Conure not coming on hand

Tombli60

New member
Sep 17, 2017
11
0
Parrots
Pale headed lorikeet
So three days ago I got a pineapple greencheek conure. First two days the bird was quiet and seemed kind of scared which is the expected. Today however it has changed and when it sees me it comes up to me on the side of the cage and screams like how conures usually do. It usually gets excited and starts playing. However when I give it my hand it does not stand on it and when ever I try to hold it it tries running away. I honestly don't know why, it is hand tamed and was hand fed. It is 10 weeks old currently. I know it's not scared of me because when I take it out of the cage it walks on me and everything and like I said before comes to me when I go next to its cage. I am guessing i just need to give it time as it's still new however when I got my lorikeets it used to walk on my hand from day one. Their personalities are completely different though so maybe that's why. So anyway is this normal for a new bird and what can I do for it to gain my trust more and encourage it to walk on my hand? I am just afraid that this will be a permenant thing where for some reason it doesn't walk on my hand.
 

SilverSage

New member
Sep 14, 2013
5,937
94
Columbus, GA
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Eclectus, CAG, BH Pionus, Maximilian’s Pionus, Quakers, Indian Ringnecks, Green Cheeked Conures, Black Capped Conures, Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Budgies, Canaries, Diamond Doves, Zebra Finches, Society F
He may have never learned to step up. Many breeders and hand feeders never bother to teach that. Start as if your bird is completely wild and gain his trust. You haven’t had him for long, he still needs time to adjust!


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Tami2

Well-known member
Aug 18, 2017
5,088
2,454
New Jersey
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Levi - 6 yr old CAG

DOH-4/2/2016
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clark_conure

Well-known member
Jul 14, 2017
3,939
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21
2,247
Minnesota
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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).
My clark was initially the same way, there are two schools of thought and I know I'll get crap on item two....but it totally worked for me.

the first method patience, talking, giving treats, placing food just out reach above your hand....

The second method, don't chase him around the cage but just pick him up from the back put him/her to your chest and gently pet his/her head.(wear a thick shirt) If he/she totally freaks out then just let go, let him/her find their own way back. it's still contact with you and building trust...if they are just a bit pissed.... just keep petting.

NOTE if this bird was completely wild I wouldn't recommend this, but if it has been hand raised before I think it's more "stranger danger" not outright fear. From your description it wants interaction it just needs to be "informed" you are just going to pet not eat him.

He she may be more comfortable after you after that and might bite...once you have the initial bond you can use the time out method to stop any biting.

The bird is young, I think setting the rolls early would be best before you get in a rut.

Others feel free to tell me I'm wrong but with this young a bird it's time to imprint "I love you" :gcc:



addition: also be completely calm, do not react to any bite, just push his/her beak away with anouther finger...be completely relaxed like you picture being with your bird in a year...no fear, no hesitation, when he's all chill let him up on your shoulder and talk to him/her there for a bit while you watch tv or netflixs or whatever, go get an apple and offer a slice....
 
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Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,792
San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
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.
Welcome, and congratulations!

Different species, different personalities! As described above, your conure may never have been taught some basic functions. The transition period can be weeks, but the link Tami2 posted is an excellent start.
 

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