New Conure Owner

[Desi]

We are new owners of a blue crown conure, Chico. We bought him for our daugher who in the past had a budgie and a cockatiel. He was very sick when we got him but with staying in the hospital for 2 days then we have nursed him back to health. Once in awhile he will try to bite. whats the best way to teach him to stop- the time out in his cage doesn't work all the time. Also the vet has recommended a light, any advise on what type? Any help would be appreciated.

[tdoll]

I am so glad to hear the little blue crown is well now,I have a blue crown he is a pretty good boy,but what i can tell you is that out of all the conure's the blue crown tend's to be the loudest and they are very cage aggressive they do not like your hand's in thier cage I have had mine for 3 yrs now and even after all that time he still wont let me take him out of his cage,I have to open the door and let him come out on his own,once he is out he will climb up my arm.But blue crown's can be very nippy and that dosen't change much,I would have to say that they are not the best bird's for kid's to handle,My kid's cant get near my guy nor can my husband,only i can handle him they tend to be a one person bird.And this guy was never abused in anyway i got him at a young age and no matter what i do it has to be on his term's.They also tend to be a picky eater,mine will only eat a few different thing's.As far as a light goes i dont use any light on mine he is in my room uncoverd and out almost all day then at night i cover him and he know's this to be his routine.well i hope this has been some help to you if you have anymore question's feel free to ask.

[Desi]

thank you so much Yes, he is a bit nippy when we go in the cage, and he really likes things his way. We have no small kids my daughter is 20 -this will be her new sibling as her sister is getting married next month. I thought his picky eating habits were from him being sick. I have offered every fruit and veg I can think of he only likes the little beans inside a green bean and so far no fruit. But I'll keep on offering

[dyeman]

Welcome to the Birdboard, you will find lots of excellent information and bird lovers here.

First of all, if your bird was sick when you got him, he has had a very stressful early life and I would take things slow. Offer him some warm comfort type foods such as oatmeal, beak appetite, etc. these seem to have a calming affect.

Conures generally love fruits, so I would continue to offer a variety and eventually you will figure out what he likes. Try eating some in front of him and making a fuss over how good it is before offering it to him, this usually will at least get him to try it.

Work with him daily away from his cage on up and down commands, on a T-stand if possible. There are a number of good books on this type of training, I would get one specific to Conures to start with.

I disagree with the idea that any specific species is just nippy. But on the other hand getting nipped occasionally is just part of living with birds.

Pay attention to the circumstances surrounding a nip, and try to figure out why it occured, if we react strongly this becomes a game and great entertainment for him. Is he really biting or just preening. I find that Conures love to preen their flock mates and this can be mistaken for biting.

The Beak Book by Sally Blanchard is a good reference for why birds nip or bite and how to modify this behavior, although some here find her methods a bit outdated, it might be a good start for you.

Good luck, Blue Crowns are one of my favorite Conures, I think if you are patient you will be rewarded with a great companion.

[Desi]

thank you for your help. how do I serve him oatmeal? he has gotten pretty good at the up and down command, I'm looking for a good pet store around here. he really only wants to nip around his cage once he is out and about he seems fine.
I appreciate the help

[dyeman]

I eat Oatmeal in the mornings quite a bit and when I do I just make about double what I normally eat and divide the extra among my guys in one of their food bowls, I don't add sugar, but sometimes fruits and I make it a bit thick since they seem to like it better that way. You can add cinnamon if he likes it better that way.

Sounds like he has become a bit territorial about his cage. You might try rewarding him with a favorite treat when he steps up out of the cage without incident. Also make a fuss and praise him when he does so.

Originally Posted by Desi

thank you for your help. how do I serve him oatmeal? he has gotten pretty good at the up and down command, I'm looking for a good pet store around here. he really only wants to nip around his cage once he is out and about he seems fine.
I appreciate the help

[dyeman]

Also there are several members here from Mass., maybe one of them will read this and recommend a good bird or pet store in your area?

Originally Posted by Desi

thank you for your help. how do I serve him oatmeal? he has gotten pretty good at the up and down command, I'm looking for a good pet store around here. he really only wants to nip around his cage once he is out and about he seems fine.
I appreciate the help

[The Outlaw]

Your vet is referring to full spectrum lighting. Ott lites are special bulbs that give off the same kind of natural light rays as the sun. They are mounted over head from the ceiling or on the cages. Some even hang as panels from the wall. Do a web search and see what you come up with. I use them in the fall and winter.

[paultheparrotlover]

Originally Posted by Desi

thank you for your help. how do I serve him oatmeal? he has gotten pretty good at the up and down command, I'm looking for a good pet store around here. he really only wants to nip around his cage once he is out and about he seems fine.
I appreciate the help

Where in MASS are you? I am in Western MA and reccomend The Crystal Parrot in Southampton. It's a great birds only store.

[Desi]

Originally Posted by paultheparrotlover

Where in MASS are you? I am in Western MA and reccomend The Crystal Parrot in Southampton. It's a great birds only store.

I'm in Worcester. there's not much around here. I was looking for safe toys ect. I have been buying his food at the vets, but wanted some fun stuff for him including a couple free standing perches. A good friend designed and built the perches but as far as treats and toys there is not much to choose from, I dont' really like pet co or pet smart. Any good web sites?