Katelyn
New member
- Aug 25, 2018
- 30
- 0
I adopted a 10 year old african grey from an older couple. They said she was lovely, sweet and a great bird, even sent me photos of them touching her, playing etc.. They did not get her DNA sexed but call her a girl. From the visuals, i think "she" could be a male but im not sure. Anyway, I went to pick her up after a 3 hr drive, she arrived home. Came out of the pet taxi, and into her cage. I also purchased the cage she was currently already in , as an attempt to make her more comfortable. Since shes been home, she seems happy , by whistling, singing, talking a little, coming out of her cage, playing with toys, and even got on a new play stand we built her. (sat the playstand next to her cage with some treats on the end) The only thing is, she bites if you try to touch her or ask her to step up. Its hands she hates. She wasnt like this with her previous owners. We have had her for one week so far. Shes eating Harrisons blue label, and some vegetables and fruit. Particularly she nibbles at broccoli, greens, carrots, grapes, some orange slices, apple, and she loves peanuts and millet as treats. I try not to give her too many peanuts. She does know a few phrases and words. The one that stands out the most, is when shes scared or startled in any way at all, she will say "woah!" My husband actually went to her cage in attempt to ask her to step up and she said "go!" and makes fart noises at him. (too funny, but not funny?) lol! Anyway, my question is, do you have any tips other than just sitting and talking with her, offering treats, etc, basically just time..? What should I do when she tries to bite? I have read so many opinions on this. So far, If she flies down from her cage and I pick her up from the floor (the only time she steps up) and she tries to bite , I say "no" firmly. Shes only actually bit me hard once, right after she got home, and I didnt react.. I sometimes pull away but never too quickly. Im not sure what to do about it. I am the primary caregiver for her, as she seems to like me a little more than my husband but doesnt mean shes not trying to bite me as well, she just tolerates me. Her sleep schedule is slightly off , due to us recently moving here in our new home (got her after we moved) and my husband works different hours , so her sleep is different from the schedule she had with her previous owners. Im not sure how to not bother her if were in the same room as her. Meaning, if I cover her at night, and need to stay up , will the noise of me being in the room bother her sleep? Ive owned a bird before (cockatoo) but got him as a baby and he was never a biter , loved me to death so this is confusing for me. I know African greys can be a bit complicated but thats the bird I wanted, and I am in this for the rest of her precious life. I just love her to pieces and want this to work out and her to trust me. How long does it typically take for one to bond to you to the point of physical contact? She seems fine and happy other than the hands. Should I stop trying to touch her?