Conure won't stop clicking/screeching

[Jess91]

Hi, I'm new to here. Need some advice on my 4 year old conure.
So I've never really had any problems with my conure but recently I moved in with my boyfriend and he is just being so loud all the time. He makes a clicking sound or is screeching all the time. I thought it was his way of telling to give him some attention but even when I take him out of his cage and let him hang out with me while I do stuff around the house he just clicks his tongue the whole time. When I have him out he doesn't screech but the clicking he still does. It's driving crazy to be honest. When it was just me and my conure before he did the clicking sometimes when wanted something or felt bored maybe. But now it's all the time. Also he squats and points his head to a specific place and does this lunging foward motion. Don't really know how to describe it. It like he is pointing to somewhere but when I take him towards that place it's nothing. And it's a different place that he points every time so I don't think he wants something specific. If it's just him being anxious in a new surrounding...how long does it take? Also when he is screeching in his cage I try to not to pay attention to him until he calms down and then take him out..am I doing that right? I don't want him to get used to screeching and getting what he wants. The only time he is truly at ease is when I wrap my hand around him...but I can't do that all day long....

 

[GaleriaGila]

OOOOH... tough one. I think he's jealous, and fighting to establish himself firmly in his rightful (in his mind) position as ruler of the roost. I've faced the same thing for the last 30 years, with my bird. He's very jealous of my husband, and has always tried to steal attention from him or even attack him. The only way I have kept things in check is to be very consistent in my behavior modification. My bird clicks and screeches, also. When he's completely out of control, I put him in his room until he calms. Then out he comes. No matter how loud or persistent, I just HAVE to make sure I don't reward the big noises. I also have consistent times every day when my attention is focused on him alone. I have the luxury of a free schedule, so I spend an hour morning and then night, with him, playing, cuddling, just the two of us. The rest of the day he "earns" his place on the livingroom perch by being a good boy, so to speak. There are still good days and bad days... good weeks and bad weeks, sometimes. After all, they're wild animals (mine is one generation out of Patagonia) and, well... you know.. in part, that's what we love about them. Good luck!

 

[Notdumasilook]

I've had a cockatiel go bonkers when covering his cage... reason.. a reptilian pattern on the cloth. Change to a solid color cover, not a peep. That bird is seeing something as a threat... try looking at those spots with "birdie eyes" seriously. My Amazon goes goofy if he sees a tiny spider or a even a moth flying in the house. Ive seen him in a dead panic seeing a cat in the driveway. Put a rubber snake in the room he will go goofy wanting to attack it.. Amazing the instincts they have hardwired in em.
Your bird is obviously stressed. Any chance of changing the location/room the cage is in to see if he calms down?? I think its great he calms down and feels secure in your hands... amazing. I don't think you will spoil him getting him out or anything but id be more focused on what it is that is getting him so stressed.