Need some guidance

[BellaMia]

Hi everyone, I’m a new conure owner, three weeks. She’s 2 years old and I love her to death.
However, she apparently wasn’t hand trained and neglected. When she flys off her cage I have to go running around to find her….I have bird proofed the apartment. When I can hold her she doesn’t bite and loves head and neck rubbed.
When I was younger I raised 6 cockatiels, so I have some experience, But now its a bit harder trying to hand train her. She fears hands, darkness and being covered. I’m much older now and have a problem running after her, yes, she is clipped. She sits close to me now when she’s oh the cage, but moves away when I go near her. I am giving her space and waiting for her to come to me.
Also when I hold her lately she stays on my chest now, of course, she’s being pampered, but I’m concerned that she doesn’t seem to know how to step up. Yes, I do put my finger on her chest,
Thank you for listening.
My real name is Barbara, going by BellaMia, her name!

 

[DonnaBudgie]

So cute! Other than wing trimming which you say she is already, you are doing everything you can in that regard unless the trim isn't enough. Can she still fly without being slowed down? Talk to your vet about the trim. I don't like severe trims. Birds should be able to fly. Think of the searching and chasing as good exercise. We could all use that!
If she fears being covered don't cover her. They don't need it. I only cover the very top of the cage.
Always have a night light on in the room. Birds sleep fine with very low light and relative quiet. Pitch darkness isn't desirable or wanted by the bird. Birds can get disoriented in pitch darkness especially when covered completely, and thrash around and get hurt.
Make sure she gets 10 to 12 hours of sleep at night.
If she has a favorite treat like sunflower meats use them as a bribe and reward for stepping up.
Does she step up into a stick perch? A lot of birds don't like hands even when hand raised. I use a stick to move my hand shy birds.

 

[BellaMia]

So cute! Other than wing trimming which you say she is already, you are doing everything you can in that regard unless the trim isn't enough. Can she still fly without being slowed down? Talk to your vet about the trim. I don't like severe trims. Birds should be able to fly. Think of the searching and chasing as good exercise. We could all use that!
If she fears being covered don't cover her. They don't need it. I only cover the very top of the cage.
Always have a night light on in the room. Birds sleep fine with very low light and relative quiet. Pitch darkness isn't desirable or wanted by the bird. Birds can get disoriented in pitch darkness especially when covered completely, and thrash around and get hurt.
Make sure she gets 10 to 12 hours of sleep at night.
If she has a favorite treat like sunflower meats use them as a bribe and reward for stepping up.
Does she step up into a stick perch? A lot of birds don't like hands even when hand raised. I use a stick to move my hand shy birds.

Thank you for your advise, you’re very sweet. Yes, you are correct, we can all use the exercise, but honey I’m in my 80’s…I just have difficulty getting her when she’s behind furniture…too funny.
I am in the process of getting a stick that looks like her perches, I think that may be less frightening for her.
It looks like the gentleman I purchased her from did a good job with her wings. she can only fly down, but I see her getting stronger, she goes a bit further now. She’s my little diva!
Also, thanks for the advise on only covering the top. We’re in central Florida, and when we begin to use the air again, I won’t be so concerned. Right now it’s still cool here.
I’ll keep in touch and informed, thanks a bunches.