Sun Conure Body Language

[Jezzalanko]

Hi,
I am on holiday here in my wifes home country of the Philippines and her uncle got a Sun Conure without knowing anything about caring for this type of parrot. I got concerned as Philippines do not cater to bird ownership so no shops selling proper cages or bird supplies.
The bird as of today has been showing this strange position every time I got near the cage ( which I got from a pet store, quite small carry cage) and starts heavy breathing. I have attached a photo if anyone can tell me what the bird is doing, is it scared or a warning not to come near?
I also attached what the bird was living in before I found the current cage it is in.

 

[HowdyDoDee]

Hello Jezza,
I’m no expert but it looks like birdie needs a place to feel safe, something to hide behind. You can always make some kind of play mat (like a bird cage wall hanging)/ fiesta style ‘toy’ out of rolled paper, dried grasses, untreated *bird-safe* pithy (for gnawing/shredding) or hard wood, etc. and hang it in that corner providing a safe corner where s/he is not exposed to everything going on around the cage. Could even try putting a little cosmetic mirror up in that same corner, adding to bird’s sense of security.

Birdie is trusting you enough to ‘turn his back’ to you, he knows you are not a threat. At least that is how it seems to me. Again, I’m not an expert, just a hobbyist. Birds- both wild and domesticated- with great sensitivity study everything and everyone around them, and assess safety at all times.

Hope birdie adjusts to his or her new home and can live a stress-less life soon!

Best,
Laura