Adopted an Older Blue Crown Conure -Questions

[aebowman]

Hi,

I was lucky enough to receive a 23 yr old Blue Crown Conure. He is wonderful. His previous owner passed away about 8 months ago and the owner's wife is ill so she had to give him up so he has some trust issues. He has not had a lot of interaction in the past year. He does talk and is really beautiful. He seems healthy but I worry about his feet as he only had wooden dowels in his cage when I got him. First thing I did was transfer him to a larger cage with a variety of perches. He wouldn't use the new perches so I put one of the dowels (washed it thoroughly) into the cage and he jumped on it right away. He loves apple slices and when I open the cage I can hand feed these and other foods to him. I was told he bites so I thought the new cage would eliminate any terroritorial issues he had. I was also told his previous owners did not give him the proper attention so he was alone in his cage alot.

He does something that I take to be "dancing" but I thought I'd ask here to find out if it is something else. He throws his head back and walks backward on his perch and then repeats it a few times. It is as if he is doing a dance or something.. does anyone know what this behavior might be?

If you have any other advice, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Thank you,
Alex

[kellywess]

I want to see video of this "dancing." (could be agression...LOL) I have never heard of such a thing. He sounds adorable. Kudos to you for taking him in. 23 years old... thats amazing. Congrats to both of you. I cant wait to see pics. Advice: Just be patient, I am sure he will give in eventually. Sounds like hes already warming up to you! Blue Crowns are amazing little birds. They have delightful personalities and are quite clownish and attention seeking little critters. My first bird, was a Blue Crown... I could never imagine my home without one.

[aebowman]

Kelly - Thanks for your reply and for your kind words. I will film him and post the video. Not sure if I can do that here so if not I'll post to youtube and post the link. It is something to see. I'll also take some pics to post here. I've read different life spans for Blue Crowns, one said to 25 yrs, others have said 30 to 40 years. I'm hoping to reach 40 and beyond with him.

Thanks again,
Alex

[kellywess]

I can hardly wait. I have heard 30-35 years.

[Bellco]

I heard 25 too at some point but my vet told me 30 plus years at least. They are exceptional birds.