Last minute panic!

[Astra]

Hi everyone! I haven't been on this forum for quite some time but I have a huge update! On Monday i'm bringing home my very first bird, a jenday conure! I knew I was getting him but the fact that it's on Monday is a surprise. ( a fantastic surprise) but like always my anxiety is creeping up on me. I just have a few last minute questions/concerns.
1. Should I clip his wings while he gets used to the house/my family?
2. What should the first week look like? Leave him in the cage?
3. When can I start training?
And a last fun question- his name is Sammy right now but it really doesn't suite him, I'm debating between Oliver, Cairo and Theo. any ideas?
Thanks for reading!

 

[Terry57]

Congratulations on your upcoming addition to your family!
Personally, I wouldn't clip unless there is really a reason to do so.
As far as your other questions go, I would play it by ear. He may want to come right out of his cage, and if so, I would let him decide. If he settles right in, no reason you can't start training right away
Love your name choices, especially Cairo...that is really unusual and a great name!

Please share pictures when you have him home

 

[Printer bird]

Hi hi! Your feeling is very familiar to me - whenever I've brought a bird home I'm consumed with anxiety that we will be a good fit, that I'm providing enough for them, that I am learning their language and needs etc. Just know (as I've had to remind myself) that you are doing great and you will be fine! As far as your questions go, with clipping I do it as my vet recommends it (it just takes someone accidentally opening a door at the wrong time and...) but there are many who would disagree completely and don't clip their birds at all. Its up to you, so long as they don't have a brutal clip, you'll have to weigh the decision for what feels right for you. In terms of in cage/out of cage, the bird will determine this for you! Both of my re-homes have been keen to come out and say hello and I just went slowly, stayed near the cage, kept treats on hand to lure them back into the cage (if needed) and didn't have them out for long periods. I'm pretty sure I started to work on training with my conure in the first week because he had a lot of bad habits and I needed to start some positive communication with him. My pionus is super sweet and well-behaved and steps up when asked no problems so I haven't worked as much with her on training. More just trying to get her to play, explore and trying to help her not get spooked as easily (she is not used to a busy household having been isolated from the action for at least a few years). Spend some time near the cage talking/singing to the bird and see how they react. If they seem fearful, let them be in their cage. If they seem curious and are asking to be let out, see if they'll take a treat from your hand while they're in the cage. If all seems good, try letting them out. Feel free to start training once you can get them out of the cage, start with basics (like step up and touch training) for a few minutes a few times a day. Make sure they end on a positive.

Ultimately, you'll be ok. You'll figure each other out. Almonds/pine nuts are your friend! And the forum is here for you to answer any questions. Be sure to post pictures too! Good luck!

 

[JellyBean]

Hey Astra - OMG, love the name Cairo!!!

With regards to clipping.. when I first got JellyBean (GCC) he was clipped from the pet store.. He was my first bird and I was SO nervous, so it made it easier to handle him at the beginning. However, he started to grow his flight feathers and I watched him learn and train his flying!.. Awesome experience..Watching them fly for fun is incredible.. By that time, he was so friendly and clingy.. being flighted was never a problem. I could never clip his wings now and we are just SUPER careful about doors/windows etc. He is never in his cage except bedtime.

Post some pics on your new feathered buddy!!!!

 

[ChrisDooley]

I wouldn't worry to much about the first week. Talk to the bird a lot, hang out next to its cage and let it settle in. Feed it treats through the bars. If you clip wings you can let it hang out on top of the cage.

I think trimming wings is helpful. While the stress of not being able to fly as well (I just clip the 4 flight feathers, so they can still land) might be a little bad, its not as bad as the stress of the bird flying all over the room with you chasing it, trying to keep it from getting injured. As was mentioned before, once you have a relationship you can choose to let them grow back and make your decision. Since its not painful or permanent I think its helpful.

Some birds respond more than others to their name. I wouldn't stress about it. If he can already say the word "Sammy" you might decide to keep it. I had to stick with "Sugar Bear" for a Cockatoo because its one of the few words she can say.

Learn from the bird. Figure out how it is going to communicate. Body language is important. Conures are very smart so you are better off thinking of it as an adopted kid than a critter in a cage. Stay calm and move slowly.

Chris Dooley

 

[MonicaMc]

1. Should I clip his wings while he gets used to the house/my family?
Unless he's a serious danger to himself, I do not recommend clipping.


2. What should the first week look like? Leave him in the cage?
Play it by ear. If he wants to come out, let him! If not, but you can supervise, try leaving the cage door open and see how he does.


3. When can I start training?
Training begins from the moment you get him and/or see him! This may sound weird, but it's true. A bird observes us from their cages. Do we ignore them? Do we pay attention to them? Do we understand what they are trying to tell us? Do we give them tasty treats?

Since it sounds like he's had a previous home, it may help to learn what he may already know and go from there.


And a last fun question- his name is Sammy right now but it really doesn't suite him, I'm debating between Oliver, Cairo and Theo. any ideas?
Up to you! Some of my birds I've kept their previous names, where-as others got new names!