Posted by writerwife on Sun, 07/23/2006 - 00:37 :: Reducing Problem Behaviors
Hello all,
I recently purchased an adorable 12-week old greencheek conure, Charlie, who is sweet, cuddly and good-natured for the mostpart, but often resorts to fits of biting when he doesn't get what he wants (i.e, my complete, undivided attention), and sometimes seemingly out of just plain meanness (resulting in a prompt "time-out" in his cage). Knowing that he's young and loves to cuddle, I do my best to spend at least 1-2 hours with him per day. However, I'm learning that he is the happiest when I just quietly sit with him rather than walking around the house with him on my shoulder). Ultimately, I'd like him to be content not just with me doting on him, but perching on his playpen perch when he's out, or sitting on my shoulder when I do minor things around the house, but it may be too early to expect that. I understand babies do go through a nippy phase, but it's getting to the point where he's biting harder and harder and he's spending more "time outs" in his cage.
Two questions: By giving him my absolute undivided attention when he's out am I spoiling him and reinforcing that spoiled behaviour for the future? And two: What is the best way to teach a conure this age not to bite without compromising his trust and affection? Any suggestions are welcome!
LPR
I recently purchased an adorable 12-week old greencheek conure, Charlie, who is sweet, cuddly and good-natured for the mostpart, but often resorts to fits of biting when he doesn't get what he wants (i.e, my complete, undivided attention), and sometimes seemingly out of just plain meanness (resulting in a prompt "time-out" in his cage). Knowing that he's young and loves to cuddle, I do my best to spend at least 1-2 hours with him per day. However, I'm learning that he is the happiest when I just quietly sit with him rather than walking around the house with him on my shoulder). Ultimately, I'd like him to be content not just with me doting on him, but perching on his playpen perch when he's out, or sitting on my shoulder when I do minor things around the house, but it may be too early to expect that. I understand babies do go through a nippy phase, but it's getting to the point where he's biting harder and harder and he's spending more "time outs" in his cage.
Two questions: By giving him my absolute undivided attention when he's out am I spoiling him and reinforcing that spoiled behaviour for the future? And two: What is the best way to teach a conure this age not to bite without compromising his trust and affection? Any suggestions are welcome!
LPR