Need help with Nandy we just adopted

[Benalexe]

We just adopted a 5 year old Nandy. According to the person we got her from her first owner owned her for about a year. Second owner 4 years and had to give up due to health issues in the house.

We got her home and first day she was great. Was so happy to step up and hang with us. Then stated to bite a lot so we put her in the cage for two days thinking she needed time to adjust.

She only wants to go up on my sons shoulders. When we try to remover her she bites. We were told to try and hold her feet so she does not go up. She fights it.

Also I read a lot about giving treats. This bird is not motivated by treats. She does not love, too many of them.

Any suggestions? Getting frustrate

 

[Kentuckienne]

Don't hold her feet. Try raising your arm quickly so it's higher than your shoulder, or use your other hand to block her from running up. They just like to be high, it feels safer to them to be at your eye level than to have to staring down at them like the gigantic predator you are! Many times when a bird comes to a new home there is a honeymoon period, where they are uncertain and not aggressive, then as they get more comfortable they can begin to express some habits and territorial stuff.

What does she eat? Proper diet is important. Once the diet is working you just have to try different treat things. Some birds like pine nuts, our Blue and Gold macaw LOVES pistachio nuts. You want to find a treat that the bird likes better than anything else, and only dole it out sparingly as a reward for the bird doing something you like. Keep the less-desirable but still desired treats for daily fun...usually treats are sweet or fatty or salty and have to be restricted. Had an amazon once who loved red bell pepper cores with seeds more than anything, and that was at least good for him..

 

[LordTriggs]

yes, birds do have an initial period where they're more compliant due to fear. They start showing their likes and dislikes as they settle. Holding feet was a big no-no with my Green Cheek, he hated it and would run off as fast as possible when I tried placing my thumb over them.

Like said above, they like being high up for safety, none of that "dominance" nonsense that some people spout. Give him time out and try to let him settle in and get comfy with the home and he should be okay, now is the time you'll get some of the worst in terms of nipping and biting

 

[Benalexe]

Thanks for the comments. She eats pellets. I have tried so many different types of foods and she does not seem to care for them. Today o though maybe she liked a peanut but quickly dropped it.

The previous owner said at this point under no circumstances should we let her on our shoulders and we should hold her feet. Our biggest concern now of she goes up she will start to bite us.

What else ca we do to prevent the shoulder?

What other treats should we try?

 

[Flboy]

What else ca we do to prevent the shoulder?

What other treats should we try?

Don't hold her feet. Try raising your arm quickly so it's higher than your shoulder, or use your other hand to block her from running up. They just like to be high, it feels safer to them to be at your eye level than to have to staring down at them like the gigantic predator you are!
Some birds like pine nuts, our Blue and Gold macaw LOVES pistachio nuts. You want to find a treat that the bird likes better than anything else, and only dole it out sparingly as a reward for the bird doing something you like. Keep the less-desirable but still desired treats for daily fun...usually treats are sweet or fatty or salty and have to be restricted. Had an amazon once who loved red bell pepper cores with seeds more than anything, and that was at least good for him..

Also, walnuts pieces are usually a big hit, and healthy! I buy them in large bags, Costco, and store in the freezer. I also eat them daily! A major heart friendly food!

 

[itzjbean]

First of all I think you have a Nanday Conure.

Second, yes you'll want to find a treat she likes. My cockatiels enjoy sunflower seeds and millet as treats.

Shoulder time should be earned, as it is a privilege. Grab anything you can find to block your shoulder - a magazine, book, etc. and block her off as she tries to go up there. Birds bite for many reasons but sounds like she has learned to use it to get what she wants. This is just something you'll have to work on with her over time.

If she tries to bite while you ask her to step up, try using a stick or a perch and asking her to step up on that. Instead of using your hands to offer a treat, use a spoon. She simply may not like hands.

 

[Notdumasilook]

Thanks for the comments. She eats pellets. I have tried so many different types of foods and she does not seem to care for them. Today o though maybe she liked a peanut but quickly dropped it.

The previous owner said at this point under no circumstances should we let her on our shoulders and we should hold her feet. Our biggest concern now of she goes up she will start to bite us.

What else ca we do to prevent the shoulder?

What other treats should we try?

I don't understand the NO SHOULDER rule. Unless the previous owner was getting ears chewed. But to remove a bird giving you "protest" bites its best to use a small T shaped perch. Being flighted, your bird may choose to fly off instead of stepping up on the perch but at least he is off the shoulder. Majority of my birdie time, I have mine on my shoulders.. but I do not have a safety issue with mine.