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I am new to the bird world so forgive me if I sound...not so bright. I brought home a yellow sided green cheek about a month ago. He was hatched in May, so he's fairly young, but I am not his first owner. I new that because I did not buy from a breeder & opted to buy a "2nd hand" bird that things would be a little different. But this is the route I chose for basically 2 reasons. First, anytime I can take an animal that hasn't had the best circumstances & offer him/her a good home, I prefer to do that. And second, I actually kind of like the challenge that goes with training an animal & helping them to overcome negetive behavior. I have several pets that I've done this with & have had really good results. So his previous owner was some one who had brought home a cute new pet without really understanding what that entailed. They were afraid of him & freaked out anytime he bit them & basically let him do as he pleased. When I brought him home he was a terrible biter. It was basically nonstop. After keeping an eye on him, I decided that his biting was not fear based, it was more about control. He had a certain response that he was looking for, so I took away his response. When he bit me, I ignored it and continued doing whatever it was that I had set out to do. Once the response was gone, the biting nearly disapeared. Now he bites only occasionally which I attribute to "water testing". I think that he's just checking to see if the rules are still in play. Anyway, it's been about a month now and he is doing really well. He seems comfortable in his home. He's used to our routine. He likes being out with my husband and I and enjoys being held. Right now what I'm trying to do is determine what characteristics are truly his personality & what things might still be him trying to adjust & bond with us. I know that many conures are noted as being pretty affectionate & cuddly. He is not. As I said before, he likes to be with us & wants our attention & wants to be held, but he still deffinately wants his own space. Those of you who have kept conures.... how long did it take for your bird to really bond with you and get to the point where you really knew they felt at ease with you?

Those who're familiar with conures will be along soon, I'm sure, and let me say forthrightly that I'm not one of them. Alas but true. I've had -- and have -- many others though and am moved to reply. You might get ANY replies, all across the board in terms of how other conures have responded. But that doesn't necessarily tell you how Gus will respond. So please don't be discouraged. Many of my birds -- both rehomed and just-weaned -- have been affectionate from the get go. Others in both camps have needed some time to become trusting enough to show affection. And others are wonderful birds whose displays of affection are relatively rare and a matter of definition.

Let Gus blossom into the bird he wants to be, accept him for who he is, and marvel at how blessed you are to have the relationship you do, no matter what it is. If he remains aloof and you crave affection, we can help you select another bird who'll be likely to give you the affection you want while being a pal to Gus. Regardless, you and Gus are very lucky to have each other. Many of us have birds we've never touched in long years, and yet we love them and feel they love us. It's a matter of expectation and respect. Look to Gus for how he wants to relate to you and be grateful for the experience he offers you.

Paca

Please don't misunderstand, I'm not complaining. For the short time that I've had him, we have a good relationship. As I said, he wants to be held & played with. That's o.k. with me. He doesn't have to be super affectionate to make me happy. I guess I'm just looking for a measuring stick. I'm really just looking for a way to guage his comfort level. I want to make sure that he's adjusting alright and that there isn't something that's making him feel insecure. Hopefully that makes sense.

Lorie, first of all, I want to say that I always admire those who adopt a second-hand bird, because it is often not easy.

You did a fanastic thing by giving him a loving home. Who knows how much affection he was getting from a previous owner, probably not much. Maybe he does not even know how to be affectionate, how to give little conure kisses, nudge your neck with his beak, cuddle in your hair, etc.

With patience, maybe in several months, I think he will turn into an adorable and loving green-cheek. He probably needs to be tought how to be affectionate. I'd say work with him on daily basis, at least 3 x / day, 15 mins each session unless he gets bored sooner. Make those session fun for him so that he can't wait to play with you.

I wish I could help more. I am not an expert in parrot behavior... yet

Good luck!

Some birds adjust right away and others can take months or even years to bond.You have the right attitude and patience. Just keep on doing what you are doing. It seems to be working for you.

All my birds are 'second hand ' Most adapted quickly but Sinbad and Tucson took 2 years.

Yogi

I just wanted to thank you all for your input & advice. It's been about 2 months now since I first brought Gus home & he is like a completely different bird! My husband & I spend a lot of time with him which I'm sure sped the process up. He has really gained confidence & is so much more well behaved. He has stopped biting (even when I put him back in his cage, which is when he was the worst about it) and he is so much more affectionate & interactive. He happly rides on my shoulder & burries himself in my hair. He's a lot more vocal and has created a few little games he likes to play with us. You can just really tell that he's comfortable & happy (which is what I wanted). He's not the least bit shy about making himself the center of things! We're so thrilled with him! Thanks again!

Off topic, but want to give a shout out to Yogi. I too am from Western New York (Buffalo), have a WC Pionus and a BFA named Yogi...

Hi right back at you, Chris . Im in Pendleton between Niagara Falls and Lockport----Yogi

PS I've had the nic Yogi for many ,many moons. It's nice to run into a namesake . Maybe I am also 'for the birds"

Chrism and Yogi, I am in Buffalo area too

Cool. Have you ever been to Hobo's Parrot-dise in clarence? It is a bird store my friend owns. I used to work for Steve's Pets in Williamsville before he began selling dogs. His focus used to be birds. They both sell my toys.

chrism wrote:Cool. Have you ever been to Hobo's Parrot-dise in clarence? It is a bird store my friend owns. I used to work for Steve's Pets in Williamsville before he began selling dogs. His focus used to be birds. They both sell my toys.

Sure I have been to Hobo's. I bought 3 handfed parrots there, including our dusky conure It's my fav local pet store. I only wish their prices were a bit lower, but oh well. I'd rather pay more and have a great fid.

Awww, no wonder I thought some of your toys looked familiar. I must have seen those foot toys there

Steve's is selling dogs now???! I did not know. I was there probably half a year ago but did not like the conditions their birds were in plus the selection was rather poor.

Great to hear from a neighbor.