Conures

[Glenda1904]

OK so I just got a cgcc n a GCC a week ago, their ages are 2&3. One bites n won't let me pet her she also can't fly. The other is very timid n won't even come out of the cage when I let them out. Unfortunately they don't get out often because of my dogs, one just isn't adjusting. I'm just so confused, is this normal behavior when first getting the birds? I bought them from someone that had them as pets, I just don't know what to do to get them to like me. They always call for me but I think that's only because I feed them n give them treats. All advice is appreciated!!!!

 

[AkridChaos]

First off, you got them a week ago. Yes, this is absolutely normal behavior. They were someone else’s for 2-3 years. They don’t know you. They don’t trust you...yet. Since they belonged to someone else, I’m going to assume they ARE tame, so they have that behind them. Your goal is to get them to trust both you and their new environment right now. I’m guessing previous owner didn’t have dogs or even other pets before. The birds may instinctively be thinking “predator” and are nervous around your never before seen dog. I suggest spending time alone with your birds, as in, no dogs, and try coaxing them out of their cages to trust you. Find a favorite treat. Put it in your hand. Open their door, make sure they see it. Make sure they come to you. That is most important. If you go to them, they may shirk away in fear because they don’t trust you yet. Patience is key to any trust success in birds. Patience and time. I’m sure more members will respond shortly with more detailed and better advice, and personally related stories to help you. But for now, yes, this is normal behavior for them, they need time to adjust to the environment and you.

 

[AkridChaos]

Let me just “bump” this up for you, so hopefully someone with better training/trust tips can give you advice. ^^

 

[Jen5200]

OK so I just got a cgcc n a GCC a week ago, their ages are 2&3. One bites n won't let me pet her she also can't fly. The other is very timid n won't even come out of the cage when I let them out. Unfortunately they don't get out often because of my dogs, one just isn't adjusting. I'm just so confused, is this normal behavior when first getting the birds? I bought them from someone that had them as pets, I just don't know what to do to get them to like me. They always call for me but I think that's only because I feed them n give them treats. All advice is appreciated!!!!

Welcome, and yes your new additions are completely normal. It’s a new environment for them, and it will take time to for them to build a relationship with you and get used to their new home. A word of caution about other pets - dogs and cats are prey animals, and I encourage you to never leave them unattended with the birds. A bite (even if it doesn’t break skin) can be very harmful to a bird. I have a cat, and he’s a good boy, but he has his own area of the house that he is put in when the birds are out.

Here’s a link to a thread that might get you started for building a relationship with your new birds.

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

Just keep in mind that it can take time to build trust, and it’s best to move at their pace. Birds respond best to positive reinforcement, and finding a treat that they like will help that along.