new conure owner......eeeek

[kaffy]

Hello everybody
My name is Kath and 3 days ago I became the proud owner of an 8 month old green cheeked conure. I haven't ever had a bird before so I am a total amateur at all of this. I fell for her and after learning she'd been at the garden centre since being a chick I couldn't go home without her. She was originally very very shy but today came over and took a piece of apple from between the bars from my fingers. I was very chuffed! I am basically asking for lots of help. I want to get it right with Tilly. How can I hand tame her? She is sat on the bottom of her cage just watching me typing this! This is the closest she can get to me without being out of her cage so thats encouraging isnt it? Any advice you can give about pretty much everything will be gratefully and thankfully received.xx

 

[weco]

Actually, just sitting with them, talking to them and announcing your intentions (i.e., I'm going *** and when you return, hi ***, I'm back...even when you're just going to another room or down the hall, will help with separation/anxiety screaming.....

The trust will come, once the bird realizes you're not going to beat it or eat it.....being a slave to a parrot is as much about common sense as it is learning specifics of a specie.....keep an open mind and if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.....unless a veterinarian prescribes supplements for your bird and your bird eats a decent, varied diet, just pass up the supplements section, your bird should not need them.....same with bird bath/feather solutions.....just giving him/her a large bowl of cool/cold water (my birds even like ice cubes in their bath water).....

Until you feel more comfortable, ask your questions & someone will post a reply or two.....you can probably find answers to most all of your questions in the archives.....

Good luck.....

 

[Julianna]

Congrats on your new bird! Like Weco said, as far as taming goes, you just have to be patient and spend lots of time with Tilly. It will come slowly, but eventually she'll learn to trust you. Give her treats out of your hand if she'll take them, and you can eventually use these to coax her onto your hands. Bonding takes time, so I think the best advice I can give is to be patient.