My new GCC named Pip

[AnnieandPip]

Good morning. I never considered myself a "bird person." Then yesterday I met Pip. He is a green cheeked conure. I was in love. Jumped right up on my finger, walked up to my shoulder, made small chirps in my ear, groomed my hair... He eventually discovered that my messy ponytail made a great little nest for him to perch in. Such a sweetie. I had to have hin. I put a payment down so they would hold the bird, and I went to ask my husband. Who said if I want the bird, I should get it. Yay!

I went back last night with my bird cage and toys. Hoping to bring Pip home. No one was available from the bird section, so a guy from the aquarium section said he would get Pip for me. I watched him get Pip out of her enclosure. He grabbed Pip from behind and squeezed his head till he stopped biting. His fingers were bloody. He handed Pip to me. Pip was visibly on edge and attempting to fly, but was sweet with me. Eventually he took Pip back, and Pip bit him again. For no apparent reason except Pip doesn't like him. No doubt because of how he handles birds.

I didn't leave with Pip. I'm not a bird person, they actually intimidate me a little. The biting def made me nervous. I understand that I will get bit during training, and that is ok. It is the "attack biting" that made me nervous. Pip was not a happy bird. I have a friend who owns multiple birds that is advising me to get Pip now. While she is young, so I can work with her. Also so she won't be mistreated anymore. We are going back to see Pip at 1. My bird expert friend is going with me. What do you think? I have no idea. My friend said she will help me train the bird. I loved Pip yesterday morning and now I am not sure.

 

[Kantia]

This is just my experience with my GCC.

He is very loving to me and my mum and he'll do anything for a sunflower seed! My dad however, he'll just attack him at any chance he gets.
I think if you're prepared to get bitten and handle a bird that may (most probably) be grumpy some days then you should get Pip.
Tich has good and bad days. Some days he will bite me quite badly, other days he won't bite at all. But once I knew the damage he was capable of, I soon became more confident, because I knew the worst that could happen - if that makes sense?
So when Tich bites me hard now, I find myself not reacting at all because I've gotten used to it. Not that he bites a lot... But when he does I'm prepared.
I don't think you should worry too much, GCC are nippy by nature and they explore with their beaks. And it's true, if you work with Pip when she's young she'll most probably grow to love you.

Best of luck! Let us know what you decide.

 

[AnnieandPip]

Thank you so much. It is so true. How badly do they bite? The guy had what looked like a cut on his finger. Pip did nip/pinch me, but not bite. I guess it is something I will feel more confident with once I get bit a few times. If I get Pip today, I will most def take pictures and keep you updated. Thanks again.

 

[Kantia]

I guess it is something I will feel more confident with once I get bit a few times.

This is exactly what happened to me. I was quite under-confident when Tich didn't bite me, and I just started to dread it when he did eventually bite me because I didn't know what it'd be like. But now I'm used to it and know what to expect.

How badly they bite... It all depends really. Tich has broken my skin once (not out of aggression, but he lost his balance on my finger and clung on with his beak!). It hurt a lot, and the pain didn't go away until 15 or so minutes later. Other times it's just been nips that have varied in pain. But to be honest, it's bearable... And it's totally worth it. I wouldn't swap my bitey Tich for the world, because he gives me so much in other ways.

 

[SoCalWendy]

Thank you so much. It is so true. How badly do they bite? The guy had what looked like a cut on his finger. Pip did nip/pinch me, but not bite. I guess it is something I will feel more confident with once I get bit a few times. If I get Pip today, I will most def take pictures and keep you updated. Thanks again.

Sounds to me from what you described, this guy did not handle pip very well. The consequence for him was getting bit. Birds will communicate with you through their body language. For instance if you approach the bird and he backs away, that is a clear sign he is uncomfortable and to back off. If you approach the bird with a treat, and it moves towards you, thats a good reason to give the treat as a reward for that behavior. Many people want to be full hands on in the beginning and that's fine, but only if its okay with the bird. However when it's not, thats when many people fail to read a birds body language, and they get bit. Birds don't just bite. Usually their is a reason, and/or a failure on our part to read what they are communicating to us.

So don't despair. Just because he got bit like that doesn't mean you will. You already had a very positive experience with Pip. However, if you are afraid then you shouldn't allow the bird on your shoulder, or in your hair until you can trust that you can remove the bird when you want to. But, working on stepping up, is fun and a great way to build trust, and confidence. What I do is make sure i have some safflower seeds in my hand (that's my target) she knows they are there, and using my other had I ask Rio to step up, or turn around, wave, whatever I am working on. As soon as she shows any positive signs of doing what I ask, she gets a seed. Rio is 5 months old and is being mouthy with my fingers, right now. I too have a fear of beaks. She doesn't attack them just mouths them, but there is pressure involved. I try not to react at all when she does this. I just talk to her very calmly and try and distract her. It's taken me 6 weeks working with her not to fear my hands. I respect her space, give her the opportunity to decide. I think this is the best way to build trust and to bond.

 

[AnnieandPip]

Got to spend 2 hours with Pip today. I took a friend with me who loves birds. We worked with Pip doing step up and step down onto a wooden stick. We eventually got him on our fingers and were able to pet him. Best of all, NO BITING. He does fly/glide a lot. He has a target in mind but never hits it. I feel much better. What impressed me most was when we went to leave. Pip has always went to the other side of the cage when you approach. You have to do a lot of sweet talking and bribing. When I put him back in his cage and walked away, he called to me ran across the bottom of the cage and up the side till he looked me in the eyes. As if to say, "Where are you going?" He will be coming home very soon.

 

[Agapornis]

Yay, i'm so glad you are getting Pip! I wasn't a bird person either, but these little GCCs just stole my heart! Even my hubby, who didn't really want any birds, is in love with both of them now! A GCC is a perfect bird for a newby, as they aren't too big, yet they have such big personalities. As for the biting, my 2 have never broken the skin, and now I hardly notice the little pinches now and then. You really do get used to it!

I'm glad you have a friend who knows about birds, that will be helpful to you! I had one too, it made a big difference. Please let us know when you bring Pip home, you know we are all dying to see pics!

 

[thesarahdox]

What is it about GCC's that turns us "not bird people" into crazy bird people?! Lol. When I saw Punku, I fell in love immediately and he's had my heart since....enjoy your lil guy!

 

[kq_fan]

He sounds like a great bird! I love GCC's and my Pancho tends to nip but he is just..... moody. But I would never hurt him for that or yell! I love him and he loves me

 

[Klaery]

Sounds like this little cutey will work out great for you Pics when you do bring him home!

 

[WendyM]

You might not consider yourself a bird person, but Pip obviously thinks you are HIS bird person.

Good luck with the little guy. You will do well, as he has chosen you and feels safe with you.

 

[AnnieandPip]

Meet Pip. Otherwise known as "Pip Squeak" or "Nippy Pippy." First day home is today.

 

[faeryphoebe1]

Pip is beautiful! Congratulations. Green cheeks are so, so much fun. They are smart, adorable little clowns.