Adopting Conure- Need all the advice you can give!

[Rosiedoll]

Hello everyone..

My Husband and I are adopting a white eyed Conure Parrot tomorrow. We have three parakeets, but have not had a larger bird like this before. I spoke to the soon be previous owners for thirty minutes over the phone and got as much information as I could. They are rehoming her because she has become very needy towards her husband and they don't have time to work with her. Here's all that I currently know about her:

-She's no more than 4 years old.
-She's in good health.
-Never had any issues with plucking.
-Says hello when the phone rings and sings old McDonald
-Knows that "ow" means stop when she's getting a little rough when playing.
-Love french fries, watermelon, cherries, corn, cheerios, and fruit loops.
-She enjoys showers and going for rides in the car.

The previous owner said that they didn't set boundaries for her when they first got her (they've had her a year) so she believes she is boss and gets nippy when they have her out of her cage for prolonged periods of time and try to put her back.

Any advice, suggestions, websites on proper foods, etc. are all wanted and appreciated. We are very exicted about adding this new addition to our home.. we just didn't think it would happen this quickly, so we need to do some major research before tomorrow morning! Thank you!

[Sashagirl]

My first Conure I took in was a White Eyed Conure but that was many years ago.They're not as loud as some of the Conures.I'm now owned by a Cherry Head and a Jenday Conure and many other parrots.Most of the parrots that own me were rescued,rehomed and some purchased.I wouldn't give her the french fries or the fruit loop due to the salt,grease content in the fries and the sugar in the fruit loops.I would try and give her more healthy treats it's better for her and will extent her life.I was told by a few rehomes I took in about how they loved french fries and they were such a mess and I'm still trying to fix the damage that was done 3 months later.My avian vet was shocked about their condition.I can't direct you to a site for diet.The only one I live at is Eclectus Parrots because of the 7 Eclectus I am owned by.I know she's not an Eclectus but some of the foods and recipes can be used for all parrots.I'm sure someone else can help you with that.I wish you well with your future adoption.

Marcia

[Rosiedoll]

Thank you so much for the reply and information!I am excited to meet her!

[hollyhawkz]

First... Congratulations!
I am so strick about our conures diet, I don't want to even go in to detail... no sugar, no salt and only organic fruits and vegetable because of the insecticides.
Love - you already got, patience - sounds like your there, understanding - well your already doing reasearch, the rest.... it unfolds as you go along. Sounds like you will be wonderful Parents to this little conure that needs a forever home.
As far as nippyness.... they all are. We just take it in stride because we know Wawa loves us no matter how bossy he gets. There is so much more joy that far overweights the nippy part we could care less. Others on Bird Board however, have excellent techniques if you find it bothers you.
She may take a while to trust as this is her third home and she is being rejected because she is bonding "needy" as they put it. sooo sad....
I'm so glad she is comming to you guys who are taking the time to understand.
Best of times ahead to you all!

[nailsrglue]

I advise you to set boudries when it first comes home, although this will take time and patience. Just stick to your own boundaries and the conure will eventually adopt them too. Make sure not to let the bird out all the time, because that is a huge cause of overly needy birds. I prefer to let my bird out about 1/2 hr in the morning and 1-2 hrs at night. This gives plenty of play time, yet makes the bird understand that it can only come out at certain times and has to learn to be by itself all other times.

Best of luck to you, and please post pics and more questions when you get it!