Thoughts on Trying Too Hard

Hello friends!

My son and I just returned from MD to pick up Stitch, the blue crown conure that was looking for a new home. His original family is gracious, kind, and loving, and I'm honored they allowed us to take Stitch into our home. Seriously the most awesome people, ever.

Stitch is clearly stressed but he's eating, slept well, and making good work of adjusting. I am pretty sure he's "calling" for his family (loudly) sometimes. Right now he's quietly preening. Other times he's doing a little posturing for Geordi, which is only appropriate; Geordi seems unphased for the most part.

This is my question, which I think I know the answer to, but would appreciate affirmation. I find when I get bit by G, or for example by Stitch this morning ($*#! and rather hard) I alway walk away knowing it was my fault-- that I push it too far. I think in my desire to get close I just can't take a deep breath and let nature take it's course and allow the birds to get to know me slowly, and I end up shooting myself in the foot.

Case in point: I'm friends with a guy with 5 birds (Geordi's old dad). He has a CAG, Lila. I have been there countless times, but never push too hard for obvious reasons. Last time I was there, enjoying a chat and a drink one evening, Lila willingly and without much prompting stepped up and walked up to my shoulder. Interesting, huh? I also find it interesting that G. is so relaxed with my husband, who frankly puts no effort or stress into the relationship.

So this is what I'm thinking: I need to go Zen, and leave Stitch alone, at least physically (other than the obvious needed contact). He's right here in the mix where we spend most of our time, so he's going to be around us all the time, talking and doing our thing and such. We'll talk to him all the time, and wait till he's ready. His track record is excellent, in that he's loving and loves his people once he trusts them.

What do you think-- good plan?

Olivia

Yeah, I think you're on the right track. I definately believe that your mood/nervousness, or lack there of plays a role in their comfort level with physical interaction. Also with the progression of time...I think you'll be just fine : )

Yes you cant push, it Takes time

Sounds like you know just what to do. Would love to see some photos.

Excellent plan. Especially since he came from a great home. He's probably going to be missing his old family for a while. I bet letting him come to you in the long run is going to go a long way toward helping him make the adjustment.

I also love that one of your birds is named Al Swearengen. That is fantastic.

Just be yourself and talk to Geordi like you normally do.
Let Stitch get acclimated to his new family and your household at his own speed , talk to him when doing chores , and once he sees you and Geordi interacting he will tell you he is ready for your attention. Hope this helps

I was just going to say the same thing. I have often used another bird to show a new rescue that I am part of the flock, and they shouldn't be afraid. It has worked many times. After the trust is there, then I work on training. Sounds like you're doing fine.

I will definitely speak to Geordi as usual, and take care of him as I always do, but sadly Geordi doesn't otherwise interact with me. He has a strong gender preference and only lets my husband hold him, as well as other men sometimes.

thanks for all the feedback, I appreciate it.

osnyder said:

I will definitely speak to Geordi as usual, and take care of him as I always do, but sadly Geordi doesn't otherwise interact with me. He has a strong gender preference and only lets my husband hold him, as well as other men sometimes.

thanks for all the feedback, I appreciate it.

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Even though Geordi doesnt interact with you , Stitch will see how calm and happy Geordi is acting and he will soon follow suit.
If your husband can interact with Geordi that would be great for Stitch to see as well.Stitch will become one of the family in no time , I'm sure if it
Just let him decide when he is ready and you will have a great friend.

If Stitch is anything like my Briana was, he may be shy with new people. But, once you earn his trust, boy, will he be your best friend! I think Blue Crowns are less assertive than some other conures. You need to be patient. They love being talked to though, and mine loved when I sang to her.

Slow & steady wins through all the time especially with parrots. I was only talking to my Vet this morning about how when i first adopted my SC 2 he was absolutely terrified of me over the 5 years he has lived with me we have set up such a love & trust for each other. I have let him come to me & have never pushed his boundaries. I so believe that building trust with your bird is so important. The behavior battle is almost won then.

Hello,,, we're talking about conures here.Normal parrot stuff doesn't apply.

henpecked said:

Hello,,, we're talking about conures here.Normal parrot stuff doesn't apply.

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I didn't think there was any difference what species of parrot you have. Course normal parrot stuff appliesOops i hope your having a joke with me.

It's just me and conures don't get along. I love birds but conures frustrate me.Most of them think they weigh 5 lbs. And yes ma'am, i was having a joke with you.

henpecked said:

It's just me and conures don't get along. I love birds but conures frustrate me.Most of them think they weigh 5 lbs.

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Many of them do think that, lol! Blue Crowns are kind of different though. They seem to have a different kind of intelligence. It's hard to describe if you haven't had one though. They are conures, but yet, they aren't. They are almost like their own species. As far as the personalities of all my birds go, my Blue Crown was most like my new Grey. I've been pretty upset about the death of my little Briana, and Merlin is so much like her, getting Merlin has kind of fixed that hole in my heart.

You guys are so awesome. I agree that Blue Crowns seem somewhat unique among conures-- I feel honored to have one frankly. So intelligent.

So, you know I was being really cautious about Geordi & Stitch (and I really can't quarantine them) but this morning Stitch literally RAN over to Geordi and G didn't really seem too freaked. They sort of stood near each other, feeling each other out. They look awfully handsome together, I gotta say.

Mind you I would never let this occur without literally standing right there, ready to immediately intervene.

Here's Stitch:

Yes, I read all the conure posts here and I see many of the same characteristics of my Nanday in the Suns, Jendays, Green Cheeks and many others. But, Blue Crowns seem to only be conures in name. They act very differently, play differently and seem to think differently.