New to owning a Jenday Conure.

[RastasPeace23]

Hello, I am new to this forum and new to being a parrot owner. My sister has 3 parakeets and I have always loved birds, but never really decided to get one. I have mostly small furry pets, but my awesome mother surprised me with a Jenday Conure. Now before you all go nuts lol, I received this bird on Friday from my mom and have been researching ever since. I know conures are notorious for being loud and they are often re homed. I have listened to videos of them screaming and everything. I am not a person who is really bothered by this so I don't see any issues.

I have named him Rasta and he is amazing so far. So I know you are suppose to leave them alone for a few days to get used to their surroundings, but Rasta LOVES being out of his cage and played with. Even though I just got him, we do have a schedule and this started on day 1. I don't know if this is common among birds to get sleepy at the same time everyday, but Rasta seems to get sleepy between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., so as soon as I realize he is sleepy if i have him out or the cage open I will close it and cover his cage with a sheet for the night. He is quiet until I uncover him around 7:00 a.m.. He will greet me with a chirp and starts climbing the bars until I open the top of his cage to let him out.

He likes to sit on top of his cage and sometimes he will climb down the sides, but he never leaves the cage unless I hold him. He doesn't bite, but he feels with his beak and tongue. He likes to climb onto my shoulder and as I found out yesterday he likes all things shiny, including my earrings. He pulled my stud right out of my ear! haha! He also tried to pull out my nose ring. So now I take them out before I hold him so he won't hurt himself.

I don't know if this is normal, but like I said about the feeling with his beak and tongue he is like obsessed with my face especially my mouth and nose. I don't let him stick his head into my mouth or anything, but he loves playing with my lips or "kissing" me, I am not sure what to call it. I don't know if this is okay or not, but he is very gentle and is so cute I can't help, but laugh. Should I discourage this? He also loves my hair, he likes to go under it, I don't know if it just makes him feel secure. If I have him on my bed like I did yesterday, I laid down and he was on my pillow and he came and snuggled up next to me and this is when the "kissing" begins then he started to fall asleep. Does this mean he likes/ trusts me?

Right now all I am teaching him is the command "up" anytime i get him to come onto my fingers I will say "up" and praise him. I am sure he will get it down soon as he seems to be very smart. I play with him several times a day. He is usually out of his cage for at least 30 minutes at a time sometimes longer, like tonight before bed he was out for almost 2 hours. The cage I have him in is the biggest my local Petsmart had, I don't know if it is large enough for conures, but it seems to work for now. I did however order him a large Prevue cage with a play top and his current cage I was thinking of using to keep downstairs and when I want I can have him down there when I am or I can set it outside so he can get some sun for a bit.

Speaking of sun, I also ordered him a lamp with a UVB/UVA bulb it was a 5.0 fluorescent as I have been reading how important it is for birds. I bought him several different perches too. He has a manzanita tree perch, a rope perch, one of those sanded ones that are suppose to be good for nails and feet and he has one plain one that came with the cage, but I did read that those straight plain ones can make their feet cramp up so all the others are the uneven ones. He also has several hanging toys mostly wood, one plastic chain and mirror. He has a cuttlebone and a mineral block. His water dish and food bowl. He is eating a seed mix and I am trying to wean him off of it and onto Lafeber Parrot pellets.

I want to give him variety and hopefully get him eating lots of veggies, some fruits, pellets and a little bit of a good quality seed mix here and there. I am also going to try and see if he likes he Harrison Pellets as my sister's parakeets eat those and a seed mix and it's organic which is great. I am going to set up a vet appointment this week to have him checked out to make sure he is healthy. I can't think of anything else to say, I just want to know if I am doing good so far and if anyone has any helpful tips or suggestions. Sorry if this is really long.

His current cage: Grreat Choice™ Playtop Cage - Sale - Bird - PetSmart

The cage I ordered: Large Select Wrought Iron Play Top Bird Cage Pevue Hendrxy PP-3153

 

[gemini84]

Congrats on new family member looks like u have done your research well and ate doing great. If he wants to be with you then let him. The only thing i would be careful of is his current cage. They can be quite.hazardous if the support perch collapsed or if he was to figure.out how to open it and try getting out. They are an intelligent bird and i wouldn't put utter past them. Putting it outside when the new cage arrives is great idea but be sure to secure that top properly with something that he can't chew through. U have a friend for life and it seems to me u have formed quite a bond in such short time..... Enjoy. Oh and pictures pictures pictures

 

[wenz2712]

and welcome to the forum

 

[RastasPeace23]

Thank you for the welcomes. The support perch is at the bottom of the cage and he never really goes on it. I do clip the doors when I am not with him. I will post pics asap! Thanks again.

 

[MollyGreenCheeks]

Sounds like you're doing great. I would also caution about the kissing. Specifically, ensure he does not come in contact with any of your saliva. Their bodies cannot process the bacteria contained in human saliva so they can become very sick. Also read Nonstick Pans, Self-Cleaning Ovens & Your Pet Bird

 

[RastasPeace23]

This is Rasta!

Here is the front of his cage.

The left side.

The back.

The right side.

The inside.

and his feathers.

I bought this at Walmart and was wondering if it's safe? I have it on the cage, but it's not open yet because I want to be sure it's okay to use.


Lastly, is his cage too full? I just wanted to make sure he had more than enough of everything. He seems to love it all, but should I take some things out? I hope you guys enjoy the pics!

 

[RastasPeace23]

Sounds like you're doing great. I would also caution about the kissing. Specifically, ensure he does not come in contact with any of your saliva. Their bodies cannot process the bacteria contained in human saliva so they can become very sick. Also read Nonstick Pans, Self-Cleaning Ovens & Your Pet Bird

Okay i will make sure he doesn't. Thank you and I will read that asap.

 

[RastasPeace23]

Sounds like you're doing great. I would also caution about the kissing. Specifically, ensure he does not come in contact with any of your saliva. Their bodies cannot process the bacteria contained in human saliva so they can become very sick. Also read Nonstick Pans, Self-Cleaning Ovens & Your Pet Bird

Okay I skimmed it. He is kept in a room upstairs (although I brought him down for pictures because of lighting) I will keep this in mind when he is down here. Thank you for telling me this.

 

[Echo]

He is gorgeous. What is that Bird Protector for???

 

[Featheredsamurai]

I'm not sure about the bird protector, is it for mites? Personally I wouldn't chance it. Also you should use newsprint art pads as liner, not the bedding. The bedding will hide the poop and you must be able to look at it everyday for signs of illness. Also birds sometimes eat the bedding.

 

[RastasPeace23]

I only bought the bedding because it was what my mom said he had and because I thought the change was going to be traumatizing I wanted him to have somethings familiar. His poop for the past couple days though is green instead of dark like it was at first is this bad or normal? I have him out all the time and he will always poop at least once so I can still see it then. Yes the bird protector is for mites and lice. I probably won't use it. Thanks again.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

(sorry about typos in last post, my iPhone is going to kill me)

It will be ok to use it for the first week or so, but change to safe paper liner soon. I buy art newsprint because it can be bought in different sizes, and doesn't have ink like newspaper. Although it's good to make changes as few as possible so much has already changed anyway.

 

[RastasPeace23]

(sorry about typos in last post, my iPhone is going to kill me)

It will be ok to use it for the first week or so, but change to safe paper liner soon. I buy art newsprint because it can be bought in different sizes, and doesn't have ink like newspaper. Although it's good to make changes as few as possible so much has already changed anyway.

where do you get that paper from? Is it cheap to use? I know what you mean iphone drives me insane sometimes.

 

[jendaymumma]

Rasta is awesome, gorgeous and it DOES sound like you're a great Mom. Congratulations. You're correct, Jendays are very vocal. My jenday, BOB (He's a rescue, this is his 4th home, he's 3, has been abused, and I did NOT name him) is vocal during the day. When I say "enough", he quiets down. He's toying with coming out to play. He has had bite modes, especially with his food dishes, because 1st female parent (for lack of a better term) locked BOB in a closet for a week. Divorce mess, control over the male he bonded with etc., BOB's water + food went empty while in the closet. SHE didn't like his vocals. He's been my boy for 7 weeks (6 months at a rescue prior). We are really making progress quickly, given what he's gone through. He talks, calls me Marge or mumma, says "hey Bob', "are you up?", "good Bob" "good bird" "that will do it", "Thank you, you're a good bird", "You alright?", and more. He had 1 toy and 1 wood perch. Can you imagine? He has several balls he plays with that have holes + bells "clackers" in a dish, his forage. Also he loves bells (good sized or he rips out the "clackers"), 2 grit perches, 1 made of cuddle bone, a soft swirly perch, wood blocks, loofah, seagrass + more. BOB loves bells and I have been told conures love bells. BOB wears them on his head and puts his foot up to the side of his head (as though we"re talking on the cell phone). I agree w/not letting the "kissing" continue. Humans have nasty mouths. Also, Rasta's hormones or anything, could cause a biting. Pirates wore an eye patch for a reason. I've heard of many parents having serious injuries. That hookbill is strong enough to rip a "clacker" from a bell, chew wood, etc. What could it do to your face, ear, whatever? Oh, BOB loves Zupreem. Great times + good luck for Rasta + you from Jendaymumma, Marge

 

[jendaymumma]

Oops, forgot to tell you that I use brown paper bags, cardboard (just make sure to ask if it's recycled cardboard because recycled has formaldehyde in it), cardboard egg containers, some newspaper, etc. They love to shred. I just made BOB a toy with cardboard that I cut into rectangle, triangle, + circles. I used rawhide (leather shoe string) alternated w/cardboard cut outs, balls, thick plastic rings, wood, a seagrass ball, a slice of loofah, and little shapes made from cuddlebone. Be creative. Visit a rescue or reputable pet place. I say rescue because they're not in it for the buck. Andrea is always picking something out and saying, "cheap toy". BOB even has wood blocks w/holes pre-drilled, That spell "BOB". Of course there are other pieces of wood, and a bell.

 

[RastasPeace23]

Rasta is awesome, gorgeous and it DOES sound like you're a great Mom. Congratulations. You're correct, Jendays are very vocal. My jenday, BOB (He's a rescue, this is his 4th home, he's 3, has been abused, and I did NOT name him) is vocal during the day. When I say "enough", he quiets down. He's toying with coming out to play. He has had bite modes, especially with his food dishes, because 1st female parent (for lack of a better term) locked BOB in a closet for a week. Divorce mess, control over the male he bonded with etc., BOB's water + food went empty while in the closet. SHE didn't like his vocals. He's been my boy for 7 weeks (6 months at a rescue prior). We are really making progress quickly, given what he's gone through. He talks, calls me Marge or mumma, says "hey Bob', "are you up?", "good Bob" "good bird" "that will do it", "Thank you, you're a good bird", "You alright?", and more. He had 1 toy and 1 wood perch. Can you imagine? He has several balls he plays with that have holes + bells "clackers" in a dish, his forage. Also he loves bells (good sized or he rips out the "clackers"), 2 grit perches, 1 made of cuddle bone, a soft swirly perch, wood blocks, loofah, seagrass + more. BOB loves bells and I have been told conures love bells. BOB wears them on his head and puts his foot up to the side of his head (as though we"re talking on the cell phone). I agree w/not letting the "kissing" continue. Humans have nasty mouths. Also, Rasta's hormones or anything, could cause a biting. Pirates wore an eye patch for a reason. I've heard of many parents having serious injuries. That hookbill is strong enough to rip a "clacker" from a bell, chew wood, etc. What could it do to your face, ear, whatever? Oh, BOB loves Zupreem. Great times + good luck for Rasta + you from Jendaymumma, Marge

Awww poor Bob. He sounds like a little character. I hope Rasta will start mimicking sounds and sentences soon. Rasta LOVES those little jingle balls. He already made a hole in his. I want to try and rotate pellets for variety and the ones I want to use are the Lafeber, Harrison and Zupreem pellets. I hear good thing about all 3. Does anyone know of a good quality seed mix? Preferably one with no artificial colors? I hear that Higgins has a good one. I just want it to add some variety every now and again. He is on one now like I said, but it is a cockitail seed mix by all living things. It was what he was on and I am trying to wean him off slowly at the moment.

I would like something like this: http://www.pet360.com/product/10812/higgins-mayan-harvest-yucatan-blend-bird-seed

 

[MonicaMc]

I don't let him stick his head into my mouth or anything, but he loves playing with my lips or "kissing" me, I am not sure what to call it. I don't know if this is okay or not, but he is very gentle and is so cute I can't help, but laugh. Should I discourage this?

It's not a good idea to kiss his body or allow him to kiss/lick your lips, because the bacteria inside our mouths can be harmful to them. Kissing their beaks or heads is generally accepted as long as the bird doesn't like us.

If I have him on my bed like I did yesterday, I laid down and he was on my pillow and he came and snuggled up next to me and this is when the "kissing" begins then he started to fall asleep. Does this mean he likes/ trusts me?

Your jenday sounds very trusting of you! That's great! The only thing I would caution is to *not* sleep with him. Many owners have lost their birds when they accidentally rolled over onto them.

Right now all I am teaching him is the command "up" anytime i get him to come onto my fingers I will say "up" and praise him. I am sure he will get it down soon as he seems to be very smart.

Parrots are indeed smart! If he's not getting it, then you might want to find his favorite treat and then present your hand against his cage or perch, then tempt him closer to your hand and reward him. Reward him if he puts a toe or a foot on your hand, reward him if he puts both feet on your hand! It may involve luring him into your hand, but it's a better way to teach him to step up. As he learns the behavior, you can phase out the lure. Praising him also works great! Main thing is, don't force him to step up - i.e. don't push into his chest/stomach, and don't lift his toes.


I personally don't recommend mirrors for parrots, since many don't understand it's their reflection.


Definitely toss the bird protector! It can cause more harm than good! Most of the stuff sold at Walmart is crap (IMO).


He could use more foraging toys and maybe some different kinds, but all in due time! Get that large cage first!


Many owners use paper. Black and white newspaper, plain printer paper, newspaper end rolls, butcher paper, the thick craft paper, etc. Here's a webpage about cage liners.

Winged Wisdom Magazine. Bird Cage Liners: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly


There are a lot of seed varieties out there! I don't feed my conure seeds very often, but it's more so because he has difficulty eating them rather than anything else... although pellets are healthier! Currently, I have Harrison's for pellets, and the little guys are getting a Goldenfeast dry blend mixed with Kaylor of Colorado Sweet Harvest Cockatiel/Budgie seeds. Lately, I've been buying most of my supplies from the following store.

MySafeBirdStore - DISCOUNTED Bird Products - Safe & Healthy from a Bird Free Environment. Best prices on the 'net. Same day shipping.



All in all though, you are doing fantastic! And it's great that you have such a supportive mother!!!!

 

[jendaymumma]

Bob's on VOLKMAN Hookbill Parrot (no sunflower seeds). I have noticed that if BOB switches his favorite Zupreem color, sometimes poops are green when he eats green, rust color when he eats the red and/or yellow. The Volkman has banana chips, carrots, peas, cantaloupe seed, papaya, apple, peanuts, coconut,...for BOB, food is GREAT. Can't imagine the thing that starved him, terrified him, etc. he could have died. Please don't feel sorry for him. 0000000h My, WE HAVE all kinds of quality time. He is progressing at an accelerated rate. Lost my cockatiel 3 days after Thanksgiving, my 16 year old Gracie kitty the same day I delivered BOB to his 4ever home. Btw, the Lafeeber I fed to my "teel". not impressed. The Zupreem is colored, but I like it better for BOB. The wood they chew on is colored with cake decorating color as is the Zupreem. Given that I was an ace w/cakes to assist my college education, and I can create any cake you can imagine, + I majored in nutrition you know my choice. Oh yes, the peppers, my "teel" loved. BOB throws them out of his dish. You're at an advantage. Your baby is young + has not been abused. Check out sprouts. They are fresh and so loaded w/nutrition. Get them At a health food store. Check it out on line. Bob's getting started on sprouts. Go BOB. Rasta is so cool too.

 

[RastasPeace23]

I don't let him stick his head into my mouth or anything, but he loves playing with my lips or "kissing" me, I am not sure what to call it. I don't know if this is okay or not, but he is very gentle and is so cute I can't help, but laugh. Should I discourage this?

It's not a good idea to kiss his body or allow him to kiss/lick your lips, because the bacteria inside our mouths can be harmful to them. Kissing their beaks or heads is generally accepted as long as the bird doesn't like us.

If I have him on my bed like I did yesterday, I laid down and he was on my pillow and he came and snuggled up next to me and this is when the "kissing" begins then he started to fall asleep. Does this mean he likes/ trusts me?

Your jenday sounds very trusting of you! That's great! The only thing I would caution is to *not* sleep with him. Many owners have lost their birds when they accidentally rolled over onto them.

Right now all I am teaching him is the command "up" anytime i get him to come onto my fingers I will say "up" and praise him. I am sure he will get it down soon as he seems to be very smart.

Parrots are indeed smart! If he's not getting it, then you might want to find his favorite treat and then present your hand against his cage or perch, then tempt him closer to your hand and reward him. Reward him if he puts a toe or a foot on your hand, reward him if he puts both feet on your hand! It may involve luring him into your hand, but it's a better way to teach him to step up. As he learns the behavior, you can phase out the lure. Praising him also works great! Main thing is, don't force him to step up - i.e. don't push into his chest/stomach, and don't lift his toes.


I personally don't recommend mirrors for parrots, since many don't understand it's their reflection.


Definitely toss the bird protector! It can cause more harm than good! Most of the stuff sold at Walmart is crap (IMO).


He could use more foraging toys and maybe some different kinds, but all in due time! Get that large cage first!


Many owners use paper. Black and white newspaper, plain printer paper, newspaper end rolls, butcher paper, the thick craft paper, etc. Here's a webpage about cage liners.

Winged Wisdom Magazine. Bird Cage Liners: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly


There are a lot of seed varieties out there! I don't feed my conure seeds very often, but it's more so because he has difficulty eating them rather than anything else... although pellets are healthier! Currently, I have Harrison's for pellets, and the little guys are getting a Goldenfeast dry blend mixed with Kaylor of Colorado Sweet Harvest Cockatiel/Budgie seeds. Lately, I've been buying most of my supplies from the following store.

MySafeBirdStore - DISCOUNTED Bird Products - Safe & Healthy from a Bird Free Environment. Best prices on the 'net. Same day shipping.



All in all though, you are doing fantastic! And it's great that you have such a supportive mother!!!!

I wasn't falling asleep with him we were just chilling. I would never do that though if I was sleepy. I am trying to find a favorite food, but he seems to be a bit picky. He doesn't seemed bothered by his mirror. Today he groomed himself in front of it and does that often, but he doesn't freak out or anything. Yeah I never really buy pet stuff at Walmart (especially the food), but I happened to go this weekend and I saw that and thought I would try it, but I will definitely toss it. I just bought him some new things online including a foraging ball thing. I did already purchase the large cage it was shipped out today, I can't wait to get it.

My mom rocks! She loves all my pets. I wasn't really allowed to have any small pets until I was about 11 or 12, before I only had dogs and a cat. Now I have/ had, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats etc. We are both animal lovers. I rescue when I can and never stop researching about all the pets I have. I always try to get them the best of the best and put their needs before mine.

I will definitely check that website out. Thanks.

 

[RastasPeace23]

Bob's on VOLKMAN Hookbill Parrot (no sunflower seeds). I have noticed that if BOB switches his favorite Zupreem color, sometimes poops are green when he eats green, rust color when he eats the red and/or yellow. The Volkman has banana chips, carrots, peas, cantaloupe seed, papaya, apple, peanuts, coconut,...for BOB, food is GREAT. Can't imagine the thing that starved him, terrified him, etc. he could have died. Please don't feel sorry for him. 0000000h My, WE HAVE all kinds of quality time. He is progressing at an accelerated rate. Lost my cockatiel 3 days after Thanksgiving, my 16 year old Gracie kitty the same day I delivered BOB to his 4ever home. Btw, the Lafeeber I fed to my "teel". not impressed. The Zupreem is colored, but I like it better for BOB. The wood they chew on is colored with cake decorating color as is the Zupreem. Given that I was an ace w/cakes to assist my college education, and I can create any cake you can imagine, + I majored in nutrition you know my choice. Oh yes, the peppers, my "teel" loved. BOB throws them out of his dish. You're at an advantage. Your baby is young + has not been abused. Check out sprouts. They are fresh and so loaded w/nutrition. Get them At a health food store. Check it out on line. Bob's getting started on sprouts. Go BOB. Rasta is so cool too.

I will definitely try the sprouts. He seems to like the Lafeber. My only issue with his eating is trying to get him to try fresh food. I haven't found anything that he will eat yet.