New GCC owner

[JoJo_bird]

My wife and I just purchased a 9 month old GCC. The previous owner handled him a lot so he is used to sitting on your shoulder being held. The only thing that's weird is he will not fly. He walks everywhere and never makes an attempt to fly. Is this normal for GCC? The previous owner said he never really fly. He does have his flight feathers.

 

[Bobioden]

He might have been clipped when the original owner got him and he hasn't molted to get all his flight feathers. I got Maxx at 3 months, and he was clipped. The first molt none of the clipped feathers were replaced. Now at 10 months he is finally getting all his flight feathers in, and just learning to fly.

 

[roxynoodle]

Yes, it's possible he hasn't molted out clipped feathers yet. Or he may just not be that into flying. My Blue Crown conure almost never flew and she always could. My Grey thankfully doesn't try to fly either since she can't see! I am a bit concerned though that someday she might try to.

 

[KellyH]

Might depend on how he was raised too. If the breeder clipped his wings right from the start he might not even know that he can fly.

 

[Nakiska]

We have a green cheek too, Franklin, we purchased him when he was 2 1/2 months old. He was clipped on one side only

He's 11 months old now and his clipped feathers are gone and his flight feathers are fully grown in and he discovered he could fly a little bit when something startled him and he fluttered off my shoulder. Since then he's only flown actually....fluttered is a more accurate description... a few times, never far, only about 10 feet, and usually he'll just do a little circle off one shoulder and back onto my other shoulder.

He definitely prefers to walk, climb and run everywhere!

I too, was wondering if he understood that his wings had a purpose

I bought him a little flightsuit so I could take him places with me and not have to worry about the off chance that he might fly a grand distance...I took him to the store and, what a brave boy he's become...because he climbed down my leg and hopped onto the store floor and started walking down the isles with his flightsuit and leash.

The store employee's thought it was sooo incredible to see a bird walking on a leash! HAHAHAHA!!

I also think too...that flying takes a lot of endurance and if his chest muscles aren't in shape for it, it seems that perhaps they find it to be too much exercise.

Easier to walk, climb and run....silly birds!

I wouldn't worry to much, but don't let your guard down and think he can't fly...many birds have been lost out opened windows, doors and such and it happens when you least expect it.

It's how I lost my first cockatiel

Anyway, congratulations on your new conure. I'm sure you'll find him to be the most entertainment in your home.

I know I do!

Toni

 

[JoJo_bird]

Thanks for all the info. He is definitely a ton of fun! He's a full of energy!