Not sure what to do

[lorishopaholic]

We have a new Half Moon conure that I was told was hand fed and well socialized but I'm seriously doubting that. We have been working with him everyday but honestly he doesn't like any interaction. He is content to be in his cage and we have to work to get him to come out. He is always overly ready to go back to it. He has been biting very aggressively not just little play nips but drawing blood. My son who is 7 gets the most bites because I can read the bird a little and avoid the bite but my son can't do that as well. I got him for my son and it's so upsetting because he really wanted a bird he could interact with and be with him. Now my son is scared and won't go near him. I called the bird shop where I got him and she is out of town but I was told she will get with me next week. The Half Moon is about 8 months old. Maybe we should have got a just weaned baby? I know she has some GCC that are not weaned yet. Would that be a good option? Will they all go thru this aggressive phase? We originally were going to get a Parrotlet but I kept reading how nippy and aggressive they can be which led me to the conure. I just don't know what to do. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[RavensGryf]

I'm sorry you and your young son are going through this. Yes, it's extremely common for a bird who is not used to a new environment to feel scared, vulnerable, and a bit out of sorts, which can result in fear biting. For now, back off a bit as the little conure gets adjusted to his new surroundings. You say you read his body language, so I would suggest guiding your son during the supervised interaction to not touch the bird when the bird is becoming defensive or runs away. Talk softly to him, don't crowd around the cage and stare, let him get used to you first. Then you can slowly start seeing what he'll accept in the way of interaction or taking a small treat from your hand. If a bird doesn't have any trust yet, he won't accept anything handed to him.

A Green Cheek Conure, Half Moon Conure, Parrotlet, or whatever other small bird, it is not going to make a difference. In other words, wondering if you should have gotten a Green Cheek instead, if you happened to get a certain individual it might have been even more defensive, or it could have been easier... but if it was easier wouldn't be because of the species, as each bird within a species has it's own distinct personality too.

As far as being 3 months old or as you say 8 months old, that doesn't matter. 8 months is still a "baby". ALL parrots (not just parrotlets that you've read about ) go through puberty and the development of hormones, which can result in a change in behavior. Setting boundaries and training while the bird is still young will benefit you during this time. Also, when you get there in a couple or few years, we'll be here to guide you then as well. For the next little while, take it easy and let the bird get comfortable and he will start coming around with gentle encouragement in his own time. Please keep us posted!

 

[lorishopaholic]

Thank your post makes me feel like there is hope. My son doesn't want to interact with the bird for fear of getting bit. I will keep working with the bird and my son in hopes they will both come around. I really tried to do a lot of research and pick the best fit for us. I only wanted one bird but I wonder if a Budgie would be a better bird for him.

 

[RavensGryf]

Thank your post makes me feel like there is hope. My son doesn't want to interact with the bird for fear of getting bit. I will keep working with the bird and my son in hopes they will both come around. I really tried to do a lot of research and pick the best fit for us. I only wanted one bird but I wonder if a Budgie would be a better bird for him.

How about this?... Establish this bird into your home and routine first. Get a better feel for his individual personality, and after assessing how much time it takes to feed, clean, give attention etc. Then, if you feel you have the time, consider getting a responsibly raised hand fed budgie for your son. Of course your son at just 7 years old should still have supervision around any bird including a budgie. Also keep in mind that just because the initial cost of a budgie is less, the vet care costs the same for all birds regardless of size. If you feel you can only responsibly have one bird, then you'd have to be the one to handle the conure until your son is old enough to try again to start gaining the bird's trust with your support and supervision. Good luck .