An Introduction and possibly a problem...

[Typhanie]

Well, I'm searching for a good forum for information on my new green-cheeked conure.

Unfortunately, I've never really been a bird person. I'm a reptile person first and foremost. My mother always loved birds, but they always sort of annoyed me. So it really surprised me when I grew attached to this beautiful little green cheeked conure that belonged to a couple of friends of my family.

We'd bird-sit for them when they went on vacation, and I really grew to love that bird. He was always sweet and hand tamed. Never talked or made much noise, actually, but if you cupped your hand next to his head, he'd scoot over and place his head into your hand. And if you were still holding him on your shoulder as it started getting late, he'd hide under your hair and curl up against your neck. Sweet little thing.

Recently, unfortunately, his owner died of stroke. His wife asked us if we'd keep the bird permanently because she's a little afraid of it. So we said we definitely would. And we really love him. But it's been a couple of months since we took him full-time, and he seems stressed. Even though at times he's still the sweet little bird we used to know, more and more often now he's taking to biting really hard, or jumping at little sounds.

So I'm wondering if he's stressed because he misses his old owner. I've been doing quite a bit of research, I've bought a couple of books and checked online, but any recommendations of better books or good conure care websites would be much appreciated. The books indicate that the birds bond with people (not something I'm used to with reptiles), so I'm wondering if that's the problem, and if he'll eventually work through not being able to see his old owner any more.

Now normally with a new reptile, I'd pack it away into a nice quiet corner of the house and not bother it for a couple of weeks until it's used to the change, but birds are much more social, and I'm thinking that would stress him out more. But I'm not sure. His old owners were an older couple. My family isn't crazily loud by any stretch, but there are three of us, and one is my sixteen-year-old brother and often his friends come over. We're bound to be louder.

So anyway, I guess I'm saying hello, and hoping that if you have any helpful tips for someone new to bird care, you'll jump in with them. :) Even though I'm reading a lot about his care from books and such, I know how valuable a good forum can be for care advice. Some things you don't always get, even with a really good book. ;)

[catschair]

I think your instincts are right on -- I am sure your little friend is missing his owner and is slowly getting acclimated to his new life. Sometimes it takes quite a while. Give him his space and interact with him gently (on his terms) and I am sure he will settle in. Thanks for giving him a good home!

[jenseits]

Welcome, and it does sound like you're doing the right things. It will take time to get used to the new home, but he will adjust. Have you checked out books like The Parrot Problem Solver? Besides getting him to the avian vet asap for a well-birdie check up, the other priority should just be getting to know him (his body language, how he communicates, etc) and allowing him to see that you're his friend (giving him treats, not startling him, clicker training, etc).

If you do think that all the people/noise are bothering him, is there someplace else you can put him where he would get plenty of interaction but not be in contact with visitors?

And, yes, birds definitely bond with people! Now is a good time to get him socialized to everyone in your family, not just one person. Otherwise there's a chance you'll get a one-person velcro bird who is aggressive with everyone but "his chosen one." =)

Welcome to BB and keep us up to date on your progress.

Edited to add: How old is he? Is it possible that the nippy/moody thing is hormonal?

[kellywess]

All of the above is great advice and I too think you are doing a wonderful job with your new little friend. Yes, I think he is missing his previous owner and that time to mourn and to settle in to his new digs is gonna take some time and some patience on your part. Sit next to his cage and talk to him softly, maybe change his "cage decor" a little bit by getting him a couple of new toys (no mirrors) and find out what he likes as far as fresh foods and treats go. (Call the previous owner and asks lots of questions) Take things at his pace and never make him do anything that he does not want to do as he will equate your behavior as agressive and return the favor. Just love him and be patient... sounds like you are already on the right track. Dont be afraid to ask questions and you can never read too much. Congrats on your new friend! And dont look at this situation as a "problem" but a "challenge" in which I think you will strongly be rewarded.

[my-africangrey-echo]

I agree with all the prior post!! Good advise as usual.. Just wanted to say welcome to the forum and thanks for giving this little guy a loving home.. Chris