Sun Conure and Green Cheek Conure

[crystalchasesyou]

I was recently given two conures because their owner has too many birds. Both are adults, I'm not sure how old. The sun conure has taken nicely to me, the green cheek however doesn't really like me, bites me every chance it gets, and bites my sun conure when I try to take the sun out.

Also they live at my boyfriend's house, there are many birds there. Senegal, African Grey, 2 tiels, 2 doves, a finch and 4 conures including my own.

I know its mating season, the green cheek conure regurgitated on my boyfriend. I guess what I'm asking is when is mating season over, and do you think this will solve the green cheek conures problem?

 

[Parrot Parent]

Well it could be possible its mating season for you lil guys, but maybe the problem stems from the little GCC not trusting you. I've heard that in the wild birds will bite the bird next to them when they think there is danger. This makes the other bird fly away. Are they caged together? You could try caging them apart if they are. My advice would be to maybe start some clicker training with your GCC, or maybe work on the step up command with two perches in your hands. He wont be able to bite you and he'll learn yummy treats come from you. Then he'll like you! Hope this helps~

 

[Mike]

Don't wait for the breeding season to end. Start your training now. Make sure the birds are in separate cages. Make sure their wings are clipped. Take them separately outside the cage room when you want to interact with them.

Take a look at this video to get some ideas on how to deal with the biting bird:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbXHrqqEIp4]YouTube - Parrot Bites Person - How To Train Your Parrot to Step Up Without Biting[/ame]

 

[crystalchasesyou]

Unfortunately, I cannot separate them at this time. I will try the step up training, I have a clicker already that I bought for my puppy, but we never used.

I was also told that sunflower seeds can make the conures more hyper, is this true?

My sun doesn't like his back touched, apparently he's always been that way since he was a baby. He tolerates me touching it, I want to teach him to roll over and to let me hold him in my hand upside down. Will it be possible to train him to enjoy being touched on the back?

 

[Parrot Parent]

It will be possible but it will be hard. you have to build a trust first with the bird. Sun flower seeds should be used as treats because they are very fatty.