I am new with the Conure.I can tell you what I am trying with mine as he is nippy. I let him climb onto my sweater sleeve by the wrist as he bites fingers to step up. He can be aggressive.I think he's excited & trying to play more than anything. I keep a long toy in one hand while he's acting that way and get his attention on to the toy and off of biting me.That usually does the trick for awhile.He always wants to be on me,so if he's biting hard I put him on his cage and let him climb around on it,and go inside if he wants,after a few minutes we try again.He seems to be learning this way though it is taking time. Never wear a top that the bird can get inside of. Mine has tried and I block his way up the sleeves with my hand above him on the outside of it when he first tries.He's gotten the idea & rarely tries it now. He loves his fresh fruit & vegetables.So I cut it up for him before bringing him out. I hang the dish on the outside of the cage while he's out and he eats some first,then he's more calm and ready to play nice. I did not know about only petting the head.Thank you all so much for the information. I will remember that. His flight feathers are & will be kept clipped.He flies about 3 or 4 feet out at a height of about 3 ft and lands. It keeps him safer that way. The parakeets all can fly. He's the only one out of cage daily.I get him out about 30-45 minutes at a time,two to three times a day most days.But every day he is out at least half an hour to 45 minutes. In cage,I talk to him & keep him company.move his toys around,change toys so he always has something different to play with,and make sure he's cleaned out good,and can always take a bath since he likes a bath 2-3 times a day. I'm finding the happier he is,the better behaved bird he is. Spoil the bird and he seems to be less nippy. He also bites more & harder when strangers to him are around so I do not get him out when there is company in the house. Good luck with you bird. My Maurice will learn more and clam down as he gets older & learns more I hope. Meanwhile,I am just enjoying teaching him. When he bites,I do yell a weird sounding almost screech and that gets his attention and tell him NO BITES.He seems to be getting the idea.