Need Advice asap !

Wolflady2223

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Jun 28, 2014
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I am new to bird ownership. I am a vet tech and a client of mine had to rehome her sun conure as an emergency due to extreme allergies. I offered to take him for her.

I have never owned a bird but have been doing lots of research and have coworkers that have a lot of birds.

This male conure has been with this one woman for 6 years. She hatched him from an egg so it stand to reason that he is very attached to her. I have had him about a week and he is scared of me. He has not been out of his cage in months due to her allergies. I was told he previously loved being handled, even showered with her. Now he shies away every time I go near him, he will reach out and try to bite me anytime my hand is near him. I have been sitting by the cage talking to him every day and offering him treats. He will take them from me through the cage bars, but not in the cage itself. I know he probably viewed her as a mate and is grieving but my boyfriend really doesn't like him and the way he is so antisocial. I do not want to have to give him up because he won't bond with us. Is there anything I can do to expedite the process of bonding? Can I be assured he will eventually tolerate me? What else can I do??
 

docunite

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Jun 28, 2014
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Bonding is a process. Let him adapt and be with the new environment for a few days, keep him in a room you will frequent but don't force it on him. My green cheek was very friendly with me and my family when we got her a month ago . She is 3 years and seems to have been mistreated or not taken care of, now she bites. Your bird will be stressed easily so just make sure he has food and clean water, I would try feeding him fresh fruit by hand and talk to him. Do you leave the cage open ? When he feels comfortable he will come out and then get closer little by little. Poor guy has lost his mate but found a loving home ( as you are asking for help) . I am not as knowledgable as others here and would like to see their suggestions . Good luck and don't give up. Heartbreak kills
 
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Wolflady2223

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Jun 28, 2014
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I don't leave the cage open because he hasn't had his wings clipped. I have vaulted ceilings and a log cabin with lots of windows so i want to be able to handle him before clipping and not stress him out...I hope that he gets friendlier and i can do it so he can be out and social soon..
 

Allee

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Oct 27, 2013
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U2-Poppy(Poppy lives with her new mommy, Misty now) CAG-Jack, YNA, Bingo, Budgie-Piper, Cockatiel-Sweet Pea Quakers-Harry, Sammy, Wilson ***Zeke (quaker) Twinkle (budgie) forever in our hearts
Hello and Welcome to the forum! You did a very nice thing for your client and for the sun conure. Some parrots, especially the older ones and the ones who had a loving owner, have a tough time with the transition into a new home with new people. It sounds like you are working hard to build trust with your new friend. Some parrots respond immediately, but for others it can take weeks or even months. Once he feels at home and trusts you more than likely, he will show you that he remembers everything he was taught and even learn new things. In your sun conure's case, I think your bird is more fearful than antisocial.

A good place to begin with a shy bird is to open his door and allow him to come out on his own. Maybe place a perch on the outside of his cage near the door, sit near him and offer him a favorite treat. Pretend to play with a toy or a paper bag, or read a book, put a plate of fresh fruit or veggies in a place that he can get to without much trouble. Most bird's curiosity will win out and they will come over to investigate. When he does something positive, reward him consistently and immediately. Keep talking to him and offering treats from your fingers. Patience and persistence works wonders with parrots. Good luck to you.

I just read your last post. Do you have a bird safe room to let him safely come out of his cage?
 
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Wolflady2223

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Jun 28, 2014
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Thank you so much for your advice! I will try that tomorrow. I could probably let him out in my bedroom safely. Just worried that if he flies and doesn't want to go back to the cage that it would create a bad experience when I have to catch him. I'll see if he even ventures out. His cage has a perch and ladder on top with a full surface so i can put food on it and see if he wants to explore a bit.
 

Allee

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Oct 27, 2013
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U2-Poppy(Poppy lives with her new mommy, Misty now) CAG-Jack, YNA, Bingo, Budgie-Piper, Cockatiel-Sweet Pea Quakers-Harry, Sammy, Wilson ***Zeke (quaker) Twinkle (budgie) forever in our hearts
You are right, if he is still extremely nervous and fully flighted it could be a bad experience for him. Make sure all doors are closed, all mirrors and windows are covered. Dim lighting is better than bright until you can predict how he will react.
 

Ducatimom

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Jun 10, 2014
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6 yr old Sun Conure (Ducati)
When I got Ducati this was the first place I came to (the forum). It took him a couple of days before he'd accept treats through the bars from me. When trying to give him treats inside the cage (not through the bars), just hold the treat out there. Eventually his curiosity will get the better of him and he'll come. Remember the cage is his safe zone. It's the only thing he has of his previous home so it's the most familiar to him right now. With that being said, like Allee was saying, I would open the cage doors somewhere safe, until you know how he's going to react. He will eventually go back to his cage. It may take a little while but he'll want to go back to his safe zone.

At least that's how it was for the first week with Ducati. He's my first bird as well, and I know every bird reacts differently to certain situations.
 

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