Sun Conure Play Fighting?

[travisraghib]

Hello all,

We recently got a baby sun conure (4 months old) He's (assuming he is a he) used to his new home and loves to play from what I can tell he's happy and healthy ... but over the passed two nights he puts on a very aggressive show while we are playing with him in bed (he loves burrowing into the blankets) He stands up tall opens his beak sways from side to side and finally uses his tail to lunge forward at us. Typically I would assume we did something wrong and he's upset but if we let him lunge at our fingers he just nibbles and rolls onto his back for us to rub his belly. Is this actual aggression or play fighting? The nibbling is very gentle I would even say it's featherlight

Any thoughts?

 

[Crazy4Birds]

Nicky used to nibble on my fingers when he was a baby but he never lounged at me before doing it.

He stands up tall opens his beak sways from side to side and finally uses his tail to lunge forward at us.

That fits the description of aggressive behavior but what you say afterwords sounds a lot like play. I used to think it was really cute when Nicky would nibble my fingers and roll on his back while gently nibbling them. I thought it was really cute and encouraged it but over time he began pressing harder until it hurt. I just believe that they get testy so as soon as your sunny starts nibbling too hard don't encourage this behavior anymore and maybe he will learn that he can only play that way if he does gentle nibbles.

 

[Von1983]

I agree with Erin and if I can also just add, if the nippiness starts when it's nearly time for bed, this is because your boy is getting overtired - just like a human toddler!

Best thing to do is put him to bed about 15mins before the usual time and you'll probably notice you avoid this ritual.

Cal used to and still would, get a bit nippy if she was tired. Coupled with the trademark sunny nosiness and "hey, no, I don't want to miss out!!!!" mentality, she used to play up when bedtime came lol.

 

[jonsbabykake]

when i first got my sun she would do this when she was tired also. the first day or 2 she would do it any time u came up to her, but then for a couple days was only used when she was tired. now when shes tried she i go to shut her door and she acts like she wants to come out lol. ive added a pic of the behavior mine did that u are describing

 

[travisraghib]

Yes! All of your comments helped a great deal - He does it when he's tired! I don't think he's sleeping very well so we're going to start the transition to a sleeping cage in a walk-in closet where he wont be disturbed by noisy roommates. Any suggestion on how to make transition?

 

[Von1983]

Get him used to the smaller cage by letting him explore it during out of cage time. When he's happy, put him inside and make big happy excited noises. Finally, start putting him in a bit before bedtime and let him sleep in it.

He will TELL you what you're doing right and wrong lol, clearly he is like my girl - not backwards in coming forwards

If there is total darkness then you will not hear a peep anyway, but it is important that he doesn't feel abandoned.

8-12hrs sleep is important for any birdy to be performing at optimum level and happiness. My girl actually likes 13hrs!!!