New to parrots

[Maggief]

Hello
I'm a new owner of a black hooded conure, brought him home about a month ago and wont let me near him...how can I get him to trust me: I was told hes about 4 yrs old and neglected by his previous owner

 

[MonicaMc]

Start with setting up a treat cup inside the cage. Any time you walk by the cage slowly, drop a treat into that cup. Once he gets more comfortable with you and looks forward to your approach, you can then start working on target training *through* the cage bars. Once he'll reliably target to any location, you can then move on to target training through the open cage door and around the outside of the cage before even attempting to target train away from the cage.

Station training may also come in handy.

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, thanks for joining!

Another technique is to build trust as a basis for bonding. Parrots are not domesticated and do not naturally associate with humans. We must earn their trust incrementally. An excellent thread with tips: http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

Do you know if the neglect bordered on abuse? Parrots have long memories and such knowledge will be helpful as you overcome years of poor treatment.

Another positive method of interacting is with food. What is his diet?

 

[Flboy]

Welcome to you!

 

[LaManuka]

Welcome to you and your birdie. Does he have a name? Thank you for taking him in and giving him a chance at a better life! That you are here asking questions and reaching out is a great indicator that his life is already vastly improved

It may take some time for your conure to overcome his memories of his previous existence, but every good day and positive experience will build up in his mind, even if he doesn’t always show it.

Stick with us and keep asking questions, there are plenty of dedicated conure custodians here who will be only too happy to help you. And don’t forget to post some photos if you got ‘em!