Yoshi_Conure
New member
- Dec 4, 2022
- 1
- 0
- Parrots
- 1 Green Cheek Conure
Hello! I recently adopted a Green Cheeked conure and was looking for advice on reducing biting?
Background: I work at a veterinary clinic for dogs and cats (Though my boss, one of the doctors, has experience with birds) and someone had dropped a green cheeked conure off after finding it at a construction site in bad condition. He stayed at the hospital as we took care of him, and after regaining some weight and energy, he became very friendly. We kept him for a few weeks and made some posts online, but no possible owner came forward, so I recently adopted him.
Due to the circumstances, we do not know his exact age- though the doctor thought he was pretty young. Also, his wings are not clipped- he can fly whenever he wants.
After some time to adjust to the new environment (about 3 days), he was great the first day or so of taking him out. He begged for head scratches, I started target training (Just giving a treat when he touched a stick) and everything was going great.
The past two days though, he's been getting bitey. I do not think its in a fearful or aggressive way- he bobs his head up and down and playfully comes toward me like he wants to be picked up, then bites my hand. other times, he will be on my shoulder happily preening himself or playing with my hair, then suddenly bite my ear...
His cage is pretty big for a bird of his size, with plenty of perches and toys... though I have noticed he spends alot of time clinging to the bars instead of using any perches.
What can I do to reduce the biting? What do you think is causing it? Is he stressed? Should I leave him in his cage without bothering him for a few days?
Background: I work at a veterinary clinic for dogs and cats (Though my boss, one of the doctors, has experience with birds) and someone had dropped a green cheeked conure off after finding it at a construction site in bad condition. He stayed at the hospital as we took care of him, and after regaining some weight and energy, he became very friendly. We kept him for a few weeks and made some posts online, but no possible owner came forward, so I recently adopted him.
Due to the circumstances, we do not know his exact age- though the doctor thought he was pretty young. Also, his wings are not clipped- he can fly whenever he wants.
After some time to adjust to the new environment (about 3 days), he was great the first day or so of taking him out. He begged for head scratches, I started target training (Just giving a treat when he touched a stick) and everything was going great.
The past two days though, he's been getting bitey. I do not think its in a fearful or aggressive way- he bobs his head up and down and playfully comes toward me like he wants to be picked up, then bites my hand. other times, he will be on my shoulder happily preening himself or playing with my hair, then suddenly bite my ear...
His cage is pretty big for a bird of his size, with plenty of perches and toys... though I have noticed he spends alot of time clinging to the bars instead of using any perches.
What can I do to reduce the biting? What do you think is causing it? Is he stressed? Should I leave him in his cage without bothering him for a few days?