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.

 

[rheashard2]

I emphasize you and the 'catch me if you can' attitude some birds (mine included) have. I keep emergency treats around house. These include but not limited to pecans, sunflower seeds, ect. Feed a small amount while she's in cage. All the while giving encouragement and whatever command to be used. I just say "come here". It'll take time but getting bird trained come command makes life easier. Won't mean 100% compliance! Birds have individual learning curves and compliance. Regardless of everything, birds have evolved to fly. Flight is very important to some. They'll try no matter what, clipped or not. Have patience and see if there's an actual trigger. My CAg's attitude is 'I have wings. I'll fly if I want too. So there.' This makes her a spontaneous (to me) flying around.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

All my budgies, even the three hand raised ones, put up a fuss when I need them back in their cages unless it's bedtime and they're tired. I'm trying to prevent mating and let them out in shifts- the boys for 4 hours and then the girls but the mid day round up is very difficult. They play jump the stick, fly back and forth across the room, or run from one side to the other on top of their large cage so I can't reach them. I sometimes need to put a soft baby blanket over them and put them in. Treats or commands don't work with them- none of my budgies are motivated by treats, not even millet spray! These same budgies fly over and land on us and try to eat off our plates all the time.

I think larger parrots are more receptive to treats and training than budgies are. Other members have much more success to share than I do.

 

[BellaMia]

I emphasize you and the 'catch me if you can' attitude some birds (mine included) have. I keep emergency treats around house. These include but not limited to pecans, sunflower seeds, ect. Feed a small amount while she's in cage. All the while giving encouragement and whatever command to be used. I just say "come here". It'll take time but getting bird trained come command makes life easier. Won't mean 100% compliance! Birds have individual learning curves and compliance. Regardless of everything, birds have evolved to fly. Flight is very important to some. They'll try no matter what, clipped or not. Have patience and see if there's an actual trigger. My CAg's attitude is 'I have wings. I'll fly if I want too. So there.' This makes her a spontaneous (to me) flying around.

Thank you for your response. Birds were born to fly, cute idea leaving treats around. I just want her to come to me without fear. I do not know this little girls past, but I can tell you her present and future, however long that may be for me, is filled with love.