New to birds and conures

[Adz]

Hi all, I'm new to the world of birds and I just wanted to introduce myself and my new Green Cheek Conure 'Loco'

I've never owned a bird before as I've always had a house with plenty of yard and a dog but my partner and I recently moved into a town house and a new dog just wasn't an option. I'd been eyeing off a Sun Conure for quite some time but decided on a Green Cheek in the end due to possible noise.

My baby bird is about 2 months old I'm told and hand reared. It was as easy pick as this bird seemed very inquisitive and ready to jump out of it's cage at the shop. I'm not sure it's it a girl or boy at this stage, I'll either have to wait for a egg or have it DNA sexed I guess.

Being a first time bird owner I didn't really know what to expect though I'd done a lot of reading. The first week or two was difficult at times but with lots of patience and time with Loco it's settled in well and is VERY friendly and hardly ever nippy, except for bed time! Loco remind me of a child at time haha

Loco is really easy to work with as it's always willing to come out of it's cage and wants to play. I had no problems bonding at all.

I'm really keen to find some good reading material/video's on training a Conure and other general info, hence my reason for joining. I've always found forums to be a wealth of knowledge.

Anyhow enough for now, here is some pics and videos of my new little friend!

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2v_c8_O4gs"]YouTube - Green Cheek Conure head scratching[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7HvTB9zu4I"]YouTube - Green Cheek Conure Bathtime[/ame]

 

[samanthabe1]

Welcome and she's adorable

 

[Spiritbird]

Happy to meet you ADZ and cute little Loco. You will have lots of fun with your conure. I just put some traing vids. on the forum from Phoenix Landing Org. Your photos are excellent. You must be a professional photographer!

 

[Von1983]

Welcome to the forum!

Loco is GORGEOUS!

Glad that he/she? lol has settled in well and you're clearly getting along famously! Thankyou so much for sharing!

I found training Cal my sunny (and still do, always an ongoing process!) very easy as well. Astounding how you set yourself up for a lot of "roll up the sleeves" moments and touch wood, I have found nothing but joy even when she's naughty!

 

[Melissaw1010]

What a cutie!! Mine became a little territorial of me after a few months and wont go to anyone else. So the best advise I can give is to have the little one go to anyone you can. Have the bird bond with both of you as much as possible. Enjoy! They are little sweethearts

 

[Adz]

Thanks for the kind words I do enjoying taking pictures however these were taken with my phone. I'll have to get my SLR out and take some Birdie-snaps! I'll be sure to check out the video's.

I know what you mean about training, I was a little stressed out but now I'm getting into it, it's been great and very enjoyable.

Loco's been good with people, I make sure that it go's to my partner and friends/family when they are around which has worked, although it's a little more nippy with them, nothing too bad though.

Now, more importantly, I really hate calling Loco "it" and not "he" or "she". DNA sexing, is it pretty easy and harmless to the bird?

 

[Von1983]

heh, a lot of people get their bird DNA sexed. It involves taking a little bit of blood. I think there's a few different methods for this depending on what's common in your country. Feather or blood are usual here.

I think it is slightly uncomfortable for the bird, but of course avian vets are used to doing it and will make it as quick and easy as possible!

 

[Adz]

I see, I'll get this organised. I think they take a feather here. Thanks.

 

[Adz]

OK all done. A trip to the vet and some blood taken and I have a little boy birdie.

Loco was soooo good at the vet too, didn't even squirm with the needle. I think I did more!

Here's a picture of Loco playing in his favourite Australian native tree too!

 

[MikeyTN]

Very cute!!!! My partner enjoys the birds as well...Thank goodness!!!

ONE major thing to remember when you do take them outside and put them on a tree is mites! Bird mites is hard to get rid of and even you can carry mites onto your birds! That's why hand washing is very important! Whenever I'm working out in my garden, I take a nice hot shower first before I ever attempt to touch my birds.

 

[wildheart]

Congrats on your boy. Clearly you are enjoying Loco and according to the photos the feeling is mutual!

Is it you in the first photo? If it is then sorry but Immm I'll have to say that you are not too bad yourself. You look like an SA actor that makes lots of wildlife programs from Sabi-Sabi.

 

[Von1983]

A little BOY! Congratulations!

Well hello Mr Loco!

 

[suebee]

awww such a cutie, will look forward to seeing more of loco

 

[Adz]

Thanks Mikey, I didn't think of mites! I'll be sure to think of this from now on

Yep that's me in the first picture trying to get a snap of Loco before he jumped on my phone haha.