New Jenday owner

[kostast17]

Hi,

I bought my Jenday Conure about 2 months ago. During the first few weeks she was super quiet, curious and adorable. Now shes being really picky. She wont stay in her cage for more than 5 mins without screaming for attention. Unfortunetly i got her use to running after her every time she screams. I replaced her cage for a slightly bigger one and got her new toys. It helped a little bit. I tried ignoring her calls and only pick her up when she isn't screaming. It doesn't seem to work well. Today she screamed for a good 30 mins none stop and i had to put her in a dark room for 15 mins for her to stop temporary. My mom is at home all day so theres me my mom plus me and my dad after work to take her out of her cage and give her attention. Shes been checked by a vet and were told shes healthy? Other than that she is super friendly, doesn't bite unless provoked and adorable. She loves to play and crawl all over my t-shirts.

Do all birds act this way? Am i doing something wrong? How long can birds stay in their cages without making a scene?

[GlassOnion]

You need to ignore her more when she's screaming. Lock her up in her cage and do about your stuff in the same room, while completely ignoring her. Teaching independence is extremely important.

It takes literally months after months after months to un-do a problem. Do not give in to her calling!

[kostast17]

Ok well what happens if i'm not around the cage? I spend most of my time in my room and my mom spends hers in the kitchen or basement. The birds cage is in the living room but it is separate with the kitchen by a wall...

[GlassOnion]

Ignore her, still. Only reward for positive behaviour.

[kostast17]

ok will do but what would be a fair interval of her getting attention and being independent? When i'm at home all day i usually try to give her about 30mins attention then 45mins alone interval all day from around 8am when i wake up and 8pm when she goes to sleep. That way she ins't too bored nor too dependent either. I read somewhere that parrots need a minimum of 3 hours a day. I know i give her more than that. When i'm not at home or working my mom is the one taking care of her then...

[GlassOnion]

Honestly, I say leave her alone for 4-6hours alone everyday. It really isn't much, and she needs to learn to be by herself for at least half a day. My birds are well accustomed to keeping themselves busy for that much time.

[kostast17]

ok its good to have an idea. thanks!