I LOVE YOU and makes kissy noises.....oh yeah your gonna get him. ....but it's also quieter.

So in summary, if you can hear him, that means he can hear you, let him out and let him just sit on anyones shoulder and he will be quiet. When you leave he will know because the tiny vibrations and the house and the noise will disappear. He is MUCH smarter than you realize.

 

[T00tsyd]

'he appreciated all the new attention' of course he did and now you have started going out of sight. I can just hear his brain saying 'uh oh here we go again they are leaving me alone just like my last flock!'

He has started to love you and wants to be around you all the while. You have to break the scenario that he has known before. So more attention until his trust is really established. When Syd has a screeching session I go talk to him and when he starts again I say a firm no and then whisper to him. I leave radio or TV on to distract him - he seems to love continual noise - and I find he loves really lively pop and will happily sing along.
It's all about acclimatising him so that he understands all your movements and actions. I like to keep Syd guessing so don't always do the same things. Sometimes I take a shower and take him with me other times I leave him behind with pop music. He has gradually accepted it and knows I return. He calls I reply and he's happy. Patience patience and know the end goal and if one thing doesn't work then do something different until you get the behaviour you need. We are all experimenting all the time and no two birds are alike.

 

[LordTriggs]

what's that thing birds are known for again?

Yes definitely a shower of affection then going back into your normal routine is a cause for a lot of screamers. they get used to the new flock and fuss then suddenly it disappears making them upset

My conure had a habit of contact calling when I went to the bathroom without him. Bathroom was where he would join for a shower so it meant fun time so me going in there meant he was losing fun time. Really I'd say have him out whenever it's safe to do so. They love hanging out whilst you do things like laundry

as for when it isn't safe for him to be out what I found was totally ignoring it until a new acceptable sound was made was a good trick. By which I mean come and go as you please, don't even look at him just do your thing. Then the second a good noise is made say hello and start paying him attention. He needs to learn screaming wont illicit a response whilst nice noises get him attention

 

[GaleriaGila]

You'll great advice and a lot of love here.
I'll do you a big favor and keep out of it, lest your darling turn out to be anything like the Rbird!
But seriously, welcome. Glad you found us!