I just bought a baby crimson bellied conure help me!!?

Question

can someone please answer my question...i have a baby conure, preening in the cage next to me. i am a first time bird owner. i have never owned a bird before. and i am extremely nervous! he will let me scratch his head and will climb onto my finger but he still nips and twists my skin with his beak. is he just scared? should i leave him alone for a couple days while he gets used to his cage?? i dont know what to do. can u help please

Answer 1

It's like a puppy, he's nervous and a bit scared.  I'd hold him and scratch his head for short periods, like just a minute or two, and reward him with a sunflower seed when he doesn't bite.  Do that two or three times a day, and gradually increase how long you hold him and as he gets more comfortable, increase frequency.  Like a puppy, reinforce good behavior with the treat.  Before long you'll be bringing him in the shower with you.  That's always fun for both of you.

Answer 2

He's probably still getting used to the new transition. You should try doing some reserahc about conure's so that you can better understand their needs. Birds will often bite when they're in a bad mood or when they're scared. Just learn as much as you can about the little guy and I'm sure you'll be the perfect pet owner :) I have a double yellow headed amazon so I don't know a whole lot about conure's. But I know with my bird he let's you know when he doesn't want to be handled because he'll act really rammy and pin-point his eyes and flash his tail - that's a sure sign that you'll get bitten! Also be careful with scented candles, air fresheners and perfumes as these strong smells can be toxic to birds.

Answer 3

A newly weaned baby parrot can be 'mouthy' or nippy, especially conures.  They use their beak as a third foot, trying to taste and explore things around them and also use it to climb.  It doesn't sound like he is biting you out of anger.  When you get him out of his cage, hold a toy in your hand and give it to him if he nips you, show him it's okay to nip the toy but not you.  Don't shout at him, be very calm when you're around him as baby parrots love drama.  You don't want to teach him that biting means he gets more attention from you.  Another thing to try if he nips, is to blow on him gently. This startles the bird a little and usually gets them to stop.  At this point, give him a toy to chew on.  Good luck!  They are beautiful birds.

Answer 4

yes, you should always leave caged animals alone for the first couple of days. and dont try to grab em either, let him come to you, it will take some time though.

Answer 5

These types of birds bond to their owner. It takes quite a while. And it takes a lot of patience. You have to earn it's trust. The bird is in a completely new environment and completely new surroundings. It won't take days. It'll take weeks. Maybe a few months.  It'll take a few bites. Also, keep in mind you must give them attention EVERY single day! Birds are very social. If you don't give them the attention they need, they will get depressed, get sick and can be fatal to them. A bird of this kind now is a part of the family, not a pet! They must have mental stimulation. Mine has her own TV if I won't be home all day.

Also, when he is on your hand, don't reach out to touch him. Be very slow, eventually he'll let you. Also, his cage is his home, he will protect it. Some birds are great out of the cage, but when they are inside their cage, they tend to be very defensive.

Good Luck and have patience!