Neglected Green Cheek Conure

[cindy]

hi,
I just got a one year old green cheek conure. He was parent raised and no one interacted with him. He will eat out of my hand (cautiously) but won't let me touch him or get too close. Any suggestions on how to proceed with getting him used to me so he will allow me to touch him and teach him how to step up. Oh, he also has his flight feathers so he flies away when scared.

[pennyandrocky]

hi, i've had my greencheek for 3yrs he's 5 now. he prefers to do the touching. greencheeks are very friendly anytime i'm upset he'll snuggle into my eye. if i hold my hand out with my fingers curled he'll squeeze in and allow me to pet top of his wing with my thumb but if i try to touch him any other way he flies off. he also likes when i wear a loose top so he can burrow through it.

[cindy]

Thanks. I'll try to let him do the touching. How did you get him to step up? The main reason I wanted to learn how to touch him is to get him in and out of the cage.

[pennyandrocky]

hi, to get them to step up you put your fingers up to the belly. i'm having this problem with my cockatoo, she will not step up unless she's trying to get from my lap to the back of the couch. i use different methods than anyone i give total freedom and let them come to me. up til last night my cockatoo even slept outside her cage.last night i felt she was ready to sleep caged so i used favorite treat to get her in.

[Shelby]

Hi there! Read Michael's Taming Article. It will answer your questions on touching, stepping up and getting out of the cage.

[liz]

If he eats out of your hand he will soon be walking on your hand. Your progress looks good.