Sid and Michael the Bird

[MichaelTheBird]

Hi everyone!
I’m Sid, and have recently acquired a sun conure from the passing of my father. I’m here to try and be the best bird parent I can to a little fellow that frankly, doesn’t like me very much .

 

[Terry57]

Hello and welcome to the forum!
I'm so sorry for the loss of your Father.

How old is your conure? I'm sure he is missing your Dad as well and it may take awhile for him to settle in.
I'm happy you joined us.

 

[clark_conure]

welcome! I responded to your other thread my advice on the birds fears.

I hope you get some good conure help here besides my advice....

 

[Scott]

Welcome Sid, my deepest condolences for the loss of your father.

Did you have much of a relationship with Michael prior to acquiring him? It is possible he is also grieving while adapting to a new home.

Some tips to better bond and develop trust: http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

 

[Laurasea]

Hi Sid,
You are on the road to becoming the best birdie parront just by joining posting and reading.
I'm sorry for your loss, and for Michael loss too. He has his own sense of loss to process, plus all the changes of learning to be with you.
It is way to soon to say he doesn't like you....
When I rescued my Quaker Penny, she was a screaming nervous angry mess, and her first word to me were the curse F.. off....... Today she is such a sweet old lady bird, full of humor. But she does not deal with change , any change freaks her out.
So I feel you are dealing with an emotional being with a lot going on.
My advice is first thing in the morning when you wake up, go right to the bird to say hello and good morning. Morning seems to be very important to birds!!! They want to know you survived the night, and reafirm your bonds with the flock. If I sleep in five minutes by birds are sure I've moved out , so if I just go say hi and fuss over them I'm able to snatch an extra half hour.
Anyway best of luck , glad you joined, I'm sure the good people here will have lots to share

 

[MichaelTheBird]

To answer a few questions at once, I did not know the bird at all prior to my father's passing. I honestly was not even aware that he had the bird until I arrived to clean the house. My father was very sick and not completely in his right mind, so I have no clue what kind of treatment the bird is used to, but he does seem to say a few words (although poorly) and he does whistle at me, so at least he has had some interaction before. I do know that he was alone in the home for a few days until my father's passing was realized, so I'm sure he has been thru a lot. I have no clue how old he is, but I do know my father has had him for around 6 months based on bank statements.

 

[Laurasea]

Wow Sid!!!
That's enough to traumatize Micheal!!! Left for days covered , with his human passed, then all the new people coming and going, be moved to a new place and meeting you. My heart goes out to both of you!!!!! The fact that he is even eating and making noise and moving around is great news. You need to think of him as a four year old child and picture that child going through that!!! Keep that in your mind and heart as you guys work on trust and bonding. Birds greive, there are science papers that say it can take six months for them to work through loss.
Not nearly the same thing, ....but my green cheek conure lost her cage mate they she was very bonded too my green cheek conure Burt The Bird. She greived hard, didn't move , barely ate, just stared off into space. I spent a lot of time just sitting next to her cage and talking to her. Took two weeks before I left as sure she just wouldn't die if greif herself, abd a vet work up to make sure it was just depression and not illness..,
My heat goes out to you both

 

[MichaelTheBird]

Thankfully he is eating and is VERY vocal. If I am in the kitchen or out of the room, he will venture out of his cage and play and sing and dance, but as soon as I enter the room, he is right back in his cage.

 

[Laurasea]

Sounds like a great parrot! With a great spirit. It will take time to earn trust and bond, keep working on it, sounds like a wonderful soul lives in your new friend!

 

[Laurasea]

Before I sign off for the night, I just wanted to say , it seems despite what ever circumstances where goin on. You and your father both shared a love of Parrots. I see Micheal as a gift to you, a shared love, a connection, maybe healing. I see an interconnectedness....
Your story has touched me, and I hope to keep reading in the months to come of your progress and joy in each other's company.

 

[MichaelTheBird]

I'm sure I will be a frequent poster and reader here. I hope to have many happy updates for everyone on Michael's progress.

 

[GaleriaGila]

I am instantly and completely enchanted with you and Michael. Your self-introduction and later posts are just so frank and guileless and just full of... openness? Hope? I'm really glad you found us.

I will look forward to following your journey.

 

[MichaelTheBird]

I hope to have much better stories for you all about Michael for a long time to come. Hopefully he will like the new treats and slowly decide I'm not so bad after all!

 

[Flboy]

Welcome! So sorry for your loss! The little guy sounds amazing!