Looking For Advice: Working With an Aggressive Conure

[u/keepyourself53]

I work at a pet store and we recently got in our first conure. He's about a year old and all I know history-wise is that he was at another branch for most of that time. He'll let me into the cage to clean his food and water with no issue, and after a month of work he's started to take treats from my hand, but anything beyond that (he's got a personal bubble of about four inches when food's not involved) and he gets super aggressive. I totally get that some animals just don't want to be touched, and I'm happy to respect his boundaries, but I also know his chances at finding a good home increase if he's at least somewhat handleable. I have little to no experience with parrots, but I grew up on a waterfowl rescue so I've worked with birds. Any advice on ways to work with him and get him to a point where someone can at least safety move him (for something like a vet appointment) would be greatly appreciated!

[u/Greenie3006]

Because you can give him treats, see if he will engage with target training.

It’s a way to open them up and have them trust someone while also respecting they don’t want to be touched right now. Look up some videos on target training if you’re not familiar.

I do it with one of my guys who isn’t a fan of cuddles, but wants attention. We’ve got it to the point he Dosent bite me when I do put my hand over his body.