Weird African Grey - Help Please

Hello. Me and my family have owned 4 African greys. The last one was a genius in talking, acting dancing... unfortunately he flew away and my mom entered a depression.

My dad bought a new parrot, while i was studiying abroad.

I come back after 2 years, to find a parrot with strange behavior. I will list down below the different things that make him so different than any parrot we have owned, hoping you can help me tame this creature

1. He has removed most of his feathers one cold winter when my parents took him inside. And has remained like this from ever since. The only place where you can see full feathers is on his head because he can't reach them. The tail, the wings, the torse, the back are feather-less. As soon as a new feather grows out of his tail, he takes it out. Its funny he looks like a chicken.

2. His cage is on the balcony. As soon as someone steps on the balcony he starts screaming like crazy. We had parrots before who've done it. But for 2 years ??? He even watches the movements of each person. And when someone makes a movement he screams.
(I have to say he's a little bit more friendly towards females)

Its true that my father smacks his cage from time to time when hes watering the plants in the morning and the bird is screaming like somebody's killing him. I have been around him for 3 months, never did I smack his cage and he still yells at me.

Just to be clear we open his cage from the top almost daily and he gets out and hangs out on top of it. He could easily fly away from the balcony...but he has no wings to do so.

3. He doesn't eat any fresh vegetables or fruits. Sweet corn and its juice and supposed to be a treat for greys. But not for this guy. Strawberries, Kiwi, Apples, Plums.... are out of the question. He only eats one kind of nuts: the Peanuts in their shell, dried (and not toasted) - and Sunflower Seeds. Plus he doesnt drink lots of water.

I tried to cut the sunflower seeds for 2 weeks to see if something would change. He seemed to let his feathers frow a little bit (but not so much)

4. When we are around he doesnt make any sound. But when leave him alone he does bird sounds. A couple of times i heard him trying to say some words i always tell him. When i go back and repeat them, he yells at me and doesnt repeat the words.

I can sense the bird is not happy at all and isnt trying to make friends with any of us. I want to approach him and make life easier and more enjoyable for all of us. This is why I'm posting this thread hoping to get some advice and tips from some of you concerning the 4 points.

Thanks in advance

Well, the first thing I would suggest is toys. Parrots get bored, and enjoy toys that they can chew on, forage, and just have fun with. My birds love the plastic chain toys, as well as bells and wooden ones that they destroy.

They also make toys designed for overpreeners and pluckers. Give My Safe Bird Store | Discounted Bird Products | BIRD FREE ENVIRONMENT| Free Shipping Available a look.

I would so recommend a trip to the vet. Sometimes plucking is caused by something else, so that would help rule out diseases as the root cause. I have a feeling this bird may be plucking due to high stress and being frightened. Is there anywhere else he an be kept? something on the balcony has scared the poor guy, and he is having a hard time letting that go. The accidental hitting of the cage also would not help the situation.

Then you can start working on other things, like getting him to eat better. Save his favorite foods as treats, that you offer him. Of course, this is after he starts feeling better. The last thing you want to so is stress him further by taking away the only things he does eat.

Also, I'd look into a larger cage, too.

That cage is way too small and too close to the ground, parrots do not feel safe so close to the ground. There is not one single toy, I am not trying to be harsh but I would be surprised if this bird didn't pluck. Awful diet, no toys or stimulation, too small of a cage and having his cage smacked by your dad is all very good reason's why this bird is in the state it's in. I feel very sorry for him and encourage you to improve his life asap or find him a different home that will.

I almost feel like we should suggest your parents find him a new home......sorry, but he's clearly miserable and they seem uninterested in doing anything to make him happy.

Thanks for the several advices 95talongirl and labell. I am determined to make his life happier.

I took him to the vet. He made me buy some vitamins to put in the water...no effects

I will start by positioning the cage at a higher level, then getting a larger one.

PS our old parrot that spoke 4 languages and ate everything we did lived in that cage for 4 years with no toys. But he used to travel around all the house.

I will get some toys as soon as possible too.
Regarding stimulation...what can I do ?
I have been spending time with him playing some music, he seems interested.

Sit with him, bring him out to be a part of the flock/family.. Think about moving his cage closer to the center of the action..
Eat with him and offer him some of your food (healthier choices)

If you do that and correct the cage placement/size you should see improvements in a month or two.. It'll take some time.
Where did your parents get him? Was he a baby or a rehome? Could have some baggage of his own on top of the problems here..

This is terrible. I'm sorry but it needs to be said. That cage is way too small. there is only one perch, no toys, nothing to keep him happy at ALL. You need to re home him and not own parrots. I dont mean to sound nasty, and this is by far the most harsh thing that i have written since i've been on this forum. But it needs to be said. You and your parents do not deserve to have parrots in the house :/ African greys have the Intelligence and Emotional capacity of a 5 year old human child put a 5 year old in that horrid cage and see what the kid does.

his diet is horrid, and he is in an abused state.

I'm not flaming you, i'm being honest...

I almost feel like you posted this just to get us angry?

He has been told that the bird needs a bigger cage and toys. And a better diet.

There are people out there that truly do not know any better. Some of them will take the advice and turn their life around.

I don't like to immediately tell someone to "rehome" the bird if they are wiling to learn and do something to better the bird's life. If he doesn't, then yeah, the bird needs a new home.

He now knows what has to be done.

Toys are a big thing, you can even go to a goodwill type store and buy colorful baby toys really cheap. He has absolutely no mental stimulation as it is right now. The intelligence of greys has been thought to be as much as a 4 yr old child. Sit and read to him, maybe not moving around too much at first and just being quietly in his presence see how he handles that then begin reading softly or just talking to him.

A new cage really needs to be on the list as well, look on your local CL there are often times very good deals on cages, just make sure it is well cleaned and disinfected.

Diet needs to be changed slowly, at first you are going to feel like you are wasting a lot of food, you can not give up. Just keep offering healthy choices as well as some of the old diet so you know he is eating.

Just because the other grey you had did not respond the same way with the same type of care doesn't make it okay. The other bird may not have been as outwardly sensitive but I am certain if it was kept the same way it was not a happy healthy bird. Many times parrots can exists in very negative situations before showing outward signs of neglect and trauma.

I really hope you are prepared to make some MAJOR changes in this birds life, some of these will be costly at first, new cage, avian vet visit, toys, better diet choices. If you are unable I think it would be in his best interest to find him a different home. Keeping parrots isn't cheap, I have watched one of mine make toothpicks out of a $40.00 toy in less then 24 hrs but keeping a wild animal in captivity comes with the responsibility of enriching their lives and providing the best care we can.

ADDED: Since this person is asking how to make this birds life better I am going on the assumption that they WANT to give him a better life, time will tell......

95talongirl said:

He has been told that the bird needs a bigger cage and toys. And a better diet.

There are people out there that truly do not know any better. Some of them will take the advice and turn their life around.

I don't like to immediately tell someone to "rehome" the bird if they are wiling to learn and do something to better the bird's life. If he doesn't, then yeah, the bird needs a new home.

He now knows what has to be done.

Click to expand...

I realize this and i'm all for it, but the bird will never progress if his father "Smacks the cage while watering the plants"

It's just sick in my stomach. No matter what the guy tries to do, if other people around the poor helpless animal treat it this way, it needs to be re homed.

Welcome to the forum, WildSpirit.

labell said:

ADDED: Since this person is asking how to make this birds life better I am going on the assumption that they WANT to give him a better life, time will tell......

Click to expand...

Thank you for this, Laura!

Please, everyone bear in mind that not every country in the world has access to the beautiful things we can buy for our parrots.

Let's give WildSpirit the benefit of the doubt here, shall we?

Of course the bird is in far from optimal conditions (obviously), so let's try to convey in a positive way of the things that should be changed (even if that means the bird would be better off somewhere else)

Easy, ok?

Having said that, WildSpirit, I agree with Blanca that your dad should avoid the bird completely. No bird should ever have his/her cage smacked. Poor thing is probably deathly afraid of people, that's why he screams every time someone as much as moves.

If we (the mods) find out this is a trolling post, it won't be here very long.

Timothy said:

95talongirl said:

He has been told that the bird needs a bigger cage and toys. And a better diet.

There are people out there that truly do not know any better. Some of them will take the advice and turn their life around.

I don't like to immediately tell someone to "rehome" the bird if they are wiling to learn and do something to better the bird's life. If he doesn't, then yeah, the bird needs a new home.

He now knows what has to be done.

Click to expand...

I realize this and i'm all for it, but the bird will never progress if his father "Smacks the cage while watering the plants"

It's just sick in my stomach. No matter what the guy tries to do, if other people around the poor helpless animal treat it this way, it needs to be re homed.

Click to expand...

Tim ... do you live in Manhattan ? I live in Lebanon. If you'd see where the parrot was bought you would think otherwise. I think you do not deserve to give advice on this forum

JerseyWendy said:

Welcome to the forum, WildSpirit.

labell said:

ADDED: Since this person is asking how to make this birds life better I am going on the assumption that they WANT to give him a better life, time will tell......

Click to expand...

Thank you for this, Laura!

Please, everyone bear in mind that not every country in the world has access to the beautiful things we can buy for our parrots.

Let's give WildSpirit the benefit of the doubt here, shall we?

Of course the bird is in far from optimal conditions (obviously), so let's try to convey in a positive way of the things that should be changed (even if that means the bird would be better off somewhere else)

Easy, ok?

Having said that, WildSpirit, I agree with Blanca that your dad should avoid the bird completely. No bird should ever have his/her cage smacked. Poor thing is probably deathly afraid of people, that's why he screams every time someone as much as moves.

If we (the mods) find out this is a trolling post, it won't be here very long.

Click to expand...

Ok i will admit, i should have taken a breath and not acted on my immediate anger. I have rescued alot of birds and i have seen alot of horrible things in my years, I have re homed alot of birds in similar situations.

I am terribly sorry for how my prev posts may have sounded. I should have taken a deep breath and collected myself.

Having said that, i agree with every post above stating ways to correct the issue. Including the post about keeping your dad away from the bird as it is causing trauma to the parrot. I suggest maybe you keep the parrot in your room from now on as he will not be able to progress with your dad around in my opinion, unless your dad REALLY changes his ways, gives the parrot space for a while, and SLOWLY begins to kindly deal with him. However he may never recover from the trauma your dad has done to him. Like i said, they are like 5 year old children. if you smack a child around, that child will be scared of you for a long time. You have to treat the bird like a child. baby talk him, soothe him.

He needs to be introduced slowly to toys, you play with them first, have them in sight of him for a while, and then let him touch them outside his cage before placing them inside (Only if he is frightened by them at first)

The bird seems to be in a screened in area outside? If it gets cold there, the bird has no protection from the elements and will get cold/hot immediately causing death in most circumstances, he needs to be in an area around 75°F-85°F degrees Fahrenheit maybe higher with no breeze/drafts. Average temp of a grey is 105.8°F

A happy hut of sorts should be in his cage for him to cuddle up with if he gets chilled, again this needs to be introduced slowly.

You really need to change his diet, try eating the new fruits and veggies in front of him and slowly offer them to him, maybe in his bowl first, or hand them to him if he trusts you.

You can try soaking the pellets in warm apple juice to soften them but remember to remove them after a few hours cause it will grow bacteria causing him illness.

It is going to take alot of time, money and effort to rehabilitate this beautiful animal.

I wish you and your Congo African Grey the best of luck.

Edited: Added Average temp of a grey 105.8°F

JerseyWendy said:

Welcome to the forum, WildSpirit.

labell said:

ADDED: Since this person is asking how to make this birds life better I am going on the assumption that they WANT to give him a better life, time will tell......

Click to expand...

Thank you for this, Laura!

Please, everyone bear in mind that not every country in the world has access to the beautiful things we can buy for our parrots.

Let's give WildSpirit the benefit of the doubt here, shall we?

Of course the bird is in far from optimal conditions (obviously), so let's try to convey in a positive way of the things that should be changed (even if that means the bird would be better off somewhere else)

Easy, ok?

Having said that, WildSpirit, I agree with Blanca that your dad should avoid the bird completely. No bird should ever have his/her cage smacked. Poor thing is probably deathly afraid of people, that's why he screams every time someone as much as moves.

If we (the mods) find out this is a trolling post, it won't be here very long.

Click to expand...

labell and Wendy ... your advices are being taken into consideration and soon into action

I truly believe that I can make it better, and that he'll be in a much worse situation if put in the wrong hands.

I take the pledge to improve this creature's life - or to re-home it if I fail. May this thread stay here to track the progression of his life quality.

It is easy to forget that other countries don't have access to the types of toys, cages and enrichment that we have here in the US so let's please come up with some good alternatives.
I do think it is important to speak with your dad about hitting the cage, if it needs to be you watering the plants so your dad doesn't become frustrated then that is what you should do but you won't make any progress while the bird is so afraid. He (your dad) really needs to understand that this bird is screaming because it is so afraid and confused when he hits the cage it is only reinforcing that fear and confusion.

You need to add some color enrichment to this birds environment, I don't know what's available to you but look for safe colorful things you can put around and in his cage. Go slowly at first..being so deprived of stimulation everything is going to freak him out at first, you must take this slow and gentle.

One thing you can do is get un-treated pine wood with no chemicals in it, and get some different color kool aid paackets add a little water to make a watery paste and color the blocks(if you have this) or food coloring, drill holes in the blocks and braid some twine, run it through the holes, and tie it to the top of the cage. (he may be spooked at first so try and do this slowly, let him see it outside the cage first)

Edit: This will give him something to do, destroying the wood will give him an activity so he will not be bored,which causes him to pluck.

Before I had access to the internet, I also neglected and abused my birds simply by not knowing I was doing so, so I feel your pain. I hope you will stick around, this forum is the best thing that ever happened to my birds!

When we see a bird that is so sad, it is hard not to react with anger, but we thank you for coming to this birds rescue, it is clear you recognized a problem as soon as you got home.

You say your family has owned 4 African greys, and that the last one flew away. What happened to the other two? These birds should live into their 70s... If your first two parrots died, please take that as an indication of how badly this needs to change.

People have already said, he needs toys. He needs things to shred, and play with, and think about. It is good that he gets time out of the cage though he also needs to be taught to trust humans, and I think it sounds like he could start to trust you if you really work with him and ask for advice and follow it. You seem to be the only one who has noticed a problem. You should start training him, that will also give him something to think about, and greys are very smart, as you know, and need something to think about.

I want to pause and talk about diet. Your birds plucking May be just a diet issue, or something else, or a combination, but I want you to think about something. Have you ever eaten nothing but fried potatoes, be it in form of potato chips, French fries, hash browns, I don't really know anything about What you would eat in your country, but have you ever just eaten some form of friend potatoes for a week? Sure, it tastes good, but soon you feel very very sick. That is what an all dry seed diet does to a parrot, he feels sick all the time, and to me that is the most important place to start. The easiest and cheapest way to start improving this is to start feeding him sprouts. You can sprout the mix he is already eating. Once he has adjusted to that, start adding more veggies, until he is on an all fresh diet like he would be in the wild. Nuts and seeds can be given as treats during training. This is should be the first step. Well, after picking the cage up off the ground and asking your dad to steer clear of him. You can look up easy how to sprout videos, there have been a few threads posted here on how to do it, and I have commented on a few and explained how i do it. My birds eat primarily sprouts and veggies, it is not hard at all and basically
Ly changes your birds diet from potatoes to salad without increasing your cost. Like I said, easy first step.

Other easy but important steps include replacing his perches, even before you are able to find a new cage. He needs natural branches to chew up and stand on. The perch you have in there is all one size the whole way. Imagine if you had to wear the same shoes your whole life, never change them, and never sit down. Your feet would hurt! He needs perches made of real trees, not dowels that are the same size, but actually branches that change size and shape, that he can chew on. He needs a lot of things to chew on.

It sounds like your local vet is not an expert here in the USA we can get spoiled by the resources we have available to us. Your vet should have told you that diet is the. Umber one cause of plucking, and advised the diet change, in my opinion. Good for you though, for taking him to the vet to start with! I hope you stick around and become part of our community. I know that if you are dedicated you can save this bird from his life of misery. We would love to help you on the journey.

Welcome to the forum, lots of great info here to help you and your birds.

Birds are not for everyone, but once you get that happy bird in a good environment it's amazing and you'll be given a friend for life. As long as your committed you cgi be the right person Eventually you'll get their with your grey, he might not get all his feathers back but his life will improve.

First off work on getting a different cage and changing the diet. Toys can be simple, you can use empty paper towel rolls, pieces of uncolored cardboard, and chop sticks can also be lots of fun(I leave Asian restaurants with handfuls haha).

Try to get you hands on pellets, and offer fruits and veggies daily. Cut the veggies up small to make them more appetizing. Offer veggies once daily, took my galah cockatoo several months to finally start eating them.

Where country are you located? This can help us recomend a pellet brand or local foods.

WildSpirit- I am unsure where you live, but my guess your not in the US, UK or AU. I understand in some places resources for parrot toys/diet and understanding of parrots is a little limited. I can tell you see there are some things not being done right here and are trying to help this bird. Is there any way you would be able to bring him inside to live and make a dedication to spend some time training or playing with him each day? Would you be able to offer him more fresh fruits, veggies, and healthy table food in addition to his seed (I'm guessing?). Start offering daily baths of warm water out of the mister bottle to encourage healthy preening habits. Could you research what type of trees in your area are bird safe and make him some new natural-branch perches? Toy-wise, if you don't have immediately available parrot toys, they enjoy playing with many common things like toilet paper rolls, cardboard boxes (remove labels and tape), baby rattles, sterilized (boiled) pinecones and natural sticks (of bird-safe wood). Understanding cages aren't cheap, can you save up over maybe the next 1-3 months to purchase a larger cage for him?

If YOU are willing to take in this bird and do the RIGHT things for him, this is a great community to learn and share information. Sadly, if you are unable, it does not appear your family is willing. Unless they can be convinced to take better care of him OR YOU personally assume care responsibilities and start moving in a positive direction, I also agree he should be rehomed. Poor little guy

WildSpirit said:

.... I live in Lebanon. If you'd see where the parrot was bought you would think otherwise.....

Click to expand...

WildSpirit is from Lebanon.