7 year old Green Cheek too old to learn?

I've been offered a 6 year old Green Cheek and I'm considering it. But, he does bite and is missing some feathers.

The first visit, he wouldn't let the store owner take him out with her hands without trying to bite her. She had to cover her arm with a towel and he stepped out. She placed him on my son's shoulder and he stayed nicely and even cuddled in. When it was time to come off, my wife pulled her sleeve up and he stepped up and went back in.

The second time, my wife went alone. She said he stepped up on her finger and only did small pecks. A different girl at the store said that he was a very nice bird, until the last owner. They had him for about a year and when he came back he was biting and had lost a lot of feathers. She said that his feathers are starting to grow back. Apparently, he was having a good day.

He appears to be scared of bare hands. It seams that he isn't as bad as they say. I read that they need attention and maybe he didn't get it or he was abused in some way. I'm wondering if he'd get better with attention and a kind environment. So, can a 6 year old Green Cheek Conure learn new behavior or is it too late?

So, can a 7 year old Green Cheek Conure learn new behavior or is it too late?

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Absolutely! Don't lose hope on the bird because of his age, he certainly can learn something new. More than likely, it will require more time and patience than a younger bird, but he will still learn. Just be consistent with your training, make sure there are no distractions in the room, and he will do well.

I wish you all the best!

Parrotqueen, is quite correct, any bird can start learning, no matter what their age.
Be patient and understanding. Birds thrive on love, attention and human interaction.
Take things slowly, and sure enough you will see a wonderful change.
Good luck

Thanks. I will be deciding on Saturday.

falconut said:

Thanks. I will be deciding on Saturday.

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Tough decision, go with your gut feeling, wishing you the best.....

We decided to pick him up. Here is a photo of him:

He seams to let me pet him, but doesn't really allow my wife to. He will bite like crazy when you put him back in his cage when he doesn't want to go back. I'm pretty sure he will adjust in time.

What a little beauty, he is so handsome LoL
Give him time to settle in, so many changes for him.
Let him come to you on his own terms.
Good luck and enjoy him.
Keep us updated

I have discovered that Maxx (Green Cheek), is scared of pencils or wood sticks that are held. If I try to get him to step up on one, he runs away. He won't even go near the cage door if I am holding a pencil or wood perch near it. He usually rushes the door when I go to open it and climbs to the top. I was hoping I could use a wooden perch to transfer him back to his cage, so he wouldn't bite my fingers, but that didn't work. So, I just have had to let him bite when I transfer him back to his cage.

He definitely won't let my wife pet him. He will perch on her finger, but can't pet him. He will let me and my son pet him. Is there something I can do about this?

How strange, my birdies love to chew on pencils. I have to watch them around my desk, they might steal one!

I think you might be beginning training a tad too early, so you should wait awhile for him to adjust. Each bird is different, it could take them as short as a day or as long as a week. Like us, birds have their own pace.

In order to form a bond with your wife, she must have plenty of one-on-one time with him. She should sit by the cage, read a book, chat with him, and just hang out. She should take him out often, and offer him treats like spray millet for example. This should be done every day, and eventually he'll bond with her. Then she'll earn his trust, and some day she'll be able to touch him. A good thread to check out for more in-depth detail: http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/3100-bond-forming.html

It took my little Sunshine a long time to accept snuggles, approximately a month. I hope this was helpful to you, and I wish you all the best with training.

Not easy being a guardian, handling a new born, or an older bird.
Everything is strange, and unfamiliar to Max, he just needs time.
There is one of him....... three of you, if my maths is correct, let each one spend quality time with him, alone.
Found a very informative link, great advise and tips for green cheek's
The Green Cheek Conure Homepage
Let us know his progress
Good luck

Well he bit both my son and wife really bad yesterday. They took him out while I was at work and he bit both and almost had my son in tears. When I got home, I had him out and he barely even tried to bite me.

I figure that I'll be the one to take him out for now. In some time, I'll try to pass him off to them. I figure since I'm the one he trusts most, I should be there when he's out. Does this sound like a good plan?

lol my hahns macaw is sceard of things like that , but if i want to roll a fag hes at it straight away and paper ,hates new toys ,

Hello
I'm adopting a 5 yr old cinn conure. He was a breeder bird not a pet. I was told he's aggressive. But I think he will be fine with lots of patience and time. What's another scare from an animal? I have faith.

So glad you gave him a second chance My Paddy is a rescue who was in a cage I believe with no socialization for 2 years he drew blood the first I got my hand near him . I had second thoughts but took him anyway I am so glad I did a month of concentrated training he was a different boy. It will take a little longer maybe but he will come around. I promise if you do your part. Bonita

Just be aware you guys are posting in a thread that's over 4 years old!!!