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Birds--General/My sun conure's ability to trust
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Question
I have had my conure for about five weeks, and we adore him. He loves for us to take him out of his cage. He sets on my shoulder while washing the dishes or anything. He kisses and cleans our hair or face but he will not let us touch or stroke his back. He will sqwack and move away. Why is this, he seems nervous but at the same time he seems to love us. By the way his name is Clyde and us is my husband and two sons.
Hi, Treynolds. Thanks for posting.
Most likely, your conure doesn't like you touching or stroking his back due to instinct. In the wild when a predator wants to grab a bird, it lands on or grabs the bird from/by it's back. Also, a bird's wings are it's only way of fleeing from danger. A lot of parrots don't want this only means of escape hampered by human's hands preventing them from beng able to flap their wings and, thus, getting away. Lots of tame parrots don't like their humans messing with their backs...this is normal parrot behavior. You can gain your conure's trust, however, by touching/stroking it's back when it will allow you to do so in order to show s/he that you mean s/he no harm. Don't force it, but use certain situations to your advantage. In other words, when your conure is enjoying it's time on your shoulder, every now and again try touching/stroking it's back. He'll eventually learn to trust you. It's only been 5 weeks, so give it some time.
Chrys
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Answers by Expert:
Chrys Meatyard
Expertise
I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.
Experience
Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.
Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.
Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.
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