The girl I'm dating is bringing her 2 Sun Conures over

[BirdsEyeView311]

The girl I'm dating has 2 beautiful Sun Conure parrots (both male) and she plans on bringing them over. What is the best way for me to greet them and make sure that they like me and that I do not pose a threat etc.? They are very close with her...and very protective. Any advice is appreciated!

 

[itzjbean]

Are they harness trained, or is she bringing them over in a cage of some sort? Will they be allowed free roam of the house or will they be kept in the cage? Have you met them before?

What comes to my mind first is....

1.) Try to meet the two of them in a neutral environment -- not her house or yours. If they are comfortable on a harness outside, or in a cage in a location that is not their home, it may help.

2.) What treats are their favorite? Bribes using treats always seems to help them warm up to strangers.

3.) Realize that suns are LOUD and they will likely voice their concern/jealously for your girlfriend when you are around.

4. ) Try to make every single interaction with them a positive one! Never yell, scream or get angry at them for being birds.

 

[DoubleTake]

I would see how they are when they first see you. If they seem calm, be sure to include them with whatever you two are doing. I would maybe try to project an positive excited vibe like you are excited to see them. They can sense if you are uneasy or nervous. My two sun conures love visors for some reason and will try to hang out on new people all day if they are in my home.

 

[Squeekmouse]

1. Approach them slowly and gently, don't grab them.
2. If your ladyfriend says it's ok to hold them, offer your fingers/forearm but don't force it if they aren't interested.

3. If she places the bird on you, try not to make fast motions, loud noises, or fuss with the bird too much. Let them get comfortable on their own terms.

4. Offer treats!!!! (As your lady what they like, slivered almonds, salt free, are my conure's favorite thing.)
5. ...and perhaps most importantly, EXPECT THEY WILL BITE YOU. When they do, don't freak out. Remain calm, don't yell, don't blame the bird. The little guy is a fraction of your size and that's the only way he has of telling you he's not happy with whatever is happening.

 

[JulieWebb]

You can also ask your girl to tell you if there are some specific things about her parrots, is there anything that makes them particularly angry or happy or sad.
Have in mind that us people talk to communicate, birds have various sound to express their likes and dislikes, so do your best to try to understand what they are trying to tell you! Like I said, your girl will help you!
Be relaxed and confident, and do not push things! It surely takes time, but what you get in return is precious, friendship with two cute birds!

 

[noodles123]

I can't answer this without more info on the birds, but my gut instincts say "special" snacks and avoid smothering your girlfriend with affection in front of them until you and the birds have bonded a bit----this might be totally wrong though..Not saying to never get the bird used to it, but my thoughts are that you don't want to look like a threat from day 1...maybe I am wrong.


No matter what happens, remember that TIME is key. If they hate you, it could take days, months or years, but usually, given the right scenario, they will at least tolerate others and even bond with them.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Good ideas above!

And good for YOU for being a very promising domestic partner!

 

[itchyfeet]

Good ideas above!

And good for YOU for being a very promising domestic partner!

Yeah, my thoughts exactly.....date me?

(Jokes. Married. But you seem a winner.)

 

[bingbing]

I heavily recommend not eating any other types of bird in front of them until you know they like you. If you are cooking that night eat beef