Conure questions

[Caldwell]

Hey everyone, recently I bought a 2 year old crimson bellied conure, and so far he's been so much fun!

but I have a few questions:

how often should I give him a bath? I usually catch him once or twice a week bathing in his water bowl, which is okay but he gets water all over the place so I would like to avoid that if I could.

he also loves to rub his beak and face on my hands like a cat lumping on me.
he's growing in a few new feathers on his face so maybe he's just itchy? im not sure.

he also climbs on my shirt, hangs on my collar and tries to chew on my lips. not hard but I dont want him doing that so what would be the best way to teach him not to do it?

I thinks that all the question I have now, hope to hear from some people soon

thanks-
Caldwell

 

[Helitorian]

I spray Con about 3 to 4 times a week when she's receptive to it. Sometimes she really gets into it and flaps her wings and wiggles all over the place. Its cute

If you see new feathers on his head and neck, give him a hand and scratch off the sheath. He can't reach them himself and it is a great bonding opportunity for you two.

Redirect his attention when he's nibbling on your lips. Move him someplace else and give him a little toy to chew on or something else. Do this constantly and he'll learn. I have the same problem with the Sun that I want to buy at work. He as a bad habit of beaking rather hard so I'm always redirecting his attention unless he's gentle.

 

[Caldwell]

thanks for the advice Helitorian, ill try to distract him next time he goes for a lip nibble.

I would groom his head with my fingers but sometimes he freaks and bites me so im nervous about it. he'll be loving it one second then he wants to bite me, so I dont get it lol. what should I do about that?

 

[lene1949]

Your bird has probably been hand raised, and learned to give kisses... Maybe he just forgot he has to be gentle...

With the preening, it really can hurt them if you rub too hard/wrong way of the shaft of a new feather... Gently does it.

 

[roxynoodle]

My Nanday doesn't like me to touch any part of her head except her beak. She has a keyring on a chain that she uses to groom her face and head. It was once a toy that she chewed all the parts off of. But since she uses it daily in her grooming I leave it there. Maybe if you give your bird something like that he will do the same.