First time Conure owner!

[Mistyloo0928]

Less than a week ago my family and I purchased an almost 8 week old turquoise conure. He is absolutely precious. I can not get enough of him! Here are a couple of questions!

First let me start off by saying I have seen several bird owners saying how birds typically need time to warm up to their owners, are shy etc. Willie was never like that. From the second we got him he snuggles in my neck, has already started to learn how to give kisses and seems to have separation anxiety when I leave.

Here's my question. He won't let me put him down without crying. I ADORE him and definitely snuggle him as much as I can 4+ hours at night and he even comes to work with me some days. But, he will not stay in his cage even for me to shower, eat, cook, etc. Without crying. I'm not sure if this is typical behavior for such a young conure or if I just got a superrrrrr snuggly guy.

I definitely don't mind, but its sometimes to the point where I can't do things I need to go and do lol. Also, he does not want to use his play area on the top of his cage at all. The same problem ensues. I place him there to play and he automatically hops down and comes to me. Any help or tips are appreciated!

 

[noodles123]

You need to teach independence, but it sort of depends on where he is developmentally. Is he fully weaned for sure?
Have you ever owned another bird as an adult? (I ask because there is a post I will paste if this is all new)

 

[Flboy]

At that age he is most likely going through some separation anxiety! Terror sets in when alone! It’s a tough balance to meet his needs and not become a total servant!

 

[Mistyloo0928]

He is almost weened. He has a week left at 1x a day but he's slowly turning that down and eating normal foods

 

[clark_conure]

had my conures for two and three years.....two different birds.....they still do contact calls.

Conures are VERY popular because they bond so well with humans....that is the downside.

The upside is a strongly bonded bird. But sometimes you have to do what you need to do.

It's ok to disappoint your bird a bit, just be able to spend several hours a day and have a lot of toys to play with.

I know, it feels bad. Their job is to make you feel you feel guilty.

 

[Mistyloo0928]

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He is definitely doing a good job of making me feel bad lol. But he's so sweet!

 

[Caitnah]

This is normal for them. My Conure is now two and still does this. I posted here over a year ago how Buddy would NOT stay on his playground no matter what. He would come out of his cage, climb onto the playground and then jump to me...ALL THE TIME!
It was hard to get anything done while he was out.

They are VERY sociable and want to be with you all of the time. Today I had Buddy out and he spent half of the time with me as he kept flying over and preening my hair or sitting with me.

When he does get a bit too touchy/feely, I just keep putting him back on his playground. Eventually he DOES stay there for awhile.
Just be patient and he will stay on his playground as he gets older.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Welcome! I'm glad things are going well, and I am very happy that you're fitting right in here!

 

[noodles123]

Babies tend to me more relaxed around new people than young birds--- just like baby humans vs. toddlers, vs pre-teens, vs teens etc. That's why you want to build a strong behavioral foundation now (assuming he is weaned etc).

 

[Laurasea]

An unweabed baby dies need more attention and contact. After he us weaned you can work in havei g him spend a few minutes at time in cage and work uo to longer. Plan cage time for nap times that helps. Play soothing music , have the world's best treats in cage only.

 

[noodles123]

An unweabed baby dies need more attention and contact. After he us weaned you can work in havei g him spend a few minutes at time in cage and work uo to longer. Plan cage time for nap times that helps. Play soothing music , have the world's best treats in cage only.

Agreed- just like a new-born really