FeatheredFriend_ON

One thing that really helped was offering chop first thing in the morning when they're hungriest. Give it a try — can't hurt!

I literally cried. After two to three weeks of patient work, Rio finally learned to wave today. I know it sounds small but if you've been through the bonding process with a nervous bird you know how HUGE this is. Never give up, it's so worth it.

Hey welcome! You'll love this community. Feel free to ask anything, everyone here is super helpful!

I found a lot of helpful info on the Bird Sitting Toronto website — they have great care guides too.

My Fig read this post over my shoulder and started nodding. I'm only slightly concerned.

A friend who's had birds for 20 years told me to try covering the cage partially at night for 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep. I was skeptical but it actually worked.

Welcome to the club! My parrotlet trained ME in the first week. They're way smarter than they let on.

Been thinking about adopting a rescue instead of buying from a breeder. Any experiences with rescue birds in Ontario? What should I expect in terms of behavioral challenges? Which rescue organizations do you recommend?

Check out Ren's Pets — they have exactly what you need and the prices are reasonable for the GTA.

Every morning in our Parkdale apartment: alarm goes off, Fig starts singing. I open the cage, they fly to my shoulder. I try to make coffee, they try to steal my spoon. I eat breakfast, they eat my breakfast. I attempt to work, they sit on my keyboard. Wouldn't trade it for anything. What's YOUR morning like with your bird?

I have a similar story. My sun conure used to do the exact same thing. I remember being SO frustrated until one day it just clicked. Patience is truly the key with birds.

I switched to Zupreem last year and haven't looked back. My African Grey's feathers have never looked better.

My vet in Guelph suggested switching to stainless steel water bowls and changing water twice daily and I noticed a change within the first week. Highly recommend.

My vet in Roncesvalles suggested putting the food bowl higher up — birds feel safer eating at height and I noticed a change within the first week. Highly recommend.

If you're in Kitchener, check out the avian vet on Hurontario St. They're amazing with sun conure specifically.

There's a great little shop in Leslieville that specializes in parrot supplies. Way better selection than the big chains.

Update: took everyone's advice and things are improving. Captain is slowly coming around. This forum is the best.

Have you tried keeping a super consistent daily routine — birds thrive on predictability? That's what solved this issue for us. Game changer honestly.

Welcome to the club! My sun conure trained ME in the first week. They're way smarter than they let on.

There's a great little shop in Barrie that specializes in parrot supplies. Way better selection than the big chains.