Ask Lafeber

conure troubles with affection

My green cheek conure used to always be affectionate towards me, and now he’s not. I’ve raised him since he was 36 days and this year he’s turning three, so I can tell he is definitely a very affectionate bird and especially towards me, his owner. But in October 2022 he started to fear my hands, my guess is that since I’m the one who’s been clipping his talons up till now, I am going to take him to a vet to get his talons clipped the coming weekend, but I’m also not certain that would fix anything. Since he started to have this sudden fear, I haven’t been able to get him to let me scritch him, or anything. He will occasionally nibble my hand lightly, but no more.

Hi,

It’s very likely he lost some trust because of you grooming him. Since parrots are prey animals, they are sensitive about being restrained. The best thing to do is keep being patient with him, talk to him and entice him to approach you. Offer treats from your hand but let him come to you.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda