Difficulties with older conure training

[Monkeybuttorama]

I have two 6-7 year old green cheeks which I have had for about 2 years now. I inherited them from my mother, who got them as babies but never handled them. Since they came home with me, I have been trying to acclimate them to me, but I am having major difficulty.

The problem I have is that they aren't at all warming up to me. Sure I can sometimes give them treats (assuming it's not something new, and assuming I stand there for 5-10 min - every time so they can decide it's worth it. I've been doing this almost daily since they came home with me, I interact with them, talk to them, rotate toys, etc. so it's not like I'm never around the cage, and they are in my living room, so they see me constantly)

One is significantly more adventuresome, and will about half the time take treats, the other almost never does, no matter what it is. I was hoping that if I taught one, the other would follow, but this does not seem to be the case, or perhaps is not the case because I cannot get any consistency..

They do not come out of their cage, please don't suggest that as an option... it's not... I would *like* them to come out, but as of right now, if they do come out, I have to put them back in by hand, which scares the bejesus out of them, and causes them to bite (draw blood bite - which they otherwise never do)

Am I majorly missing something about getting them just to take things from me?

They are in a 4x3x2 cage, highest point is below my shoulder (4ft) nest box for whatever (they just play in it, for now) They have plenty of space, and don't seem aggressive at all.. Skittish, perhaps, but not aggressive. They have ample room to stretch wings, and even fly around the cage a little, because of how I set it up. Because they are un-handle-able, they are both un-clipped. I doubt I could even get them in a transport cage to get them to a vet if I had to...

I've read the targeting training thing, and I'd love to do it, but if they won't consistently accept a reward, how are you supposed to train?

Any help in the matter would be greatly appreciated; I'm quite frustrated, and a bit sad that I don't have better interaction with them, especially since they are still fairly young.

 

[Jtbirds]

Well the reason why you are making no progress is the fact they are bonded to each other as well they have a nest box. They are becoming mates to each other and don't want to allow you into the circle because you are a third wheel to them:/.

To even begin working with them the nest box would have to go and then you could get more information on how to begin working with there issues which will require letting them out and spending time with them outside of there home(cage). I'd also like to say a cage that big is quite large and would also be making them quite wild a smaller cage may be of some use. As well supply plenty of toys and perching options for them to work on and play with.

 

[Monkeybuttorama]

The nest box is a new addition, just put in a few months ago. Only one of them cares it's there; they were bonded long before I came into the picture, and they wouldn't work with me even before I added it. I can take it off no problem, since they don't use it for anything anyway *shrugs*

And again, I really don't have the option of letting them out, because then they won't go back in without being put back by hand, and they are terrified of being touched. Afterwards, it takes me about a week or more to undo the trauma of being handled against their will; It seems like a bad idea to me, with where they are right now. I don't want them *more* afraid of me.... I also have cats and very little space, so I can't exactly leave the birds out all day until they maybe come near me or go back to the cage, neither of which they seem willing to do...

As for the cage, I was told "the bigger, the better" (and I really can't afford to replace it right now, so that is also really not an option) and they have plenty of perches and toys, rotated regularly.. when I have let them out in the past (following advice for training) they are very strong fliers, and can hang on to the most precarious perch; I've made sure they have everything they need to at least be healthy and generally happy.

Other then being skittish and not accepting treats, they don't really seem to have any issues - at least nothing I'd consider issues...?

I'm not trying to be difficult, just trying to figure out which advice is sound and which isn't, because I've gotten so much, and none of it seems to make any difference, and some of it, I can't realistically do due to my current situation.. I'm very frustrated : /

 

[weco]

Have to agree with Jtbirds, and if you really want to ever be able to handle them, coming out of the cage...IS GOING TO HAVE TO BE AN OPTION...you have to be able to work with them in a one-on-one situation, in another room, where they cannot feed off of each others strengths.....and I'm speaking from experience taming 4, essentially wild sun conures.....

I don't know the schedule around your house, but if you don't work or work at home, training should take place in the early mornings and the best way to separate them is, while it's still dark, turn out all lights, be at the cage door, use a flash light to check bird position, reach in & grab one of them, using your thumb and forefinger, just under the beak, you can control their head & beak.....

I would also take them to a vet & have their wings clipped.....you will be surprised at how much wind it takes out of their sails...and...it will a long way in helping train them.....I say take them & have them clipped so they don't hold it against you for curtailing their freedom.....

 

[weco]

I just tried to post a pic of how to hold a bird's head to keep from getting bit & I even resized it to a mere 7.17 K bit map & it says it & this text is too many characters, so if you want a copy of the pic, send me a PM with your e-mail address & I'll get it back to you.....

 

[Jtbirds]

Ok good you can remove that nest Box that would be step one to me.

I see what you mean now about them being upset after being handled. If yo could get attest they like and only give it to them on a good occasion then this is how this will work. Let them out and out a treat in there bowl to go back in and then let them go in and get a treat as a reward for going it. I'd say then use a word like night night or good ight when they go in so they get used to the routine. This is just an idea I dont know how it would work for them.

I'll give you a more detailed response later I'm headed to class. Sorry

 

[weco]

While this pic is of one of my birds with a necrotic toe, it shows how to hold a small parrot and control their beak without hurting them or you.....

 

[MonicaMc]

Might I suggest removing all food from their cage at night (once they've gone to bed), and first thing in the morning, offering them food by hand. It can be millet, seeds, pellets, whatever it is that they are willing to take from you by hand.

If after 5-15 minutes (or however long you are willing to sit there) and they wont come close, that's ok. Refresh their food, put it back in the cage and repeat the next day. As you do this, try not to look directly at them and keep your hand steady and firm. Don't chase them around the cage, allow them to come to you.

Most birds usually get curious enough to come by within 3-5 days or less, especially if using a favorite food.


It's something that I have done with both budgies as well as cockatiels, and flighted adult birds, too. Here's the videos with the budgies.


[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUx81WHTUwk]1 Bird in hand Leads to Many - YouTube[/ame]



[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlSm4uFZzVU]More Budgies!!!! - YouTube[/ame]

 

[tractorgirl30]

This a subject i can really relate to, i rescued 2 GCC a year ago and i have had to work day and night,talking to them, reading to them (yes really) and sitting near the cage(for short burst) just to get then to come to the front of the cage. At first to get them to come near (not even on) my hand i had to sit there while i read a whole book hand outstretched into their cage grapes on my palm, arm numb!! i made the mistake also of letting them out of the cage on day 3, thinking this might let them have a stretch of the wings and an explore, it was a complete disaster and they went into panic mode, luckily they flew back to their cage without any need to 'catch' them. i Know they wont ever be cuddly birds because of the abuse they went through but they sing, dance, talk now which to me tells me they are at least happier than they were. In short....there is hope,they are smart birds, it might just take time.