My first bird.

[AnnieandPip]

Hi. I just purchased my first bird. A green cheek conure named Pip. I wasn't a bird person until I stumbled upon Pip at a local pet store. I fell in love with Pip instantly. I guess you could say Pip owns me more than I own Pip.

Anyway, I am going to need to rely on your forums as much as possible to get good information. I have little to no bird knowledge and the guy at the pet store was useless. Pip came home yesterday. Seems to be adjusting well. I do have a few questions that maybe seasoned bird owners can help with.

First, Pip was just recently weaned and is a young bird. I am guessing he wasn't handled much. He refuses to take any food from my hand. I am trying to train him, and would like to use treats fed by hand. How can I get him to eat out of my hand? He also seems to be protective of his cage. If I reach in to get him he will flee and if I persist he will nip. I use a wooden perch for now to get him out. Once he is out of his cage, he can be handled without issues. Except you have to step away from the cage or he will fly right back in. He also grinds his beak. Sounds like teeth grinding. Is this normal?

Like I said, first time bird owner with lots of novice questions.

http://www.parrotforums.com/members...fectionately-known-pip-squeak-nippy-pippy.jpg

 

[AnnieandPip]

 

[JadeC]

Well, the eating out of your hand will probably take some time. As I recall in one of your previous posts, you said the pet store handled him really rough and made some people bleed? He's probably scared of hands coming in his cage!! Just be patient and hell come around. One thing you can do is after you take him out on his perch, put him in a neutral location and put treats down on the surface he's standing in. Slowly have him move closer to your hand with the treat. Eventually he will get that your hand is not scary at all!!

Also, I think most birds do the "teeth" grinding thing. It drives me nuts, but both my birds did it.

 

[JadeC]

Oh, and welcome to the forum!! Your pip is adorable, by the way!!!!!

 

[Wings]

Pip is such a cute name for such a cute bird Welcome to the family, he's got a great home

 

[MikeyTN]

Welcome to the forum!

Beak grinding is normal, they do it when they're tired! Keep using the perch for now and have him sit with you. He will get used to the idea of coming out. Take baby steps into achieving to the point where he will let you pet him. Don't push the envelope, take baby steps! Offer treats while he is out with you, put treats in your hand and just sit still and hold it in front of him. He will eventually take it from you. Ask any question you may like to ask as there's plenty of seasoned owners here that will give you great advice!

 

[AnnieandPip]

Jade, yes that is definitely why! Pip is scared of hands because of how he was handled. No doubt. He would rather be on my arm, shoulder, head or anything except my hand. His favorite spot is on the back of my neck under my hair with just his head sticking out. What a funny little bird he is.

Mikey, I didn't know that meant Pip was tired. Makes sense though. He usually does grinds in the evening. I have also noticed that he doesn't like to be handled when he is tired. He loves to be handled first thing in the morning. He woke me up this morning. He was dancing and chirping in his cage. He came out of the cage by himself and wanted me to love on him. Then he went back in his cage and pecked at his water and food bowls. As if to say,"I want breakfast!"

It amazes me just how smart Pip is. I knew they were smart, but I wasn't expecting this. It has only been 3 days. I know I ramble on, but I am so pleasantly surprised by Pip. I can't wait to see what he does next.

 

[Mayden]

Jade, yes that is definitely why! Pip is scared of hands because of how he was handled. No doubt. He would rather be on my arm, shoulder, head or anything except my hand. His favorite spot is on the back of my neck under my hair with just his head sticking out. What a funny little bird he is.

Mikey, I didn't know that meant Pip was tired. Makes sense though. He usually does grinds in the evening. I have also noticed that he doesn't like to be handled when he is tired. He loves to be handled first thing in the morning. He woke me up this morning. He was dancing and chirping in his cage. He came out of the cage by himself and wanted me to love on him. Then he went back in his cage and pecked at his water and food bowls. As if to say,"I want breakfast!"

It amazes me just how smart Pip is. I knew they were smart, but I wasn't expecting this. It has only been 3 days. I know I ramble on, but I am so pleasantly surprised by Pip. I can't wait to see what he does next.

Congratulations on Pip!

Beak grinding is a sign of contentment with my guys, usually means that they're bellies are full, they're ready for a nap, they're comfy and just generally in a good state of happiness! Seems that he's settling in well! Feel free to post tons of pictures and updates! We all love that