help with my conure needed.. please

[tina in ohio]

as you all know i rescued a peach front conure, i am trying to get her to step up on a wooden perch for me and all she does is bite it.. is she scared of the wood or ?? how can i get her to step up for me ??? i would like to be able for her to get on my finger but.. but all she does is bite the perch when i get it close to her.. what can i do ??? tina in ohio

[kellywess]

How long have you had her home? You may want to give her a few days to adjust.

[cynthus]

Tina, Let her settle down first. She's in a strange new place and she's scared. Then give her a small treat each time you pass her cage, so that she see's you as the "Candyman." Once she understands you're her friend you can start using positive reinforcement to get her to step up and do just about anything. Barbara Heidenreich has a video/DVD out on how to do this. It's called, "Parrot Behavior & Training: Part 1, Introduction to Training." You can order it at this link:

Good Bird Inc. Companion Parrot Training Through Positive Reinforcement

It is well worth the time and effort to get this DVD and train your bird using those concepts.

Good luck, Cindi.

[Valo's Moirana]

agree with cindi's post.... she's still new in your house, and i personally like b. heidenreich's approach a lot

[Anneka]

Looks like she is scared of the wooden perch and probably not ready to step up yet. As others suggested, give her time. I would stop using the stick. Also, give her choices. If she is not ready to step up, that is OK for now.
Maybe a tiny bit of a millet spray, dried papaya, or something you know she likes to eat, offered from your hand would work better.

[Gusamom]

I think time will help. I have notice with my Conure she always takes her time.

[carankidwell]

I live with a peach front that is 7 years old now....Phoenix was 2 when i rescued her from an abusive/ neglectful home. She is a little skittish around hands because she was poked when she was young but i suggest removing the stick. that stick may be freaking her out. as someone suggested, being a "candyman" and offering frequent treats is a great idea. Phoenix especially likes cooked noodles, orange or cranberry juice, occasional popcorn, or even a sunflower seeds....anything to get her used to your hand. It took a little time, but not too long, a week or 2, to get Phoenix comfortable with stepping onto my hand. I would give her a treat, and leave my dormant hand next to her while she ate the treat, then after a day or 2, instead of just treats i added the request to step and after a few days she did. i showed her that i was unafraid of her and comfortable and firm but loving with the command and she understood me, that i was not trying to hurt her, and she started to trust me. Phoenix is smart and she learned quickly when she understood the consistency in our routine. She says hello when the phone rings, loves bells, and says i love you, which is so cute. I wish you as much fun and good fortune with your new peach front rescue and i've been lucky to have with Phoenix :)

[Doyle'sMommy]

I agree with Cindi as well. Lots of treats and patience should help her. It's a long road, but it does get easier.