New to birds

[sunlover]

Hello everyone,
Thank you all for the information provided on this site! I am a new member and first time bird owner.
I've adopted a 2 yr old Sun Conure from a friend; he was well treated and cared for, but was not liked by several members of the family due to his screeching. When I visited he immediately flew to me (his wings were not clipped) and exhibited affectionate behavior.

I've had him for 4 days and had his wings clipped yesterday. The first few days he was very outgoing and affectionate, although he did bite me quite hard twice and seemed dominant.

Now he is reserved and does not want to come out of his cage even though I leave the door open. I've stopped trying to entice his to come out, and now just sit near him reading, watching tv, or talking.

I hand feed him a treat now and then without making any demands upon him. Is there anything else I should be doing? Do I just need to be patient (not my strong suit!) and let him come to me?

I've really fallen for this bird and want to provide him with the best possible home.

Any advice provided will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Chris Winkler]

to the world of being owned by a FID (feathered kid)!

Right now patients is very important. Even though your Sun had met you prior to going to your home hie entire world has changed. He has no way of understanding why and is most likely afraid..

You are taking the right steps because his adjustment has to be on his terms not yours..

Just talk, sing etc. to him. Start out far enough away from his cage so he can see you and is not stressed. You might be able to move a little closer each day watch his body language...

Another thing I did when I had rescued an African Grey is once I covered her cage I would put my head under the cover at her level and talk softly to her. I really think that is what helped her the most..

Good luck and let us know how it's going!

 

[sunlover]

Thanks Chris!

I will continue to be patient with him. Should I keep leaving his door open so he can come out if he wants?

I've never owned a bird before, and I am surprised at how attached I am to him already.

 

[antoinette]

Being patient is the key to success. You are definitely doing a great job, sitting near the cage, talking and singing to the bird, asking for nothing in return. When giving him a treat, leave the treat near the open door, soon he will venture closer to get it. When he is willing and ready, he will come out on his own. When he does, make sure to praise him, making a big deal of it.
If you are able to leave the cage door open as much as possible, place a toy near the entrance, this will entice him to investigate and eventually come out.
Good luck

 

[SharonC]

He's probably feeling a tad insecure with the newly clipped wings. Have patience...he'll get over it!

 

[sunlover]

I left the cage door open for several hours and just spoke and sang to him. I sat near him off and on. He came out and played on top of his cage for a while and accepted some apple bits from my hand! I appreciate the advice and will continue to be patient. I just adore him and could spend hours watching him.

Thank you all!

 

[Chris Winkler]

Sounds like you are doing awesome!

Yes keep the door open as much as you can. The key to winning him over is doing it at his pace!

Keep up the good work..

 

[sunlover]

Hello all,

Just wanted to post an update. I leave his cage door open and sit next to the cage whenever I have the chance. Two days ago he plopped himself into my lap and sat with me for 45 minutes, kissing, grooming and cuddling. Yesterday he came out to play on top of his cage but wouldn't come to me, and he refuses to "step up"--2 steps forward and one step back, but it is progress!

Thank you all for your advice and support!

 

[DIR Diver]

Id find his favorite treat and begin clicker training. So if he loves sunflower seeds(for example) then get yourself a clicker and start by having a bunch of sunflower seeds broken into thirds and start by clicking the clicker and then just giving him a piece of sunflower seed. It wont take long before the bird associates the click with recieving his most favorite treat. You can do this while the bird is in the cage right through the bars. after about 5-10 min the bird will have that concept down pat!

Then grab a wood bbq scewer, pencil, or anything of the like and start asking the bird to "target" when the bird GENTLY touches the end of the target stick, Click the clicker the exact secong the bird makes contact with the end of the target stick and reward with his favorite treat. As the bird starts to get what you are asking then start moving the target further away so he now has to either take a one step to touch the target stick or even just reach his neck a bit further. Then again click and treat when he touches the stick. eventually you can have the bird climbing all over the cage to touch the end of the stick in order to get the treat.

This means you can then target the bird to step up on your hand or step on to a perch or anywhere you point that target stick.

By doing so you will start molding your bird to really trust you and associate you not only with yummy treats but mental stimulation.

 

[sunlover]

Thank you so much for the suggestion-I'll give it a try!