A little background. I have a red-masked conure named Fred that I got from my brother when he moved. I have owned him for about 3 years. My brother had him for 2 years. My brother got the bird from a guy that got him from a guy that got him from a guy. Overall this bird has been passed around like lice in a schoolhouse. Fred's wings were clipped improperly at some point leaving one wing weak and withered. He is NOT hand friendly in any way and if your hands get too close to the cage he will lunge out at you(this makes feeding and watering feel like risky business). I don't feel as if I am doing enough for this bird and I want to up my game so to speak. This feeling was exacerbated this week when I found out that he was a she and that she had laid an egg and gone broody(is this the proper term for a conure?). She has become much more aggresive and I don't know what to do. I think it will break her little heart when nothing comes out of the egg. What is the best thing I can do in this situation?
First time here in need of ADVICE!
- Thread starter Zacarious
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roxynoodle
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- Dec 1, 2011
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First, leave the egg there until she completely loses interest in it in the hope that she won't lay more (at least for awhile).
Do you know if she has ever been friendly with anyone?
I would start with some very submissive interactions. Some shy birds will respond to the "blink game". If you see her blink, give a long, slow blink in return, and keep repeating that. If you see her wiggle her tongue, wiggle yours back. Try peak a boo by hiding behind furniture or under a blanket and sticking your head out and saying, "Peek!"
Sing some type of mellow song to her quietly. Start from the other side of the room and gradually move closer. Most birds like when their owners sing to them and some really, really like it.
If she talks or does any imitations, try imitating her back each time.
If her cage is near a window, you might try moving it into a corner or somewhere that gives her more a feeling of security. You could also put some hanging plants around it to help her feel safer.
Hope at least some of this helps
Do you know if she has ever been friendly with anyone?
I would start with some very submissive interactions. Some shy birds will respond to the "blink game". If you see her blink, give a long, slow blink in return, and keep repeating that. If you see her wiggle her tongue, wiggle yours back. Try peak a boo by hiding behind furniture or under a blanket and sticking your head out and saying, "Peek!"
Sing some type of mellow song to her quietly. Start from the other side of the room and gradually move closer. Most birds like when their owners sing to them and some really, really like it.
If she talks or does any imitations, try imitating her back each time.
If her cage is near a window, you might try moving it into a corner or somewhere that gives her more a feeling of security. You could also put some hanging plants around it to help her feel safer.
Hope at least some of this helps
BillsBirds
Well-known member
You might also try to give her any treats that she likes from your hand through the bars of her cage. You've had her long enough for her to recognize you. Sounds crazy, but, we DO sing to our birds. Mine like childrens songs like "Itsy Bitsy Spider", or "the Hokey Pokey". Anything animated. And like Roxy said, imitate her. She bends her head to the side, and looks at you with one eye, you do the same. All these little things bridge a bond between you two, and build trust. Like the saying goes...Before long, she'll be eating out of your hand. Also, give her toys and things that she can shred & tear apart. Paper cups, toilet paper tubes, paper plates, things like that. You came to the right place. We all love our birds, and everyone here knows a lot & shares what we know. And lastly, thank you for taking more than a passing interest in this angels well being.
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Thank you for the egg advice. She has been friendliest with me. She will interact with us but when hands get near her she gets mad. She does the "sexy" whistle, says hello, says telephone when the phone rings, and she will laugh with us. I talk to her when I can.
What kind of hanging plants can go around her cage. I have been using sheets and she tears at them when she is bored and I don't want to inadvertently poison her with a plant.
What kind of hanging plants can go around her cage. I have been using sheets and she tears at them when she is bored and I don't want to inadvertently poison her with a plant.
roxynoodle
New member
- Dec 1, 2011
- 4,499
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There are lists online of safe plants for parrots if you are using live ones. It might sound awful because I only have fake ones in my house so the cat doesn't eat them or throw soil out. You can also try to keep them from her reach, but actual bird safe plants would still be best.
Different birds like different music. Pete loves opera, but there's no way I can sing that. He definitely prefers easy going type ballads though, and loves being serenaded. I've had him listening to 60s music lately. Rowdy prefers danceable songs and the 60s seems to have a good mix. First there will be something like a Simon and Garfunkle song that I can croon to Pete, then something more danceable comes on for Rowdy. If you are young, you may be thinking right now, what? Who? Lol!
Some birds love classical music with no words. But, you can't really sing to that.
It sounds like she may have a fear of hands for some reason. Someone may have grabbed her and scared her. I, too, would try handing her treats through the bars. She first needs to find out hands can be good things and trustworthy.
Anytime she talks to you, I would try to answer her back.
Different birds like different music. Pete loves opera, but there's no way I can sing that. He definitely prefers easy going type ballads though, and loves being serenaded. I've had him listening to 60s music lately. Rowdy prefers danceable songs and the 60s seems to have a good mix. First there will be something like a Simon and Garfunkle song that I can croon to Pete, then something more danceable comes on for Rowdy. If you are young, you may be thinking right now, what? Who? Lol!
Some birds love classical music with no words. But, you can't really sing to that.
It sounds like she may have a fear of hands for some reason. Someone may have grabbed her and scared her. I, too, would try handing her treats through the bars. She first needs to find out hands can be good things and trustworthy.
Anytime she talks to you, I would try to answer her back.
BillsBirds
Well-known member
Spring is coming! All our birds become hormonal this time of year. Do not pet her on the back, or belly. Only the head & neck. Also, no mirrors.Since she is laying, make sure that she has a cuttlebone and/or mineral block to supplement her calcium. There is really nothing you can do about egg laying.
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