New to bird keeping

Roo · Nov 18, 2020

Hi everyone

I have never owned a bird before and after lots of research bought a black capped conure on Saturday. I know it is early days and he seems scared of almost everything but the last two days he has been coming to the bars of his cage right next to where is sit. If I move slowly and place my finger in the cage he will briefly investigate my finger and gently nibble.
Does this mean he wants me to interact with him?
I have also started leaving the door open. So far he has just sat in the doorway before taking himself back in his cage.

Ta,
Roo and Rio

Laurasea · Nov 18, 2020

Welcome to the forum! Congratulations on yiur new one!! Many new people and many issues the same, so read active topics, because sometimes different people have different good ideas they post in other threads. On you tube Bird tricks has lots of good training and instructional videos. A technique that's good start with is target training.

I'm going to link to good articles
https://lafeber.com/pet-birds/stress-reduction-for-parrot-companions/

https://lafeber.com/pet-birds/bird-behavior/

I recently added a fearful quaker to my flock, and it did take weeks to make progress. I'll link that too if you want to give it a read
http://www.parrotforums.com/quakers/87445-welcome-home-orbit.html

Scott · Nov 18, 2020

Welcome aboard Roo and Rio, thanks for joining!

Speed of adaptation depends on your actions, the environment, and past socialization experiences. Do you know the age of your black cap and any other pertinent information?

Acclimating can be hastened by building trust and bonding. A few techniques discussed here: http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

Diet is critical for health, if your conure is food-motivated, special treats can help reward good behaviors. The early actions you describe are encouraging! Please ask any and all questions as he settles in!
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html

Roo · Nov 19, 2020

Thanks Scott!
He is 4 months old and was being kept in an aviary with some other species of conure. I think it's still too soon to know if he is very food orientated, think he's still wary.
I will have a read through the links you posted....thanks &#55357;&#56842;

Flboy · Nov 19, 2020

Welcome to the both of you!

Scott · Nov 19, 2020

Roo said:
Thanks Scott!
He is 4 months old and was being kept in an aviary with some other species of conure. I think it's still too soon to know if he is very food orientated, think he's still wary.
I will have a read through the links you posted....thanks &#55357;&#56842;

Was he sold as hand-fed or exclusively parent raised? Either way he can be tamed, but will take longer with more effort if the latter. Parrots are not domesticated as are dogs and have no natural inclination to trust humans. The behaviors of curiosity you describe are very hopeful after just a few days! Most birds love various nuts as treats/rewards. You'll want to give tiny bits to avoid an excess of fat and calories.

wrench13 · Nov 19, 2020

Excellent advice above!

Trust with parrots is paramount to a good relationship, and you'll read about that in the posts on this forum. Basically do nothing to, with or for your parrot that busts trust. THings like grabbing them, chasing them ( to return them to the cage), providing a wobbly perch on your hand of finger all are trust busters.

Another thing to keep in mind is to advance at your parrots own rate of acceptance, which can be glacially slow sometimes. SO advance at his rate, and not the rate of your expectations ( which can be rushing river fast for humans). Like a marathon - slow and steady wins the race!

Good luck and keep the forum informed of your progress, we love to hear about that. And we love pictures too!

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