Introductions ! Kermit the Green cheek

[IndySE]

A few days ago I was asking advice about bringing a GCC home and here he is ! As promised a formal introduction to the little guy. He was sold under the title of 'fancy GCC' which apparently is a general term for any sort of mutation from the normal type. He appears completely normal to me beyond a few flecks of yellow on his back, shown in the last picture. He also has some teal on the nape of his neck too, but I assume all normal types have that? (can't find good pictures on the internet).

Beyond that, we're still just learning each other ! His favorite place in the world is my neck and thats the only time he's really quiet. He makes frequent 'ribbit sounds', which is how her earned his name. I looked up the sound and supposedly its supposed to indicate mild distress or annoyance, but he does it so frequently.... I guess he just likes to complain XD

He's about 11 weeks old and still just a baby. I had him in a tiny cage the first day or so, mostly, just because I was worried he couldn't handle himself in the larger cage. His wings are clipped so he doesn't have the best control... but I have seen him fly a foot or two. I'll try keeping him primarily in the larger cage now, because I can tell the smaller one was really annoying him XD Food is going to be kept lower for now, however, just to make sure he'll be okay.

I'll need to start some training with him soon I want to clicker-train him. By this summer I want to potty train him (tho not sure how successful that will be if he can't fly too well to his cage) and some recall training. He came to me already knowing the command 'step up' c: I've also been trying not to coddle him too much because I want him to have some independent bird skills for when I'm at school. He seems to rather enjoy his rainbow shredder -- and goodness he's so dainty about it too. I've been his line of sight for most of yesterday, but have to step out today. Hope he'll be alright <3

Beyond that, I'm sure I'll be asking tons of advice. Still not sure if I want to keep him clipped or not. My budgies always enjoyed their full flight, but the lady at the petstore gave me a small lecture on how it was essentially abuse not to clip a conure since they will injure themselves even in a controlled environment :/

 

[LeaKP]

I love green cheeks, congratulations on an awesome little bird that is really a big bird in disguise. He's precious and beautiful!

 

[Terry57]

Kermit is so adorable! Is he getting around in his spiffy new cage okay?
As for what the pet store woman told you about clipping a conure, I disagree strongly. I have 6 conures, 1 is plucked and one came clipped, but the others are flighted and haven't run into anything in the room. I am sure it does happen, but I haven't had issues with these guys. That is something you will be able to figure out once Kermit starts flying
Was your Dad thrilled he is home now?

 

[wrench13]

Congrats!! More toys in the engine room, more toys!!! He'll never selff entertain if there are no toys to play with .

 

[BIRDIGIRL]

Congrats on becoming a Paront ...Kermit is Beautiful and one very Lucky boy ...Lovely pics...so glad you got him

 

[IndySE]

Lea;; haha yes, so I’m learning quickly XP He even eats food with his one little footsie, which is something I never saw my budgies do. Super cute ! I’m just hoping I can take proper care of him ^^

Terry; Hi thank you again for your advice earlier. Yes, he seems to be getting along nicely in his big cage. He discovered the platforms last night and has been a big fan of how tall they make him. I was watching him closely up there and there were a few times I was concerned he might fall, but he has some strong lil chicken legs. I actually had to step out today for work, but I’m having my brother check on him frequently !

Ah, yes that’s what I was feeling. Every bird is an individual of course, but if I can let them fly I will. I think it helps with their independence and its awesome exercise too. Time will tell ^^; My dad did ask me for an update yesterday on the ‘green chicken’ haha. They didn’t get a chance to interact much yesterday but I can tell he’s excited.

Wrench; Hi there. Yep, more toys will be there soon The petstores that are local have a somewhat limited selection, however, so I want to try and go to a bigger store soon. I also want to try making some toys, like maybe a PVC pipe playstand.

Birdgirl; Aw yes thank you so much <3 Yes it does feel so much different owning a bird vs appreciating them but I hope I do a good job giving him what he needs n__n


Earlier today I tried introducing kale into his bowl to see what he made of it. He doesn’t like his veggies, but my picky budgie always loved the stuff because of the texture. I hope he likes it too ! (plus its so good for him o: )

 

[psychocircus91]

cute little guy! congrats!

 

[IndySE]

I thought I'd update this thread

I started clicker training Kermit (once I found a clicker... after two weeks of having him XD) and he picked it up like a pro. I not only introduced him to the idea of click=food, but managed to tie it in to the 'step up' command he already knows. Then to top it off, I started potty training... and I have to say only 24 hours later, he more or less has it down o: Not one accident ! When he raises his little wings, I know that means he's gotta go; and he tries his best to wait for me to put him into position on the poop plate. I knew birds were smart but this is crazy.

It also appears Kermit is going to be a talker. He's been mimicking the syllables of 'step up' maybe a week after I got him. Over the last week he's started whistling. He started doing a rather peculiar whistle that I couldn't figure out -- at first I thought he was mimicking the whistle I use to summon the dog -- but no it wasn't quite right. Well figured it out yesterday. He's mimicking laughter ! The very shrill laughter my mother and I use.

Cutie baby has been doted on as well. A new tradition has arisen in the morning when Kermit wakes up, and after he's been transfered into his day-cage, I pass out on the bed. Then my mom will come by and hang out with him in the morning while I sleep. My mom has really taken to him; he gives her more attention than the dog lol.

And speaking of the dog, things are going well with their interactions. Flower has come to the point where she ignores him. Happy days for all !

I just finished giving his cage the deep clean and am waiting for some toys to finish sun drying but I have to say things are going much better than I thought they would.

P.s. if I can figure out how to post those videos of him whistle-laughing, I will. They're hilarious XD

 

[IndySE]

Hmm. I think the color yellow angers him. I have a little yellow spray-millet holder that I like to use as a foraging toy. I'll put kale in there (he LOVES kale) so he can work on trying to get it out.

Today as I was observing him with the toy, he'd fan his tail out, grasp/hang off the holder, and flap his wings about all the while trying to get kale. I wonder if I should remove the toy? Or is this just conure play? Not too sure XD

 

[GloryCK]

Congratulations! I just got my first green cheek on june 16th, he's 11 weeks old now. He is free flighted and I have never had a problem with him running into stuff. About the yellow on his back, mine does not have that, but he does have teal on his neck, he's just a normal GCC, but the lady I bought him from said he was a turquoise, I could tell that he's not though

 

[wrench13]

Good to hear Kermit is doing well. Kale is really good for them. Aim for a real mix of veggies for him too, maybe try making some chop ( fun for you, and good for him).

 

[IndySE]

Yeah I've been wanting to do some really nice chops !

I do try to make some kind of mix for him when I have the time. Yesterday it was hemp seed, a bit of spray millet, broccoli, a dash of this nutrient balance stuff I was sold at the petstore, and some crispy organic kale. I want to try putting a few drops of apple cider vinegar when I can get ahold of some, since I know it has awesome antibacterial properties. I'll have to see what other recipes there are out there though; I'm sure he'd look forward to something new.

Today it was just kale and brocoli since I was in a rush XP But he didn't seem to be complaining LOL