First Time Bird Owner!

Hello,

I just brought home my first bird, Bandit, a Jenday Conure. I went last week to look at the crested geckos they have and saw Bandit and just feel in love. We came back yesterday to take him home. The manager told me that he was purchased at one point by a man who she said had grab at his tail feathers and hurt him. So far we've experienced that he does not like going in his carrier, loves his toys and is interested in his new swing but hasn't perched on it yet. I took him out an hour after we set up his cage and let him get used to his new home, he was interested but when I touch him he would make a little noise of protest, I was able to get him out maybe a few minutes later. He was very interested in my watch. Putting him back in his cage also earned me a few sounds of protest.

(As I'm typing this Mr. Bandit decides he doesn't like the top part of his food bowl and just throw it to the bottom of his cage lol)

I would love some advice as to if I did anything wrong, what kind of training I should do. He doesn't know 'step-up' (if I put my finger under near his feet he'll check it out and puts one foot on then off and keeps doing it until he feels it safe to stand on my figure)

Also how often should I give my birdie millet? Or Fresh fruits as a treat?

Thank You!

Welcome to you and Bandit, you are off to a wonderful start!

Congrats! My advice would be to move at the birds pace and not your own. It is easy to heap expectations on these birds, when honestly they are just as confused as we are...especially in the beginning. I am a big fan of positive reinforcement training. You want to become a treat dispenser for everything good the bird does. Constantly praise and reward him. Instead of racing your hand to his face..hold out a treat..Let him come. If he takes a step close to you...reward him..This accomplishes 2 things...He gets treated for doing good and he learns that "hey maybe that big hand coming toward my head isnt so scary after all." And move SLOW. Literally, slow body movements..Someone told me to pretend like my hands are moving under water. Let him see your hand so he can know what is about to happen..

Find a healthy diet..
Leave out clean water...
Find a few hours of day of bird time...

And most of all..have some flipping fun. Seriously, being a bird owner is one of the most rewarding things when done right. Research is key and there are some wonderful sources on this forum.

Good luck!