My Sun conure is scared of me

[stephandalfredo]

Hello Everyone,
I was hoping someone can give me some words of encouragement. I recently bought a Sun Conure from a breeder who claimed he hand fed and tamed the birds. I should have realized he was lying the birds kept biting him. -___- but on the bright side, I was able to save my bird from him. Anyways, I've had Alfredo for 3 weeks now and he has yet to let me hold him or pet him. He charges me with beak wide open. I've been putting my hand on the cage, inside the cage, and trying to get close to him. Nothing is working. Some days he is extra bity. I think I messed up. The first week I got him, I was not expecting him to be so afraid of us. It hadn't settled in my mind that he wasn't in the best care. So i grabbed him and was bitten hard 6 times! I bled. But then I realized after another week that I should only push him to his limits not mine. He doesn't know me, so I can't force him. So since last Sunday, I have been taking him where ever I go in the house. He sleeps in his cage in my room, if I am in the living room his cage is there and I'll let him out, he'll climb to the top. And if I am doing dishes then he's there too. I had a GCC before, but he had passed away. I kept thinking of him and how easy it was with him. I'm like new again. So please any advice to help my bird trust me and want to be with me would be great. I've seen the love these birds can give and I crave it, but I am also aware of the work. I just want an outline on what to expect. Also, he has some change in poop and urine. Its like a burgundy color idk if I should be worried. I noticed that his food has red in it so I wasn't sure if it was the food or something worse.

Thanks everyone <3

 

[Flboy]

Hi, welcome! Others will chime in.

 

[ruffledfeathers]

You are right to take it at his pace. He has to be comfortable in his new house and just observing his new routine. When I first got Gilbert I kept our interactions fairly short and frequent, with always something positive. I show up, he gets attention, treat, then before he gets too stressed, he is back in his cage. Then I come back over, different kind of treat, pay attention a little bit, then let him chill. I wanted to hopefully associate my presence with "hey, good things are about to happen!" rather than "she is kind of freaking me out!"


They are so smart and social that I don't think your rough start will ruin your relationship. Just start over and he will learn that you are on his side.


If you are worried about his droppings you can take one to a vet with him, but if you think it is likely his diet, maybe take the red food away and just give the rest of what he eats minus whatever is red (red pellets in a fruit mix maybe?)


Some birds are just more fearful or apprehensive by nature. My sun conure was. For her whole life she approached even new toys with suspicion. But then she realized it was all good and she would calm down.


Does your bird step up yet? If not, that would be the first thing I would work on training once he seems comfortable with you.