Conures

[Glenda1904]

I got 2 conures about a week n a half ago. They're not bonding with me, one bites like crazy n the other is very timid. Is this normal for birds that I've only had for a short period of time? I'm also concerned that I can't let them out everyday because its taking longer than I thought it would for my dogs to adjust. Any advice is welcome!!!

 

[GaleriaGila]

A couple of weeks is a very short time!
They're still trying to relax in a brand new environment. Just relax and take it easy for now.
Here is some reading for you, meanwhile.
I know that our members will give you a lot of input and support!

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

General Parrot Information - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community


http://goodbirdinc.blogspot.com/2012...n-parrots.html

 

[LordTriggs]

birds are not dogs

please learn that now because it will save you a nightmare in the long run. Birds are prey and are genetically programmed over millions of years to be fearful. Right now you have 2 babies that got taken from their only home and are now stuck being disturbed by a being that their dna is telling them is going to eat them. Whilst dogs have been fully domesticated over millennia. It's like comparing an apple to a chilli pepper, you couldn't get more different

Let them settle and get used to you, work at their pace not yours and allow them to open up to you. The process of taming them can take months

 

[Kiwibird]

Sounds pretty normal to me. Remember, even if raised in captivity parrots are not more than a few generations out of the wild. Effectively, they're wild animals. Unlike domesticated animals, like dogs, who've been bred for thousands of generations to be companion animals to humans where puppies inherently trust/bond, parrots require you earn their trust and friendship. Weeks-months before stepping up without biting is common.

The most 'tried and true' method to forge a bond with unruly parrots is to pull up a chair beside their cage and read or talk out loud to them in a calm and soothing voice. Doesn't matter what you read/say, they only understand tone of voice. Do it every day until they become more comfortable around you. As you notice their defensiveness/distress at your presence diminish, start bringing health bird-friendly snacks with you that the birds are known to like (you may also want to stop offering those specific treats in their daily diet for the time being). Eat or at least pretend to eat the snacks in front of them making a big deal about how yummy they are. Eventually, their desire for the snack will outweigh their fear and distrust and they will come over. Once they take treats reliably from you through the bars of their cages, then it is time to start step up training.

Take it slow, have patience and work on their timetable, not yours