New Sun Conure... Need some advice

[Bsamps]

Hi folks

I adopted a sun conure today. Not sure how old it is but I'm wondering if I should take him in for a vet visit. I got him out of one of my rental properties. It's owner abandoned him, so I brought him home. He seems very friendly. In fact, he doesn't want to go back in his cage. I suppose I can ask someone at the pet store on what to feed him but, I thought this would be a great place to get some info. Any pointers, or helpful information would be greatly appreciated. I know that I could spend some time browsing through this site but, if someone could point me in the right direction, that would be great.


Thanks!

 

[SilverSage]

Welcome!

Yes, please take him to a certified avian vet right away, and get at least a well birds exam WITH GRAM STAIN. Birds are very good at hiding illness.

Did he have food with him when he was found? What a terrible situation! I feed a fresh based diet, but many people feed a pellet based diet. Seed based diets are very unhealthy for conures.

Best of luck!

 

[Flboy]

Zupreem pellets are a good starting point, the vet should have Harrison, which is high quality. You should be able to figure out what he was eating, unless it was seeds. You do NOT want those bags of seeds labeled, conure mix! Places like Walmart have nothing, at least around here!

 

[Bsamps]

Thanks. When I picked him up, there wasn't much water in his cage... Cloudy, dirty water at best. From what I could tell, there was some dried up apples, bananas and grapes in the bottom of the cage. An empty bag of Nutri-berries was laying on the floor next to the cage. I covered the cage last night and he was quiet all night. He seem to hang out at the top of the cage. Not as friendly this morning as he was last night... At least not right away. I woke up at 6am and all he wanted to do was ruffle through his feathers. I assume that he was grooming himself. After about an hour of that, he seemed like he wanted some attention. I cut up some apple and banana, which he ate rather quickly.

I'm heading out to the pet store today to pick up some food and toys. After that I plan on finding a vet to take him to.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

First off, congrats on your new addition and a personal thanks for not only removing your new conure from an abusive situation but also for providing a better one.

Secondly, it is always ideal to schedule a vet visit within the first 30 days of acquiring a new bird. Not only does it give you a better idea of how their previous owner cared for him but also some good suggestions on bettering the quality of your new bird's life.

Thirdly, I am glad to hear he/she is friendly. That will make adapting to him MUCH easier since you won't likely have to 're-train' him.

I feed my birds Harrisons' organic but there are others that use the Zupreem as well as other healthy alternatives. If I could just suggest one thing, when you get your birds new food AVOID any 'non-pet' store (Walmart, grocery store) and stick with a food brand and pet store with a good reputation.

PS: If you ever happen to find his previous owner, give him/her a smack for me! Not just a little slap, feel free to go for their jaw.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

Side note, when you get the 'new food' keep an eye on him/her to make sure they are eating the new food. Some birds can be VERY finicky.

Also, it's not uncommon for a sun conure to be a bit grumpy in the morning. Same with humans.

 

[Bsamps]

Thanks for the info. If I could track down the previous owner, I would certainly knock him out. I hate animal abuse!

I did go to a name brand pet store. I picked up some nutri-berries. He seems to like those a lot, and the people at the store said it was a good choice. I will look in to an organic food for him at some other time.

Visit to the vet is scheduled for this Friday.

Thanks again for the help. I certainly can use all of it I can get.

 

[Flboy]

Nutri-berries are a good start, pet shop should also have Zupreem fruit blend, yes, a lot of criticism over the dye used, but your immediate concern is to bond and get the baby to eat! A lot of birds tend to take to this blend.
Remember to start saving for the blender, food processor, dehydrator, extra freezer/fridge, and walk in cage. Bigger the cage the better, it is for you! Your new baby will be happy with the rest of the house! Kidding- somewhat!
If all goes well, you will discover these 'pets' are far from that, they are a very trusting companion that goes deeper that human relationships!