Keeping Conure Caged while working in other room?

dooglek

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Nov 7, 2017
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I recently got my sweet Crimson Bellied Conure Chloe, she is such a joy <3

I work from home, and figured this would be great for our relationship. HOWEVER its becoming increasingly difficult to actually work, as she prefers playing with my fingers/keyboard as opposed to sitting quietly on my shoulder hah.

I will constantly move her to my shoulder or a perch, but she just immediately comes back and starts trying to pluck the keys out of my keyboard.

I have also tried leaving her in her cage and just bringing it into the room im working, but she just paces around and is equally distracting/seems distressed

So my question is: Will caging her and leaving her in the other room make her feel excluded? I want her to ofcourse feel like part of our “flock” and worry that forcing her to be in her cage while she knows Im in the other room may create issues. I try to encourage her to play on her own while Im working but she takes no interest in most of the toys I give her, and occupying my keyboard seems to be her favorite game.

Thanks so much for any advice!!
Hoping to do the best I can with her so she is happy and healthy, and doesn't develop any bad habits.
 

Notdumasilook

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Jul 28, 2015
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Blue Fronted Amazon, Cookie..Sun Conure..lil Booger (RIP) Have owned Parakeets, lovebirds, cockatiels, cockatoos, pocket parrot, and quakers.
At some time our lil ones have to learn to amuse themselves for a bit. I know they can be demanding ...every waking moment. I did manage to teach mine they couldn't be on me all the time. Took a bit, but finally paid off. I was able to actually catch a much needed nap (im an old fart) without protest. Its all about communication. Took a few weeks but very few 98 dbls screeches hunting daddy when he was out of sight. Locating calls ceased but I did still get enthusiastic greetings when I returned.. Good luck with your youngin.
And note... that in the wild to be alone can be disaster... possible to let the bird watch youtube vids of other birds while you work? Perhaps less skeery than being alone in a quiet room.
 
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Scott

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Aug 21, 2010
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Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Might try a variety of toys to help stimulate independence. Some birds prefer foraging materials that include pecking and rummaging.

I assume Chloe is flighted? Having her on a playstand closer to your desk would be effective only if she doesn't fly.

Tough call whether to isolate her in a different room. Might allow her to focus on more interesting cage toys but also may increase stress level - knowing you are nearby.
 

clark_conure

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Jul 14, 2017
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A crossover Quaker Scuti (F), A Sun conure named AC, A Cinnamon Green Cheek conure Kent, and 6 budgies, Scuti Jr. (f), yellow (m), clark Jr. (m), Dot (f), Zebra(f), Machine (m).
How old is the conure? at first they have to get into everything...after a bit they settle down and are content to just sit on you or play around you without being on the keyboard or going after fingers. I went through the same thing.

If she's already super bonded you can try separation some, I'd make sure you get that super tight bond first, it just makes everything else easier.
 

bigfellasdad

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Sep 21, 2017
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Enzo - adopted Female CAG circa 2004. A truly amazing young lady!
My CAG sits on my monitor, or curtain rail/play stand whilst i work. I do talk to her a lot and when she really needs to play ill give her 5 quality minutes of my time (a couple of times an hour at least) or should i say she gives me no option but to do so. Have you tried toys at all, they do get bored.
I have to explain at the start of conference calls that Enzo is around and she will make her presence known ;)
 
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dooglek

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Nov 7, 2017
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Thanks all of you for the helpful responses!
She is indeed a baby, only about three months old.

I have tried the toys, may keep trying with different ones... But she seems to be mostly captivated with whatever I am doing. If i am sitting still (reading or watching a movie) she will play with her toys or just sit calmly, but if I am doing something (dishes, typing, cleaning) her toys are nearly no longer as interesting as my moving hands!
No matter how many times I gently move her to my shoulder, or a perch, she just crawls right back to my hands in order to disable/distract them lol.
She is also flighted and has become quite a nimble flyer, so I cannot leave her on a perch.

I will try giving her occasional dedicated attention to maybe satisfy her social needs... and then give her some new toys or something else to chew on
 

clark_conure

Well-known member
Jul 14, 2017
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A crossover Quaker Scuti (F), A Sun conure named AC, A Cinnamon Green Cheek conure Kent, and 6 budgies, Scuti Jr. (f), yellow (m), clark Jr. (m), Dot (f), Zebra(f), Machine (m).
I'd just let him go after my hands for now.....enjoy it.
 

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