Addled Sun Conure

[Sooze]

Hello again,

I've spoken to several parrot owners on this matter and no one can provide a good answer. I'm praying someone here can, because I'm at a loss as what I should do.

I would like to start by saying that I'm not new to parrots. I've had a GCC, and currently have a BFA who is a rescue, and two Suns.

I'm here because one SC is a rescue. She's been in our home for about two months now ( not a long time, I understand).
A friend of ours took her in because the previous owners could not have her anymore ( a reason wasnt given). The friend that took her, he began to work a lot of over time and couldnt give her the attention she needed, so he asked us to take her. I will note, while on the subject, that my friend sneezed, and the SC wouldnt go near him after that, including coming out of the cage. This bird can talk and came with two cages (a nice big one) and toys. It seems like the 1st(may be?) owners put effort in to her.

When she first got here, for the first few days, she was sweet. After that... the screaming at the broom and any object that appeared began. The biting with a sudden change in environment...even if my boyfriend spoke while I was holding her, it resulted in a HARD bite. She'll run at my hands and bite if I do something she doesn't like. She's bit my face, too. There are times she won't step up and just will scream at me.
She doesn't like seeds, as Ive tried to use them to train, she just drops them. None of this has changed, and its only getting worse. I get bit everyday, several times. When she bites, I tell her 'No' and put her back.

When she isn't being a tyrant, she likes to snuggle and get scritches.

If it helps, she's in a room with the two other parrots. I have her cage near a window, so she can peek out if she wants, but she has walls behind and on the side of her cage for security.

I know rescues take time, but I'm confused as to why is she getting worse. Why was she sweet for the first few days and why did it get worse after that?

I really need some advice on this.

Thanks

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

I can only advise based on my own experiences with my sun.

Suns will go on defense whenever they feel threatened. It sounds to me, based on your comments - that your sun is reacting to new or unfamiliar objects. When you add that to the fact that this is a new home, it would seem to me as just an adjustment issue that should get better with time.

Suns will always react to perceived threats. The trick is assuring them. I've gotten in the habit of introducing 'new' things to Skittles before I use them. I reassure him that it's okay and most of the time it works. It doesn't work with the tape measure though, he has a mortal fear of that for whatever reason.

Good luck!

 

[Sooze]

Thank you. I was worried that I was doing something wrong.

My BFA adjusted pretty well... It was surprise to see my SC to good and then go down hill. I wish I knew more about the first home she came from. She seems afraid of hands, may be the 1st place had kids. I know my friend's parents were sticking their fingers through the cage...which they meant no harm by but Im sure Beeker didnt like it.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

Sometimes people innocently think they are 'playing' with the bird when really they are tormenting it. I have a neighbor who would come over and go see Skittles in his cage (I have to cage him when others come over) - and she'll do that (stick her fingers in and rattle his toys etc) and I have to tell her to stop it. She thinks she's being playful when really she's harassing him. I don't like it when she does that.

Poking your fingers inside a birds cage is a no-no IMO.

Your sun may require some re-training. Rehomed birds usually do - but the degree will differ based on their previous owner.

It sounds to me like it's just an adjustment period.

You're not doing anything wrong that I'm aware of. Just have patience and continue to reassure your sun. Don't press her.

If she would let you cuddle her before, then chances are she wasn't abused prior. But I have found that suns are very tempermental when it comes to foreign objects/people and are easily set off.

Keep us posted!

 

[RavensGryf]

I feel for you and the bird both! I am guessing that sometime during this bird's life she had undergone enough abuse to make her flinch and defensively bite or scream at objects and even voices as you say, and even distrust your friend after he sneezed (must have been a super loud one like my husband lol). If the behavior is indeed from a past abusive environment, it will take time, consistency, and much patience. I'm sure you'll get answers from those who have dealt with a situation close to this who can give you some tips. Good luck

 

[Sooze]

Thank you, finally some answers and dialogue!

 

[BoomBoom]

Sounds like the poor bird was abused in her previous home(s). She's going on defense on things she shouldn't be, so she has negative experiences tied to those. I'm glad she found a great home with you. Sounds like you are doing all you can for her. Give her lots more time and understanding. Maybe she will come around, maybe she won't - but I am positive she appreciates the comforts you are giving her. Maybe the concept of a warm, loving home is a new concept to her, but one that will positively impact her life no doubt!

 

[MikeyTN]

So you adopted a bird your friend adopted from someone else, doesn't sound rescued to me.....people use rescue too frequently it confuses me since I did rescue for years myself.

Anyways, the last rescue I took in, a Sun Conure, she was left outside under a tarp under weather conditions while the family went to camp for a week. They came back with her leg permanently damaged, most likely due to her leg band. There were maggots still in the cage bottom although my friend who brought her to me from the lady who did scrub as much as she can off the cage. I did the rest myself.

I let her be until she's completely settled in to our home. I used to grab her with a towel at the beginning to do daily leg massage, she can use it a lot better now. She eventually showed interest and wanting to come out on her own. So after that she would fly to us or craw on us when she wants attention.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

I have absolutely NO empathy for anyone who abuses or neglects animals. I don't care what the circumstances are. I'd say what I think should happen to those who do, but I'd probably be banned - so I'll leave that to your imagination.

If anyone ever laid a hand on Skittles or Peaches I swear I don't know what I'd do but it wouldn't be legal.

I used to feel guilty just for disciplining Skittles when he misbehaved- and that was just time-outs.

 

[JellyBean]

Sooze, I agree with the other posters that perhaps he did not have the best experience in his last home(s).. and now is over-reacting to his new home. Sounds like underneath he is a lovely bird and will settle down! He just doesn't realise - yet - how lucky he now is!! Be patient and keep us posted.