My new conure is shy. How can I get him to like me?
Give him the time and space to adjust to his new home and be patient with him. Place his cage in a part of your house where he can be part of the daily activities of your home, yet still have some privacy. Drape a small towel over a corner of cage to create a private space to where he can retreat if he’s nervous. Let him watch you for a few days and don’t push if he doesn’t want to engage with you. Win his trust by talking sweetly and calmly to him. Approach his cage slowly and keep your eyes down – staring at a parrot can be perceived as a threat by the bird. Sit next to him and read or watch TV. Find out what his favorite foods are and reward him with healthy treats when he’s friendly. When he’s been in your home for awhile and is comfortable coming out of his cage (the length of time is less important than his comfort level), you can start engaging him more directly. Training him to step up on your hand or on a stick is the first skill you’ll want to train. The important thing is no
