Hi I am New and need lots of advice!!!

I adopted a green cheek / yellow sided baby conure about 3 weeks ago, the woman I got her from had "peanut" in a smaller parakeet cage, I bought a large cage and switched all the toys and such that Peanut came with to the new cage. This is my first bird and I have done so much reading that I could just DIE about this baby and still I come here with so many unanswered questions. I have scheduled an apt in Jan for a vet check but I have noticed that the bird is pulling and ripping at the tail feathers :11:, I do spend a good amount of time holding and interacting with Peanut but still not sure if I am doing something wrong, I cover the cage at nite, and let Peanut take showers with me, in the sink and even see the bird in the water bowel in the cage lol I just am baffled as to why all the recent squawking and feather destruction as well as biting of my ears (ouch) and so I really try not to let the little guy on my shoulders as much any more just hold him on my hand and lap anywhere but near my ears. I could really use some advice. thanks

Congrats on your new baby! Also on doing the research so you know the way to take good care of him. Do you know how old Peanut is? Some young birds can be very beaky, it's how they explore their world just like a human baby putting everything in their mouth. Rio is kind of hormonal right now and is a bit nippy (she usually never is) She nibbles my ears, if she gets too rough, I tell her to be gentle, if she continues I let out a high pitched squeak of displeasure and she usually stops. My other bird, Kai, is just a biter, and I am learning to read his body language to be able to prevent a bad bite. He got me good on the nose the other morning. I have only had him 2 months so we are still learning each other. I'm not sure about the squawking and feather distruction, You have only had him for 3 weeks so he may still be very stressed. Just go slowly and continue to work with him. Being patient and consistent is the key. Be sure to post LOTS of pics! We love pics!

I've heard good thinks about a bitter product called Phooey (not sure if I spelled it right) for feather damaging. It tastes icky so the birds stop doing it. He also may stop doing it in time. Moving is stressful, and it sounds like he wasn't very well taken care of before, but it might stop once he starts to relax. I've never had a feather damager/plucker myself, but I've heard people recommend it.

It sounds like you're doing a great job! Are you going to keep the name Peanut?

I bought a book called Holistic Health Care for birds. It's a very informative book.

Congrat to your new bird and welcome

Thanks everyone
I
will
Try my best withthe lil guy....I believe the woman told me the baby was 6months but he seems younger
He can't fly. Trying to fly but goes. Straight down LOL. And the woman was calling the baby. Verdy Birdy and I have noticed peanuts are a favorite for him so I don't. Know we tryed skittles.

Maybe your bird has clipped wings and this could be why he cant fly. Be careful how many peanuts you let Peanut have, but I'm sure you know this. Congrats on your new baby.