First few days with my Conure- What to expect?

[Amanda2020]

I just got my very first green cheek conure named Jack.

With his prior owner he was extremely affectionate and loves scratches. I know it takes time to earn his trust but what should our first few days together look like?
Should I let him out of his cage on his own, or let him settle for a few days just talking to him?
Or only stick to changing his food and water daily without letting him out?

He chirps back to me and the first couple times I left the room he squawked at the tops of his lungs, till I came back.

Thanks so much! Hes already been so much fun and I adore him! I'm happy to be a Parrot Parent!

 

[Anansi]

Hello, and welcome to the Parrot Forums Family!

Congratulations on the latest addition to your household! The most important thing to remember in terms of building your initial bond with Jack is to go at his pace. Don't rush anything.

The fact that he was already comfortable being held and petted in his prior home helps immensely. So you can probably let him out. But I'd suggest you do so in a small room if he's fully flighted. You don't want him flying about in an unfamiliar larger space and slamming headfirst into something. A bedroom would be ideal.

Then you could work on luring him to your hand with a treat. If you can determine his favorite beforehand, even better.

If it turns out he's too nervous to come to you, don't sweat it. And don't chase him down when it's time to put him back in his cage. (So, whenever you do let him out, make sure you aren't pressed for time.) Just place his food and water into the cage and sit away from the cage so he feels comfortable going back in. He's gotta eat sometime.

Here's a link to building bonds with birds: http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

And here's a link to target training. This exercise helps both in practical application and in building upon communication between you and your bird: [ame="https://youtu.be/HaOicTtwIZo"]Beginners guide to target training parrots - YouTube[/ame]

 

[noodles123]

I wouldn't try to touch him this early unless he is not hesitant at all. Depending on your bird's level of energy and the safety of it all, you could consider allowing him to come out of the cage, and then go back on his own (not shutting the door on him the second he goes in, or that teaches him that will happen whenever he goes in)...If he sees his cage as a happy place, he is more willing to go back to it.
You don't want to chase, towel or otherwise force physical contact for quite some time. If he is willing and shows no fear, go at his pace, but don't try to pet him etc unless he is okay with it..
If you can't let him out safely, you could give it a day and then try--- cover up any high ledges or hiding spots he could go to when out (like high shelves etc). Cover windows and mirrors in case he tries to fly into them...ceiling fans off...you could probably lure him back with food once he sees his cage as his place---not in your hand, but in the cage etc..

Otherwise, just talk in a calm voice and associate yourself with as many positive, low-stress things as possible (remember, positive may seem like feeding from hand, but that can actually be scary for a new bird, so if you think that is too much, just let the bird associate with fav food in bowls etc). Read nearby, talk quietly about what you are doing, give some space etc.

 

[Squeekmouse]

When I brought Yoda home, we were told to let him get used to his new home and not to handle him much or at all. Yoda had other ideas... he wanted to be with us and snuggled all over our hands.

So you really just need to let the bird decide.