Long Lasting Fear of Owner

[SanCruzer]

Hello,

I am new here so I do not know where to post this. I have also posted this on another forum.

I have had birds since 2020. I had 2 IRNs which we sold in around 2022 and two green cheeked conures. One of them died in Oct 2024 and we still have the other one and now it is just him. There wasn't an issue between me and the live conure when we still had the IRNs, but ever since we sold them, he has been deathly afraid of me and extremely angry at one of my family members who he used to have the best relationship with. He is fine with everyone else though. He did not have any previous owners, but we did not hand-feed him, a pet store did.

The problem is that these feelings never went away. It only calmed down a little when the other conure died but now it's back to how it was. For me, he would go to the other side of the cage if I got close to it and will never accept food from me. We try putting me and him in a room for a while every twice a week or so and he never seems to get warm to me. The room does not force him to be too close to me, but I would be the only other person in the room. The only time he is okay with me is the few minutes after I turn on the lights in the morning or if it is completely dark (where he can't see me), however the second he realizes it's me, he'll fly away.

I do not really know what triggered it other than that it happened shortly after we sold the IRNs. I do not know what to do, I have tried slowly getting closer over the span of days with treats and just sitting near his cage in a way he is still comfortable, but he never seems to get even slightly better with me or my family member.

Thank you for any help you may be able to give.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

I wish I knew how much birds really remembered and understood about situations and people. All we can do is sort of guess based on the research that's been done and the behavior they exhibit. Is your conure holding a grudge? Maybe.
Maybe you should get another green cheek to keep him company and for you to develop a relationship with. Sorry your bird has rejected you. It must be very frustrating.

 

[wrench13]

Parrots are a lot smarter and have more emotions then most people give them credit for. Yes , they can hold grudges, miss friends and people, learn to cheat. manipulate people and situations. ANd they have excellent memories. BUT, they can be bribed too, although it can take time, like months. Daily interaction is your best bet, with his favorite treat. Patience young padawan, patience.