New male CAG of 18 months

Dear All, I just got yesterday a new male, CAG of 18 months, and its like rehoming. It talks (as told by previous owner) few words, though but bites when I bring the finger near. Since yesterday, it was moving in the cage, but not eating, however, when I bring the sun flower seeds or peanuts it starts eating. I am worried as its not talking much after its here and not eating other things too like I gave carrots, seeds mix, corn on cob? Is it taking its time to settle in new place (its been 21 hours), because if it doesn't eat it will get weak.. I am worried.

it's been 1 day. Give them time and move slowly. Work at their pace, if they don't want you near by then don't be near by for now. They just lost their home and their family, it's a rough time for them

Greys are extremely smart ( like a small kid) and super observant. Give the guy time and just be friendly. Watch the sunflower seed and peanuts, neither is good for him.Try some other nuts, I find pine nuts are the go to treat for my parrot. Just a friendly Hello when you pass his cage or tree stand, offer the nut as you do. He has to learn that interacting with you is a good thing and to trust you. WIth greys that can take time , as they are always watching.

Can I give walnuts, almonds, along with pine nuts which may be good for his health? I tried giving walnut but he didn't have it.

Welcome to the Parrot Forums & Congratulations.


It could take months for your new family member to adjust and trust. He needs time to acclimate to this scary new change. You are a stranger.

Here are a few links to get you started. Glad you found us, now start reading …..

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/congo-timneh-greys/59366-cag-101-a.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html

Best of luck to you both.

Try pieces of walnut and others not one still in shells. That can come later. Right now you want to bribe ( yes bribe ) him into thinking your a good thing in his life. Read the links above they are very good and on message for you.

Greys are very sentimental someone already broke his trust give him a lot of time before he respects and trust you he won’t be mean but he will be real cautious don’t give up on him their very loyal parrots.

Offer lots of vegetables and fruit! The ones to avoid giving are avocado, garlic, onion, rhubarb. Good luck!

Thank you so much Tami and all you supporting members. Its been now 67 hours and he is behaving better. Had his food, sunflower seeds, a sugar cane (small piece that he loved), because its hot here, some almonds, seed mix, and is whistling and taking out cuckoo's voice which comes in the morning outside in garden (which he can hear). I haven't taken him out of the cage yet (or opened the cage from top)..is that okay, because he might jump on ground then may not come in my hand.

I fed him almond in my hand (he was inside cage), he ate it without biting me..when I put my finger in the cage he brings his head and bends down so I can touch it (caress it). Trying to bond ...I am still dicey about bringing him out...so please advise.

Mustu said:

Thank you so much Tami and all you supporting members. Its been now 67 hours and he is behaving better. Had his food, sunflower seeds, a sugar cane (small piece that he loved), because its hot here, some almonds, seed mix, and is whistling and taking out cuckoo's voice which comes in the morning outside in garden (which he can hear). I haven't taken him out of the cage yet (or opened the cage from top)..is that okay, because he might jump on ground then may not come in my hand.

I fed him almond in my hand (he was inside cage), he ate it without biting me..when I put my finger in the cage he brings his head and bends down so I can touch it (caress it). Trying to bond ...I am still dicey about bringing him out...so please advise.

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Hey I’m Cas,
If he’s doing that see if he steps up tell him step up and have a treat ready bring him out for a while.

Greys are also very social. Tonight my grey was playing with us in the family room for a couple of hours. When we left the room for a bit he came looking for us. They love to be part of the family.

If he is not clipped, make sure all windows and doors are closed. Open the cage and let him explore. When you see he is settled, offer bits of his favorite things. Talk to him all the time as they are vocal and love communication.

Be sure to read all the links posted above. Patience and consistency are key. If you get bitten (someday you probably will get bitten like all of us) don’t shout. Try to distract your bird with something else and usually they let go. If you react harshly it may lead to more biting.

I am so happy for you and your bird, greys are amazing.


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Greys are fantastic. Build the trust and keep him involved as much as you can. One thing is suggest is allow him access to rooms you are happy for him to be in and out of rooms you don't.

Indeed they’re so smart they can even open latches on their cages. Bifellasdad is right, be careful to where your bird has access.


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Dear Cas, and Tami, and all friends

Its been 114 hours, he has been acting fine. Eating Corn, Apple, Sugarcane, Seeds mix, sunflower (on time basis), playing with toys, speaking a lot, and whistling like cuckoo..But when I bring finger near he snaps (some times), sometimes he wants caressing on head..Still haven't taken him out. I am wondering how to handle him if he doesn't go back inside ...What is to be done if such situation happens (a bit afraid)? Thinking of opening the cage from top up, so he can get out himself and sit on the perch (there is one on top of the cage), and slide out the tray below it, so it can go back in...but if he jumps/flies from the perch then I don't know how???:57:

You’re very welcome.

Have you figured out his favorite food item yet? If so, do not add it in his ‘regular’ diet. Than when you’re ready to put him back you can use that treat to lure him back in.

Good Luck. :heart:

I tried doing that but he started picking on my hands so I got a bit nervous. I opened the top cage and he explored himself to come out of top. Started moving at the back edge of the cage as he is quite hyper. Talks a lot and learns new words daily. Later it went on the top perch and suddenly decided to jump on the floor and started pooping a bit quickly watery. Guess was afraid a bit. Then it started walking around and came in the lap of my daughter whom he is quite familiar with, but still didn’t sit on her hand or fingers. He kept moving on her and then it jumped on floor. Pooped a bit more then normal. It didn’t want to come on my hand or stick and by luring him with peanuts or sugar cane or sun flower seeds still no movement. Anyways after an hour I picked him from back with a soft cloth and put him back in the cage. Now again after while he is whistling and talking but not eating. Although he is nibbling the toy paper book in his cage. I am a bit worried why not eating and what should be his out coming routine daily as is not easy to be put back in.