Help With Skittish New Sun Conure

[KatyKat314]

It seems like I have been posting like crazy all throughout the boards lately!

I finally have my new buddy home- it's been about 2 and a quarter days and he is very skittish around my hands. If I reach into the cage (I was giving him some fresh corn) or stand near it he seems wary. No biting- just fear. He will flit all around the cage to avoid being touched. But he plays with his toys vigorously and is eating and seems generally all around to be enjoying himself.

Just before I covered his cage for beddy bye tonight, I approached his cage, walking softly and talking to him, he seemed maybe slightly less afraid (he might be tired) and actually, when I closed the cage, he came around to the front and clung to the inside of the door and gave me a once over. I reached my finger through and touched his beak so that must be a good sign!

I have basically given him 48 hours of peace and I have all day tomorrow to sit and talk to him.

Now, for what I am asking- do I ever attempt to take him out? I know it goes at the birds pace so do I just wait until he eventually leaves the cage to come to me? I have had him on my shoulder and he seems fine there but will fly back to the cage. It is my hands that he is nervous around.

Should I get some treats so he associates my hands with good things? I want to handle him, but I want to gain his trust even more.

I would love some advice. Thanks!

[michelleans]

He's just not used to you yet - with time he will calm down and let you touch him. It is good he came to the side of the cage to you - he is interested in you

About taking him out.. It's good he's sitting on your shoulder I would say never force him to come out - let him come out on his own terms.

Giving him treats from your hands is exactly the right thing to do. It will build up his confidence and trust and yes he will associate them with good things. I know its tempting to try to handle him - I felt like that too with my budgie But it's better to hold off until he trusts you more - time and patience are they key. He will trust you better if you wait and go at his pace.

You sound like you are doing very well with him congradulations and good luck.

If you have any more questions or photos and stories too please post them up! We all love them

[Machelle]

Sounds like you are doing great!!! You can also give him treats through the bars if he's in his cage. Go over to him and talk to him. You can even open the door to his cage and leave it open so he can come out when he wants. Take it slow. But it sounds like you are doing great so far!!! If he's coming to the cage and checking you out, it will be no time before you have his trust enough to step ontil your hand. Keep up the great work!!!

[birdscomefirst]

Hi,
It sounds like you are doing very well. Keep in mind that a conure can live for 25 years or more. I say that to put the 2 1/2 days that he has been home in perspective. You guys will have a lot of time to get used to each other. As you "feel each other out" you will discover wonderful little ways to work with him in his training. The fact that he is happy enough to sit on your shoulder is fantastic! Once he settles in, there will be time to learn step- ups and such.
You are doing beautifully!!

Bill

[KatyKat314]

Last night Barney gave me nibbles through the cage again. It really seems as though he wants to trust me but prior bad experiences or just young age are preventing it.

He takes food from my hand easily enough and I can actually rest my hand by him when he is eating.

I let him set his own pace and today I have the entire day to just be around him. I was wondering though- how long do I wait before I attempt to start step up training? He will fly out on my bed but if I move my hand the slightests bit, he doesn't like it and flies away. Which also makes me wonder if his wings are too long..

But anyway, he flies to me and just has a hay day with all my jewelry , which is off now. So, any suggestions how many more days I should wait until attempting some step up lessons?