AlexGoneLoco
New member
Hello everyone!
I am getting my very first bird, a Green Cheek Conure. I have loved these birds since I was about 19, and only now have I felt in a stable enough place to get my bird. Instead of going to a pet store or breeder, I have decided to adopt. The adoption is already done, he will be here Sunday.
I've read completely through The Conure Handbook and I have done tons of research, but I think I would like some answers from people with real hands on experience. I want to make sure I give my new friend the best life possible, and I want our relationship to blossom, not be hindered because I mess something up!
So first and foremost, what do you suggest when adopting a bird? Calvin is 3 years old, he's very friendly but a little shy and a little nippy. Both of these things are okay with me, I know how to work with nippy. He was very healthy when I looked him over and was very excited to explore. He also didn't want to leave my finger when I had to go! That broke my heart! I know that I should try to adhere to his established schedule, I did find out what that is and it'll be easy for me to do. If you guys have any other suggestions when working with an adoption please let me know.
Second, what do you guys suggest when it comes to shoulder sitting? I can tell you all right now that I will allow him on my shoulder, and I know some people look down on this, but I would enjoy allowing him up there. I would like to know how to handle getting him off when he decides to bite or nip instead of stepping up. Should I gently pick him up and put him in his cage for a short time as punishment, or is there something else you guys suggest? I know I should reinforce good behavior, like stepping up off the shoulder, with a treat, I'm just not sure how to get him when he's on my shoulder nipping away at my hand. It doesn't hurt me, but I don't want to grab him and hurt him or anything.
Third, I'm not going to be clipping his wings at all, I just don't like the practice. However, I've read several times that during training it's a good idea to clip the wings so they aren't tempted to fly off and have to rely on you. Is it really so much harder to train with unclipped wings? I prefer to never have to clip Calvin's wings, but I will if people think it's necessary. I'm guessing it's probably something I would only have to do if he insists on flying off instead of training.
Last, I'm kinda getting mixed information on handling an adopt right away. How long should I leave him alone? Is it okay to hold him right away or should I give him a few days alone to adjust? My book says one thing, other people say other things, and in the end I'm just confused. I don't want to overwhelm the poor guy, but I also don't want him to feel lonely. What do you guys think?
Thank you! I'm so very very excited!
Alex
I am getting my very first bird, a Green Cheek Conure. I have loved these birds since I was about 19, and only now have I felt in a stable enough place to get my bird. Instead of going to a pet store or breeder, I have decided to adopt. The adoption is already done, he will be here Sunday.
I've read completely through The Conure Handbook and I have done tons of research, but I think I would like some answers from people with real hands on experience. I want to make sure I give my new friend the best life possible, and I want our relationship to blossom, not be hindered because I mess something up!
So first and foremost, what do you suggest when adopting a bird? Calvin is 3 years old, he's very friendly but a little shy and a little nippy. Both of these things are okay with me, I know how to work with nippy. He was very healthy when I looked him over and was very excited to explore. He also didn't want to leave my finger when I had to go! That broke my heart! I know that I should try to adhere to his established schedule, I did find out what that is and it'll be easy for me to do. If you guys have any other suggestions when working with an adoption please let me know.
Second, what do you guys suggest when it comes to shoulder sitting? I can tell you all right now that I will allow him on my shoulder, and I know some people look down on this, but I would enjoy allowing him up there. I would like to know how to handle getting him off when he decides to bite or nip instead of stepping up. Should I gently pick him up and put him in his cage for a short time as punishment, or is there something else you guys suggest? I know I should reinforce good behavior, like stepping up off the shoulder, with a treat, I'm just not sure how to get him when he's on my shoulder nipping away at my hand. It doesn't hurt me, but I don't want to grab him and hurt him or anything.
Third, I'm not going to be clipping his wings at all, I just don't like the practice. However, I've read several times that during training it's a good idea to clip the wings so they aren't tempted to fly off and have to rely on you. Is it really so much harder to train with unclipped wings? I prefer to never have to clip Calvin's wings, but I will if people think it's necessary. I'm guessing it's probably something I would only have to do if he insists on flying off instead of training.
Last, I'm kinda getting mixed information on handling an adopt right away. How long should I leave him alone? Is it okay to hold him right away or should I give him a few days alone to adjust? My book says one thing, other people say other things, and in the end I'm just confused. I don't want to overwhelm the poor guy, but I also don't want him to feel lonely. What do you guys think?
Thank you! I'm so very very excited!
Alex