You mention that he's nearly two years old, but how long have you had him?
How long has he been doing this screaming? Is it something that began relatively recently (days, weeks ago)?
Conures, like most other parrots, are exceptionally loud - in their native habitat those remarkable screams have been known to frighten away some pretty imposing predators.
I hope to be able to help you with your little-big mouth so whatever info you can offer that lead up to this behavior will be great.
Thanks for the info. If you can think of anything new that might have happened in the home in the past 2-3 weeks, please add it at any time. This would include something as passive as buying a new piece of furniture or sending someone off to school.
If we can't associate this with something specific, it could have begun as an innocent reaction he had to something only he will ever know. What has kept it going is your reaction to it.
It could also be something as simple as he's learned how to make you interact with him. He screams, you react. He's taught you a new trick and he likes it. Even if you're upset, yelling at him or waving your arms in the air - input is input and all of these things can be perceived as pretty good stuff by a bird.
After all, his screaming is probably not much different than your yelling, right?
Before approaching this as a behavioral problem though, I must urge you to have him seen by his vet for a full physical. Whenever any of my birds show any sort of change in behavior - I feel the exam is well worth the peace of mind. Keep in mind that birds are masters at hiding things so by the time you see a symptom it's probably much further along than you imagine.
Once any physical cause is ruled out, when he starts his demands, even if it's time to take him out and play, turn away instead. Stop everything and be very quiet. Mute the t.v. - no talking. Silence. The moment he stops long enough to take a breath, turn back toward him and praise him, move to pick him up - even if for only a few minutes .
Turning away from them and being quiet is a meaningful form of letting them know they've done something unacceptable. Ignoring and being quiet to a bird is discipline.
Never, ever hitting, swatting or yelling. These actions are counterproductive - they actually encourage aggressive and screaming behavior.
It really shouldn't take very long to get this back under control. I've been able to modify this type of behavior in long term problem birds in 8 days. So hang in there and I'll hang in with you ok?
Check here for more step by step instructions under 'screaming, biting bird'
www.4AnimalCare.org/birds
And check back, let me know how it's going
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