Nanday Conure - advice please

[JRG]

I recently acquired 'Charlie' from a parrot rescue. The people that surrendered him said he was 5-6 years old, that he could talk, and was well socialized. He has a large cage and seemed to adjust quickly, I've had him about 2 weeks. He seems well trained.
He has not talked since I've had him, can someone tell me how I can encourage him to talk? How long does it typically take a Nanday to fully adjust to his new cage and environment? I take him out of the cage several times a day, he enjoys sitting on my shoulder as I move around the apartment.
His two favorite snacks/treats are apples and cheerios, can I give these to him several times a day? I don't give him the seeds or core from the apples.

Thanks for helping out a new parrot owner...actually he is the first bird I've ever owned.
Jim

 

[wrench13]

Welcome and be welcomed. Thanks for taking in a rescue. Take it one day at a time; your likely in the 'Honeymoon' period, where he is taking everything in, checking out the locals, scoping out the food sources and what he may/might get away with. He does sound well socialized and adjusted.

Talking - they talk when they feel like it, really. He may say a word or 2, or he may be a chatterbox and say everything he hears - and everything in between these two extremes . Why not try teaching him some simple tricks , like shake hands, or turning in circles. In the process , he may just open up talking.

Circles is easy. Find his absolute favorite treat, try pine nuts. My parrot, Salty will install leaders and gutters for a pine nut. Get them at the supermarket. Anyway, those are now ONLY for trick training. Hold the pine nut near his beak without giving it to him, he will likely follow it. Lead him in a tight circle, saying "Circle" or what ever you want to use as a vocal command. After he completes a full circle, he gets a well deserved "GOOD BOY" and his pine nut. Repeat a few times, and give it a rest. Do this 2 X a day, I would be surprised if he didnt get the trick in 2-3 days. Very important - Be Consistent in your voice, manner of presentation and any hand signals you want to use. For this one , I use the 'Stirring my Drink' downwards finger motion. Hel Salty know what I want. Always let you bird know he has completed your request, some folks use a clicker, I use a little rub on Saltys forehead, while saying "Thats what I wanted". Again be consistent. Amid all this training, he might just say Hello.
Conures have high pitched voices mostly, so you might not recognize his speaking voice at first. Good Luck!

 

[Blancaej]

You've gotten some good advice so far. My Blue crown Conure took a year before he began really exploring and showing his goofy personality. Be patient and you will see him progress a little every day. Spend lots of time talking to him. Birds just don't repeat. They learn words and say them when they want to not necessarily when we want them to. Congrats on your adoption. Would love to see pics of the little guy.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[JRG]

Thank you guys for your thoughts, this a new adventure for this old man! LOL

 

[Blancaej]

Oh an adventure it shall be!

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk