New Conure doesn't really like me

[kellie]

Hi guys! I've had my new Sun Conure, Lukah, for about 6 days, but he doesn't really like me. He's five months old and has had four different owners within that time and didn't really get the chance to bond with any of his previous owners (as they only had him for under a month each). I'm the fourth. He will eat from my hand and will step onto my finger sometimes (when it's convenient for him). He hates being petted and rarely comes out of his cage. He doesn't scream much at all (I've trained him not to for the most part) and he doesn't bite often (only unless he feels completely trapped, other than that he will just gently press his beak to your finger if he doesn't feel like being held or whatever).

Is this normal behavior for a bird in a new environment? Will he warm up to me on his own or are there ways I need to encourage him to warm up to me?

Please let me know! It's killing me having him dislike me, even though I know it's been a very short time.

 

[angiern]

He's had a lot of change in his short life and needs time to adjust to you and his new surroundings. I think it's encouraging that he will step up and eat from your fingers. Just give him some time and keep doing what you're doing.

 

[BoomBoom]

Yes give him some time, lots of it. He will come around.

Biting is a sign that you've not respected his wishes to be left alone, and its the only thing he has left to resort to.

Just give him ambient attention for now. By that I mean talking to him from a distance while in the same room. Maybe let him see you play with one of his toys so he learns self entertainment (important for when he is in the cage).

Good luck and congrats on your new friend!

 

[kellie]

He plays with his toys already and will come out of his cage about once a day. When he comes out, he will let me hold him, but not when he's in his cage. I've trained him not to bite but will just hold my finger in front of him and if he stares at it and doesn't step up then I remove it.

I will give him more time. I'm just worried he won't form that important bond with me, especially because he's had so many different owners.

 

[ShellyBorg]

It can take time but it will come. Training can speed it up. So will sharing food/dinner. I have spent a lot of time eating in front of a bird and weeks will go by before they will even look at the food, but they are hard wired to flock and bond even if its with us lowly humans.