New Black Capped Conure Mom, Happy as can be!

[Puck]

Hi there,

I bought Puck, my 4-month old Black-Capped Pyrhura conure two weeks ago, and am absolutely in love. After tons of research and haunting local bird expos, Puck "picked me" at an expo in Tucson and I went back to get him a week later. He is SUCH a doll. Any general advice on toys (especially cheap, rotatable ideas that I can keep him busy with), care, training, I'd greatly appreciate.

Puck is naturally skilled with the step-up command - I rarely even have to issue a command to get a response. Should I teach it anyway?? I read a lot about the horrors of "shoulder-birds" and am being careful with that - he is generally fine with letting me choose where he is unless he's frightened, and then he just wants to be somewhere high, or in my shirt. Right now he's definately a big big baby - he's still afraid of or disinterested in half the toys in his cage, especially a little stuffed alligator that he won't come within a foot of - and he has to take frequent naps (often so adorably in the curve of my neck or in my cleavage). Right now his favorite thing in the world is chewing on my red hair (i'm going to have bangs soon) and when my boyfriend comes around, his earring. He's been in the car three times and even went on a short trip to the grocery store - where he made the loudest and most noise I've heard him make in what I interpreted as having a BALL! He didn't seem afraid at all, but rather totally interested in the dozens of people and all the sounds and sights.

A couple things I'm wondering about: does anyone know anything about desert plants and birds? I live in Arizona and I'd love to make his cage a little more natural (everything is technicolor and a little intimidating in there right now) and destructable for the little chewer in him. Also, I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with TOO MUCH play time - sometimes, if I'm going to be home for a block of time, he can just come with me wherever I go - and a couple days I've had him out and with me (always with access to food and water, of course) for 4 or 5 hours. After this much "play time" sometimes he gets a bit cranky and I'll put him back in his cage and leave him alone, offering a step up every once and awhile if I come back in the room just in case. Does this seem rational?

Well, enough babbling on about my new boy. I just love him. Anything anyone can tell me would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Melissa

[Chariclo]

Wow - There are so many Melissas around here! What a beautiful world! Welcome, welcome, welcome! Can't wait to hear about you and your fid.

Love your little guys name, "Puck" good choice!- post a pic soon so we can see his cuteness!

I'm no expert -- but I would think that if he's showing a little crankiness, he's probably just plain old tired out from all the stimulation. My macaw Maia will certainly let me know when she needs a little personal time. Everything is new to your little guy right now, give it time and you will learn to read his body language, and what he wants. I think it's great that you can spend so much time with him! He's a lucky little bird! :)

[pheonixfire]

Hello! I'm happy to hear your getting along well with your new bird! They're just darling aren't they?!
Addressing the "cranky" issue, I would say your bird is getting too much play time at once. If you take him out in 1 hour periods 4 times a day, he will learn that going back into the cage is okay, because he'll be able to come back out later, and he won't get tired as easily.
Birds are natural performers! They love to catch your eye anyway possible. If your bird shows motivation to learn tricks, by all means teach him tricks! It will give him a chance to excersize and use his brain (if anyone ever calls you a bird brain take it as a complement--they are extremely intellegent!).
Addressing your question about making the cage more like home, I would contact your avian, and ask what types of plants are okay for the bird to nibble on, and to be in the cage. I live in Minnesota, so I don't know much about Arizona plants, srry.
Have fun with your new friend! :D