Crazy Kirby...

[Emerald]

Hi there,

I think that it is safe to say that my 14 week old (3 1/2 months) baby Sun Conure, Kirby, is the most hyper bird on the planet. Between summersaults and hide-and-seek games, Kirby is constantly on the go. He is a total blast to own because he is so active, but due to his already "hyper" nature, he has picked up some screaming habits.
He screams most in the evening right when everyone gets home from work, and mainly when he sees me walking around the house. A little screaming isn't bad, but he just won't stop! I have been just ignoring the behavior and not paying any attention to him when he does it, but this seems to just be making him even more agitated. Any tips?
Also, he is still on one hand-feeding at night and is still consistently wanting formula every night. All of his siblings weaned about 1 month ago, and he still is chugging formula down like a trooper. He doesn't take much formula, but the formula he does take is like a total treat to him. He acts like it is the highlight of his day! On one hand I would love it if I could start backing off a bit on the formula, but on the other, I most definetely don't want to be force weaning him. Should I just continue to hand-feed him as much as he wants, or is there something else I can do to help him during weaning? One thing I have done is place my cocketiel's cage next to his so he can watch the cocketiel eat. He eats Harrison's Pellets, Zupreem Weaning Treats, and all kinds of yummy goodies all day long, but still is hanging on to that one feeding at night. Advice is most certainly welcome! Thanks a million!

-Sarah

[Monica]

As far as the screaming, check this link out... It's more for adult birds however, but I'm sure you will get some ideas! But of course, Sun conures are known to be screamers!
http://www.birdboard.com/forum/thread9659.html

As far as weaning, it's good if he will accept formula anytime as this will make it easier if you ever need to give him meds or extra calcium. How is he getting his formula? Syringe or by spoon? If he is getting it via syringe you'll want to wean him into eating off a spoon, and slowly add some cooked sweet potatoes, boiled/steamed carrots, or another type of 'baby food', smash that all up, and give with his formula. Over a short while, try giving it to him in a dish rather than on a spoon. I've heard of plenty of birds however that enjoy having their night time food, which usually has the consistency of baby food!

[Emerald]

Thanks for the input! He is eating out of a spoon and also a dish. Once I started spoon feeding him, he didn't even give the syringe the time of day after that! I'm glad to hear that his willingness to eat is still a good thing at his age. Also, thank you for the web-site link; I'm going to check it out ASAP. Again, thank you, thank you, thank you!

[TooLover]

I own no sun conures, however, mine all scream when I get at home at night as well. I place those who behave on my shoulder on my shoulder; they love just being near to me.