New Conure and settling in

[koizma]

So I've had some experience with smaller parrots when I was much younger ( love birds, budgies and cocktiels ) and have recently adopted a Pineapple Conure. She's literally been a dream, no biting, rarely screaming, affectionate and overall well mannered. I got very lucky with this little gal and have been trying to do everything right (vet checkups, toys, foraging). My question pertains to when is it best to start training? It's been about 2 months now and she adores me but is by no means antisocial to others, and the only time she is really in a fluster is when I leave. By what I know I think shes comfortable, she doesn't really get upset with anything and hasn't had any negative reactions to anything in particular. She doesn't play with her toys, or adventure around much. Is this typical? Should I wait before initiating any real training? Shes more than content to just sit on her play stand and chatter with me rather than all the toys I've boughten for her! I don't want to rush anything, but I feel like this girl is moving fast!

I forgot to mention that she does step up quite wonderfully!

[marie83]

Well teach things like step up and target. This will build your foundation for later on.
You may need to teach her how to play with her toys, we had to teach Ollie as all he wanted was cuddles. Play with them yourself in front of her and hide treats in them to grab her interest. You will be able to leave the treats most of the time once she has learned to play.

[koizma]

Yeah I've found that in order to get her to eat something new I have to eat it infront of her. This worked with black berrys and blue berries, vegetables not so much though. I'm also concerned with proper reinforcement, how to give her treats properly and what counts as treats. I've been using almonds and baby cookies ( I forget what they're called, slightly sweet for very young children) as she seems to quite enjoy them! Spray millet as well, but more rarely.

[JacobBird]

Yeah. Teach her target training first. Just don't force her, if he doesn't want to cooperate, try next time. Take things slowly (: Jacob doesn't really likes toys but he likes it when I hide treats inside the toys.

[koizma]

I've started playing the blinking game with her after looking up what it really means ( it's similar to chinchillas in that you're saying you're not a threat and that the animal is safe ). After around a day of this she seems even more attached and comfortable, she's now wandering and constantly chattering and running about my while I'm studying. She is now less fearful of my hand and more and more often is presenting her neck to be scratched, I've lucked out tenfold! I figure once I can schedule consistent time that I will begin stick training her and work on come and stay as she already knows step up.