Help! New to Conures! My friendly Conure isn't playful?

[briannamd]

Hello!
My husband and I just got our first Conure about a month ago. She's a Black Capped Conure and her name is Sage. We got her from a specialty bird store, so she was hand fed and very friendly. She's 5 months old now. She'll step up (but I don't think she really knows the command), I haven't really trained her yet and don't know where to start. She's friendly and will sit in our hands, knees, shoulders, walk around, send to want out of her cage when we wake up and come home, etc. She's pretty good with strangers. She's just really quiet and won't play with her toys, even if I try to guide it. She chews on our fabric (and skin) which we just discourage. I wouldn't say she's a biter, but capable, and we just set her down or distract her if she tries...
Idk, I'm new to this and want the best for her and I'm hoping we're not missing big tips!
Thanks!
Brianna and Sage

 

[Carl_Power]

Been here myself but don't worry. You have only had her a month. It takes different Parrots different amounts of time to settle in to a new home. A month isn't a long time for them really. She will open up in time so just be patient with her. It took my Parrot a couple of month to settle but you will see the change in attitude as she gets more comfortable and close with you.

Its really good that she goes on you and is ok around others so your doing something right. Just keep being nice and patient. Try playing with the toys yourself and with her as some birds don't really know how, they have to be taught. Make it seem like you are having a great time also. Try different toys too. Mine prefers natural wood toys but will play with the odd plastic one and is really starting to like paper. They all have preferred types of toys. Put some treats in a toy if you can too.

As for training you want to work on step up training first as this opens a lot of doors. Take her away from her cage to do this, somewhere she isn't familiar. Pop her on a chair back or table or a stand, whatever you have and practise getting her to step onto your finger. Say step up so she learns the command and then when she does offer a small treat and praise her. Their attention span is around 15 minutes so just train for 10-15 then go again after a little time has passed. If she wont step on your finger to start with then you can use a perch until she is used to things. Have fun ok, your doing great x

 

[briannamd]

Thanks! I'll keep working. I suppose I just thought that since she "seems" comfortable with us, then what we see is her personality. So I'll be patient. Lol. And try new things! None of my friends own birds either, so I really appreciate feedback on here! Thanks!

 

[Carl_Power]

Conures are really loving and love to be on you so youve done great because she feels safe and comfortable enough to be on you. Its all about trust. Took me ages to get my Quaker to feel that safe to be on me. You really are doing great and dont need to worry. You can just teach her to play with toys. Seems she likes chewing so wood and paper, anything like that might entice her. Foraging toys are great too.

After a few month my Parrot really started to change and grow in confidence. He didnt touch toys at all for months and now he likes them. There is great info on the forums about Conures, training, new Parrots settling in and bond building and check back later too when most people are on the forum for more advice but it seems you are doing a great job so far and you have a happy, loving snuggle baby who loves being with you x