New Black Capped Conure with Concerns

[MoLo]

Well we got our first bird, Kiwi, a 3 month old male Black Capped Conure from a Parrot Store on Tuesday. In the store he was content with being petted and didn't bite. That first day home he was on a "Hunger Strike" and just sat on one perch, didn't move and won't eat or drink. The second day we took him to the Avian vet where he got a clean bill of health, then came home and explored his cage a little and started eating and drinking away (yeah!). The following two days he has been exploring his cage a little and eating away.

I am concerned because now when I come up to his cage, he moves to the farthest corner away from me and when I reach in to get him to play with him, he fights to get away and squawlks like he is mad. He is not interested in playing with us outside his cage and tries to run back toward his cage. He won't take treats from me either. Even though he isn't interested, I still make him come out and pet him a few times a day.

Is this normal behavior??? I am very worried about him not becoming tame and not wanting human attention. Thanks in advance!

 

[GaleriaGila]

That *is* odd...
I wonder: could something have happened while he was out that scared him? Or... IS there something that's scaring him... a dog... a loud tv... I'm just brainstorming here. I'll add that my bird will not come out if I have on a new/wild/colorful shirt. When I get a new tee-shirt (my go-to wardrobe) that he doesn't like... I have to let him get used to it.

Meanwhile, congrats on all the stuff that is going well!

 

[Flboy]

"I am concerned because now when I come up to his cage, he moves to the farthest corner away from me and when I reach in to get him to play with him, he fights to get away and squawlks like he is mad. He is not interested in playing with us outside his cage and tries to run back toward his cage. He won't take treats from me either. Even though he isn't interested, I still make him come out and pet him a few times a day."

As far as he is concerned, you are attacking him! Back off just a little and respect his space! Right now, he has lost everything he knows! He will warm up in no time!

 

[MoLo]

I am concerned because now when I come up to his cage, he moves to the farthest corner away from me and when I reach in to get him to play with him, he fights to get away and squawlks like he is mad. He is not interested in playing with us outside his cage and tries to run back toward his cage. He won't take treats from me either. Even though he isn't interested, I still make him come out and pet him a few times a day.

As far as he is concerned, you are attacking him! Back off just a little and respect his space! Right now, he has lost everything he knows! He will warm up in no time!

Thanks, you're right, he came from a non-cage, open-pen environment with other birds to a cage alone. I think he's been in shock since the drive home in the travel carrier. We do have two preteen kids so the house isn't quiet for sure also. I'll stop forcing him out and try again tomorrow. Hopefully he will come around.

 

[Scott]

A warm welcome to you and Kiwi!!

It will take Kiwi some time to acclimate to both a cage and your home. His territoriality should diminish once he feels comfortable and begins to trust. Give him some space while proving you are a safe haven and source of food and affection.

How did Kiwi react to you in the store? You mentioned he was mellow in the store, so there is plenty of hope once his fears are reduced.

 

[wrench13]

Right, back off. Have a seat 5 feet away from the cage, reading to him, does not matter what. Each day move the chair a tiny bit closer every day. Do this for an hour every day. When you get close enuf to reach and offer treats, do it any time he moves closer to you. Right now your teaching him to fear the hand. Scratches, and play and stepping up will come with time ad patience.

 

[snowflake311]

welcome. I also have a Black capped Conure. Mine is a little Spunky punk of a bird but I would not have it any other way. He is very loving too loving. Mine is nippy more pinches than a bite its annoying at first but I don't mind any more really as long as it is just a pinch.

Mine started to say Step up after only a week of being with us. He is so cute and very outgoing. Your little guy just needs time to adjust to his new home. Give it time. He is still a really young baby a lot can change as he matures and gets adjusted.

 

[snowflake311]

Hey How is your little black capped doing. I think you might be the only one on here with another Black capped well the only one I have seen. Just looking for an update?

 

[GaleriaGila]

I'll give this thread a bump and a high five.

I know how thrilled I was to find another person here with a Patagonian (Nicky) and one person who occasionally boards one (Birdigirl).

Good luck! I hope MoLo gets back to you (us).

 

[MoLo]

Hey How is your little black capped doing. I think you might be the only one on here with another Black capped well the only one I have seen. Just looking for an update?

Thank you for asking Snowflake311! He is doing really good now and feels like a part of the family! At first he was nervous and wouldn't come to me, but now it's the opposite! It's so fun when I come home, he runs to the side of his cage, makes noise and somersaults until we get him out and pet him. He steps on my finger and loves being carried around. He likes my kids, but I'm his favorite person. He spends most of his time in his cage, but he still gets play time and has lots of toys we rotate. He has been nippy lately, but I think it might be because he is molting lightly since the weather has changed.

He said his first word recently! It's "Kiwi", his name I sounds like he is trying to make kissing noises and say "Good night" too.

The only thing I can't get him to do is eat fresh vegetables, he likes the freeze dried, maybe someday he'll change his mind!

How is your bird? Is your bird molting now? Does your bird talk?

 

[GaleriaGila]

Glad you're back, MoLo!
Cute name, by the way... may I know where it came from?

 

[MoLo]

Glad you're back, MoLo!
Cute name, by the way... may I know where it came from?

Thank you! I have been learning a lot reading this forum! I don't feel like such a nervous novice anymore with my little birdie.

The MoLo is a copycat nickname, with the idea from Jennifer Lopez's nickname JLo. The "Mo' is because my first name is Maureen and Mo is a nickname for it. It seems like everyone I meet of Irish descent has an Aunt Mo, lol. Although, when people call me Mo, I jokingly say, Mo is one of the Stooges, I'm Maureen :32: The "Lo" is the last two letters of my last name, but it's not Lopez. It hasn't caught on much as a nickname, probably because it sounds too much like Rolos, those tasty little chocolate covered caramels.


What does your name mean GaleriaGila?

 

[GaleriaGila]

Love that! Annnd... the Rickeybird LOVES J-Lo. I am half-Mexican and half-Irish (roughly).

My Mexican nickname is "Gila"... a region in the Southwest and also the name of a predatory lizard! Not exactly sure where it came from but something to do with my being a brat as a kid... I once BIT a relative... and it's a close fit with "Gail" which is a nickname for Abigail. But it stuck! So I named my art business GaleriaGila (Gila Gallery) since my art is Mexican in origin and spirit. Thank you for asking!