Socialisation and training a conure

Hi guys!

I’m currently hand rearing two Green cheek conure’s whom I am hoping to raise as happy and balanced pet birds.

I cannot find much on the internet about the socialisation of baby parrots and wether or not they have a critical socialisation period like dogs do, for those of you who have experience raising birds what is your method for raising well adapted birds?

I’m thinking that at about 4 or so weeks I will start taking them out for short trips to expose them to the worlds different sights and sounds, similarly to what I’d do with a puppy.

I’m also planning on harness training both birds, I have been looking into aviator harnesses but they are kinda expensive and I have heard both good and bad things about them. What harnesses do you guys use and recommend?

Thanks so much for taking the time to read the post and I really look forward to hearing what everyone has to say!

I think that is awfully young to be out and about. Not even weaned at 4 weeks! Did you purchase or breed these two?

Sorry, also welcome to the forums! I don't use harnesses, but folks here seem to like the aviator ones. Until you have a harness you like, though, it is safest to use a carrier of some sort when taking them outside. Many sad stories of birds being spooked and getting lost, or even wing clipped birds getting startled at just the wrong time and a gust of wind carries them off. Baby birds are such dear things. Enjoy while they are young, it doesn't last forever!



P.s. we love pictures here.

bug_n_flock said:

I think that is awfully young to be out and about. Not even weaned at 4 weeks! Did you purchase or breed these two?

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I was told on another forum that, that Is what someone with I think cockatiels had done and their birds were apparently really well socialised, but I also agree it is a bit young. I bred them! They are the chicks of my cinnamon and yellow sided Turqoise conure

bug_n_flock said:

Sorry, also welcome to the forums! I don't use harnesses, but folks here seem to like the aviator ones. Until you have a harness you like, though, it is safest to use a carrier of some sort when taking them outside. Many sad stories of birds being spooked and getting lost, or even wing clipped birds getting startled at just the wrong time and a gust of wind carries them off. Baby birds are such dear things. Enjoy while they are young, it doesn't last forever!



P.s. we love pictures here.

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Thank you!

Yes definitely going to use a carrier if I don’t get a harness when they start flying, I really don’t want to risk loosing either of them! I’m already super attached haha.

I was thinking just yesterday that I don’t want them to grow up! But then I also don’t wish to continue doing 4 hourly feeds everyday! Haha. Baby birds are such darn cuties and oh so sweet.

I tried to add a photo but couldn’t figure it out! I think it’s a bit hard because I’m on an iPad.

Thanks so much for commenting and helping me out!

Hej seulregi, here is a link that might help you post some pics.......

http://www.parrotforums.com/technical-support/6287-how-post-pictures.html

You should also be able to post a thumbnail pic along with your post. Click the "go advanced" button underneath the text box, then click the paper clip icon. You will then get the "choose file" button, so then click the "upload" button on the right, close out of that box and post. The picture should show as a thumbnail under your text. (Instructions courtesy of Laurasea.)

Honestly though, many of us load photos either via Facebook or a free account on Imgur and link them from there. I use Imgur these days since my Facebook page has the privacy settings set so high that the pictures disappear after a month or so. Best thing about Imgur is there's no limit on how many pics you can load up, and it's free

Looking forward to your baby photos!

While it may be too early to take them outside, starting harness training now will only benefit them later on. I use an Aviator, as most on this forum do. And i train with my small Amazon a few times a week even now that we have been using it for several years. Hardest in my opinion is getting them used to putting their heads thru the head loop of the harness. I always lead with a treat to entice his head thru the loop.

Hope you figure out the picture thing, we love baby burd pics!