New Green Cheek Conure Need Advice

[Crush]

Hello! I owned some cockatiels and had some small experiences with a scarlet macaw my grandfather had. Been an avid bird lover for the last 25 years or so.

I finally got a parrot of my own! He's very energetic and about 3 months old.

It's been nearly 24 hours. I really want to get in there and change his pellets and water dishes. My problem is, he gets VERY hyper when I am near. As soon as I sit next to the cage he starts to show off (one of the reasons I got him). This pretty much means he goes to the part of the cage closest to me and does flips, hands upside down in an almost frenzy at times. As soon as I leave the cages side he gives off these sad pathetic chirps .

I'm afraid that once that cage door opens he's going to be out. I've heard you want to let them relax for 2-3 days, so I don't think it's a good idea he goes off venturing on the stand or floor.

The first day I had a bit of trouble gently getting him from carrying cage to his main cage. He managed to climb up and onto the main cage instead of going inside... He is not used to humans handling him, that is for sure (lol he does looky shows only, no touchy). So I really don't want to have to give him anymore unnecessary handling trauma when he isn't ready.

My question is, what should I do? Do I let him go out of the cage (I'm almost sure he will.) Or do I somehow try and get his dishes out while keeping him in?

I REALLY appreciate any advice. I did tens of thousands of hours of research on birds I'm sure over the last 20 years, I never really thought of this day and moment though! Haha...

 

[mandolynn]

Congrats on the new addition! I love Sun conures. They are so silly. I personally feel a new bird always needs their time to adjust. I would recommend you try to change his food and water without him getting out, if possible. If he does get out try to get him back in without too much fuss. Does he have his wings clipped or can he fly?

 

[Crush]

Wings are clipped.

Ok, I will try to keep him in.

I had to gently towel him yesterday to finally get him into the cage after I let him explore the outside of the cage and table for a few minutes. I just hate to do that right now, as gently and nicely as I try to do it I know he can't like it. Although he goes very calm and still when covered up.

 

[legal_eagle]

If he's eager to come out I would give it a try and see what happens. I think the advice about letting them stay in their cages for the first few days applies primarily to new birds who are in a bit of shock because of the change in their circumstances.

 

[hacatta]

I know exactly what you mean,i got a yellow-sided for my birthday last moth.
He dances all the time ,until i'm too close
You can let him out of the cage ,just take away his food one hour before you let him free.
This way he will come in the cage willingly when you put fresh food in it.
This works by mine,if i don't do it ,i will have to chase him.
Not that fun for both of us.
Of course not 5 hours or so without food XD.
If he is out that long i do give him treats.

 

[Crush]

Yeah, there was no keeping him in.

He spent maybe 5 minutes out. After some coaxing he perched onto a wooden spoon just fine. He's a nibbler... nibbled on the spoon, then my finger haha, ouch. He jusssst broke the skin. Got him in without much fuss.

Didn't react to the nibble just said no no no *clench teeth a bit* set him down in cage with no jerking away or anything. Hope he gets the idea soon that that isn't exactly wanted lol.

First thing he did was fun to his food bowl though and chow down. I think his favorite items were out or low before .

 

[Sand]

mine goes in when he sees me play in his water dish or put fresh food in there. if he's been out too long and is thirsty.