new here

[Tikibird]

Hi all I am a new bird owner and because I seem to be oblivious to his signs someone told me to join a forum online. He(i think) is supposed to be a blue-throated conure named Tiki....and I hoping someone here might be able to give me tips and pointers on trainning him to like everyone not just myself....I have three children that he will not go to and a husban he seems to hiss at most of the time....I stay home with him so working with him wont be on a time limit...hope someone can help me

[greyburd]

Hello Tikibird,

Welcome to the group. First (so we can help a little better), how old is Tiki? How long have you had him? Some suggestions on getting him more socialized..... Do you let him out of his cage? ie. have a play stand for him to play on. If so, have someone other than you be the one who takes him from his cage to the play stand. But first, make sure he has learned the "step-up" command and don't let him get away with not stepping up when asked. Figure out what his favorite treat is, then have some other "less favorite" person be the only person that gives him that treat. Also, make sure the children aren't teasing him in any way. They're not going to gain his trust if they are.

If all else fails, get yourself a copy of "A Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot" by Mattie Sue Athan. It's a great book with lots of useful information. I hope this helps some. Good luck.

[TooLover]

Hi Tikibird - welcome to the board!

[Tikibird]

Thanks for welcoming us....Tiki is about 6-8 mos old we've had him about 3 weeks. He knows The step-up command and yes I got him a play stand....He is on his play stand or on me most of the day. I also have a cage for the living room and one for the bedroom. He is only in his cage if he bites non-stop or if its bedtime and of course if were not here. As for treats Im not sure yet what he prefers. he says "Hello" "I love you" and something I dont understand...I treat him and praise him when he talks but he refuses to say anything twice it seems. I hope this helps you get to know us a little better thank you again Carri + Tiki

[Chariclo]

Welcome to the board! It sounds like you are doing all the right things so far! It is still very soon for him to be feeling totally comfortable with everyone in the household. I would just let him learn to trust you alone right now - since you are able to spend most of the time with him.

Slowly integrate each family member to him. I have 3 kids too - and in the beginning I didn't let my kids around the birds until they(kids) learned how to behave around them. And then I would sit with only one of them at a time with the birds - while I played - and eventually they were able to handle them too. Now at dinnertime we can play "Pass the bird" with my macaw- although she always ends up in my plate! :icon_smil

How old are your kids? I know with mine - the birds were a novelty in the beginning - but now only one of the three really cares about spending much time with them.

Take it slow - and don't expect too much too soon. Glad you are here!

[Tikibird]

HI My kids are Greydin who is 4 and a terror, Karleigh is 6 and Adrianna is 7.... I think keeping them away from him is a good idea also, think I will try that. Thanks so much Carol + Tiki