Introduction

Hello,
My name is Heather, and my green cheek conure's name is Phoenix. I am currently in second year university living in my parents house because money is a tough situation. I came to this site to ask a few questions and hopefully get some help with dealing with Phoenix. Phoenix is 2 years old, born August 2nd. I have had BIG problems with her lately, I think she has attachment issues. Every time I leave the room, she sits and screams at the top of her lungs. She will scream for hours and hours and hours if I let her. I have tried rewarding her by coming into the room when she is quiet, I have tried covering her with a towel, I have tried sitting down and playing with her, I have tried playing music for her or bird sounds for her. I have tried a lot! It's gotten so bad, I dont know what to do anymore. She also has a biting problem, its not nipping either, she tears chunks out of hands. Especially anyone other than myself. How do I train her out of these horrible habits?!

Please help us!
Oh, and nice to meet everyone! =] Thank you.

Welcome to the forum don't lose hope. I couldn't even go near my boy when I got him. Time. Patients and love will go a long way.

She sounds like she is hitting sexual maturity. She's hormonal. I'm sure others will give you good advice on how to work with her. Try the conure forum. Good luck.

Oh on a side note. Hormones don't last forever. It will get better. If that is the issue.

welcome, I will leave the advice to others, but can tell you, have seen worse turned around!

Hi!
I just joined as well. I'm in my third year of college and also have a GCC
I had similar problems when mine was about 2y/o as well. Now is a really crucial time to train! It seems like you have a general idea of what to do (rewarding her for being quiet).

I'm not necessarily an expert, but I will say that conures are pretty much grumpy toddler humans. I've found that if I make sure to tire her out a bit (playing games with her, clicker training her, or preening) once or twice a day, she's much better behaved the rest of the day. Granted, she is probably VERY hormonal right now and the extra attachment and whatnot will subside.

I also highly recommend checking out Barbara Heidenreich on youtube (or her website Training Parrots | Parrot Training DVDS & Books).

Thanks so much everyone! I will continue trying to train her properly. Hopefully she gets over all of this. It's really a hassle and my family is getting quite upset with me for it. Oh well! I still love her!