Nanday Conure

[gabner85]

I recently got a Nanday Conure named Gonzo...He is 2 years old. When I bought him his previous owner had him in a cage that is about 12inx18in. I got a much larger cage and moved all his toys into it as well as some new perches. Since the move he has been very cage aggressive and refuses to come out of the new cage. I am wondering if he just really likes the new cage or what! ANy ideas would be great. Thanks !! :

[furf]

Welcome and I just got 2 Nanday's on Saturday. One's name is Gonzo. How long have you had Gonzo? I am not sure why he is so aggressive but Maggie is super aggressive inside the cage right now. So I am not sure what to tell you about that.

[gabbagabbawill]

My sun conure had some cage aggression issues that had to be worked out early on... He wouldn't let me pick him up inside his cage... I don't blame him, I wouldn't want to be chased about my home either...

I taught him to come out of his cage and step up for a treat. If he didn't come out, I'll just walk away and come back in a few seconds or minutes, depending on how well he wanted to cooperate. Eventually, when I would come to the cage door bearing treats he was eager to come out and "step up".

He has gotten to where he will come out if I just ask him to, but every once in a while he'll hold out until the treats appear... Because of this, I try to give him a treat every time now if I can.

If this doesn't work and your bird is too cage aggressive, it may be time to start target training for treats with him in the cage, and you outside the cage. Eventually you'll be able to turn this into a cue to come out of the cage, and step up as I described earlier. If you're not familiar with target training, do a search on these forums and on Michael's site. He has a good video or two about it.

I really hope you figure something out. I understand how frustrating it can be for you and the bird both if you haven't gone through basic training yet.