Developments with my CAG

[MTG]

Hello Again,

Since my last post, I have been working hard with Zelda (my CAG) to build up trust between us and also to build up her confidence. For the most part, I think it's going well.



I have had her for approximately 11 weeks now. I have been working with her every day, with target training, and out of cage time.

She will still not step up onto my hand from inside her cage, but when she climbs out of the cage she will step up no problem. She will also step up just fine from her stands, just not from in the cage. She used to be very cautious out of the cage so I tried hard to make any out of cage time very positive and reassured her all the time. She now seems to enjoy sitting on her stand by me eating some snacks and playing with toys, but after about 20 minutes or so she will get a bit fidgety and want to go back to the cage so I let her.

In the last couple of weeks, I was honored to be trusted enough for her to ask for head scratches. She seemed to enjoy this for 2 weeks or so, but just recently changed her mind and now wants none. Is this 2 steps forward 1 step back pattern normal with greys? My Quakers' development with me was very different.

She and my Quaker seem to be getting along ok when out of the cage together. I monitor them very carefully when out together and always supervise. I compare them to siblings, in that if Yoshi (the quaker) gets too close to what Zelda is eating she will push him away, and vice versa. I feel like Yoshi just wants to be friends with her as he is always trying to edge close but she wants none of it at the moment haha, she just about tolerates his presence. There has been no real aggression between them though, just the occasional bickering which is good (i think).

For the most part, I think it is going well with Zelda. I am trying to avoid Yoshi getting jealous, but to be honest he seems pretty obsessed with her.

Any further tips from anyone? I feel like I'm doing ok but I just want to do the very best I can for her.

[Flboy]

Nice! Hey, I noticed the egg shaped latch is upside down! Wide down to prevent getting a foot stuck in the narrow end!

[Squeekmouse]

Quote: Originally Posted by MTG

In the last couple of weeks, I was honored to be trusted enough for her to ask for head scratches. She seemed to enjoy this for 2 weeks or so, but just recently changed her mind and now wants none. Is this 2 steps forward 1 step back pattern normal with greys?

Sounds like you are describing my Trigger!!

I have to assume this is totally normal for CAG's, my GCC love scritches always. Trigger likes skritches on his own terms... sometimes...

On the bright side, when Trigger DOES come over and lower his head for skritches it is THE most wonderful and special thing

[Laurasea]

Great update. Sounds like things are going well.

[DRB]

They will make marketable strides then all of a sudden throw you a curve and not want to progress.

I’ve been teaching Perjo how to count, she seems to be interested one day then two days later she acts as if she’s never seen the proofs I use.

[bigfellasdad]

Why be concerned about stepping up within her cage? Its not a biggy and at the end of the day, its her space. Id just respect her on that one.
For interest, if i get in the cage with Enzo (upper body only of course) she gets flirty with me so i try not to do that. She does like me to put her up to her top perch at bed time 'night night' and that's about the only time i have to put my arm/shoulders in now. Its her space remember.

[janesommers]

Quote: Originally Posted by MTG

Hello Again,

Since my last post, I have been working hard with Zelda (my CAG) to build up trust between us and also to build up her confidence. For the most part, I think it's going well.



I have had her for approximately 11 weeks now. I have been working with her every day, with target training, and out of cage time.

She will still not step up onto my hand from inside her cage, but when she climbs out of the cage she will step up no problem. She will also step up just fine from her stands, just not from in the cage. She used to be very cautious out of the cage so I tried hard to make any out of cage time very positive and reassured her all the time. She now seems to enjoy sitting on her stand by me eating some snacks and playing with toys, but after about 20 minutes or so she will get a bit fidgety and want to go back to the cage so I let her.

In the last couple of weeks, I was honored to be trusted enough for her to ask for head scratches. She seemed to enjoy this for 2 weeks or so, but just recently changed her mind and now wants none. Is this 2 steps forward 1 step back pattern normal with greys? My Quakers' development with me was very different.

She and my Quaker seem to be getting along ok when out of the cage together. I monitor them very carefully when out together and always supervise. I compare them to siblings, in that if Yoshi (the quaker) gets too close to what Zelda is eating she will push him away, and vice versa. I feel like Yoshi just wants to be friends with her as he is always trying to edge close but she wants none of it at the moment haha, she just about tolerates his presence. There has been no real aggression between them though, just the occasional bickering which is good (i think).

For the most part, I think it is going well with Zelda. I am trying to avoid Yoshi getting jealous, but to be honest he seems pretty obsessed with her.

Any further tips from anyone? I feel like I'm doing ok but I just want to do the very best I can for her.

Well I think it's a bit normal for greys to get in to some sort of mood swings form time to time, it depends on how much interaction she gets daily. However, your experience seems pretty unique and wouldn't have any predefined manual. It would definitely take some time for Zelda and Yoshi to really rub off each other so maybe take it gradually and consistently. Seems like you've got sweet birds altogether. Wish you all the best from me and my 2 CAG's Tiki and Bill.